Protecting your boat from winter weather is a vital part of winter boat maintenance. The most important thing to remember is to winterize the drive system. Other parts are important, but the drive system should be cared for the most. Make sure to complete the following tasks to ensure a healthy winter for your boat’s drive system.
Change Fluids All Throughout the Boat
After the boat has been sued all summer, it will definitely need new fluids for care during the cold winter months. You should change the oil in the engine as well as the transmission. It’s also a good idea to put a new oil filter in the boat each year so that the engine runs smoothly the next spring when you want to use it. You will also need to add antifreeze to the cooling systems. Drain the water out of the cooling systems and run antifreeze through the engine. Make sure to warm up the engine before you do this, so you should let it run for about 15 minutes to be safe.
Treat the Fuel System
You could use two different methods for getting the fuel system ready for winter. The first method, which is much easier, involves draining as much fuel as possible. You then fill it up again as full as possible. You could also try to drain the fuel completely, but this is difficult to do. Whatever method you choose, you can treat the fuel tank with fluids and then run the engine for 15 minutes to circulate them all throughout the engine.
Take Care of the Batteries for Best Winter Boat Maintenance
For smaller boats, you may only need to unplug them and take them home for care. You’ll need to distill some water and charge the smaller batteries once in a while. Larger boats require a bit more care. You should reconnect the batteries once in a while using shore power so that they won’t die before the next spring arrives. These winter maintenance tips will keep your boat healthy and ready for action after the winter is gone.
