While your boat may have been the star of the summer among your family and friends, the winter calls for somewhat of a hibernation. However, watercraft must be winterized to protect them during the coldest months of the year. The tips in the following guide can help you get your marine equipment ready for winter. 

How to Prepare Your Boat for the Winter

1. Drain the Water

Water that remains in a boat's parts during winter can freeze, causing buildup and corrosion. After pulling your boat out of the water, let any remaining moisture drain from the bottom, including the bilges, seacocks, and water tanks. You can help all the water flow out by lifting the boat's bow. Finally, using anti-freeze and lubricant to coat the inside of the bilges and tanks will help prevent corrosion and ice buildup. 

2. Flush & Refill the Engine

Winterization also includes your watercraft's powerhouse: the engine. It should be flushed with fresh water to clean out any sediment or rust. Then, you can refill or replace the coolant system, oil reservoir, and filters. Drive belts should be removed and stored in a warm, dry place to prevent snapping or cracking. Finally, you can turn on the engine and spray fogging oil into the air intakes to prevent corrosion during the winter.

3. Clean & Protect the Exterior

It’s also important to safeguard your boat’s exterior while it’s out of service. It's best to start by pressure washing barnacles and other buildups, followed by scrubbing the surface with soap and water. Rinsing and drying your boat is ideal for looking for scratches, blisters, and other signs of damage that require repairs. If all is well, applying a layer of wax will prevent rusting. Finally, you can use a properly sized cover to protect your boat from the winter's harshest conditions.

Boating enthusiasts in Anchorage, AK, trust Dewey’s Cook Inlet to take care of their investments when the weather becomes extreme. They have over 50 years of experience providing maintenance services and repairs for local clients. They also sell boats and marine equipment, including propellers and fuel filters. To learn more about their trusted team of technicians, visit the website, or call (907) 344-5092 to speak with a representative.