For many of us, our boats are very precious and it breaks our heart when the boat is damaged especially during the off-season. Boats tend to face various problems all year round and you can avoid or limit many of these problems provided you know proper off-season care methods. Ideally, a meticulous winterizing process can enhance the performance and appearance of the boat. The off-season care requires a process that involves more than just pulling the boat of your water and draining the fluids of your engine.
Before starting the process of winterizing, you can consult the owner of the manual. You can also consult with an expert for advice and get some boat maintenance tips if you are doing it for the first time. For those in cold weather conditions it is best to get a boat storage like ShelterLogic sells. Throughout the offseason, you can visit your boat regularly.
Clean your boat thoroughly
Before putting your boat away in winter storage, you need to clean it well. It is very important to store a clean boat so when you pull it out during the season, it doesn’t come as a shock to you. Additionally, it would help if you cleaned almost everything including your hull, propellers, and shafts to the interior drawers and other cabinets. Ensure you remove all the items that are in the boat, which include the following:
- Electronics
- Flares
- Fire extinguishers
After removing the items, you can clean them properly. Additionally, all the cabinets and drawers need to be emptied before cleaning. If possible, you must also remove the cushions and store them in a climate-controlled place, or else they may become damp and attract mold.
You also need to ensure that you take some measures to limit the moisture based on the climate in your boat’s storage area. Consider installing a dehumidifier or use some de-scaling products which can control the moisture level.
Also, make sure that you clean the boat’s exterior before you tuck it away for off-season storage. To the dirt, you can also consider washing the hull, and the other residue will also be cleared with it that has been accumulated over time. For some surfaces that include bikini tops or vinyl windows, make sure that you use the process given by the manufacturer so they are in the best condition. Also, you need to check on the rudders, propellers, and shafts, apart from the exterior surface.
Begin with The Engine And Also Change The Oil
One of the most crucial parts of any boat is the engine. It is the only reason you need to inspect it for maintenance needs during the offseason. You can start your inspection with some basics and also check the oil levels of your boat.
After every 50 to 100 hours of running, make ensure you change the oil. You must again run the engine to warm it during the changing process. Also, consider checking for leaks and then inspecting the oil levels between any oil changes to make sure you are not low on it. Additionally, flush the engine with non-toxic antifreeze to keep it running smoothly.
These tips are more than helpful to make sure you store your boat well. Your boat will stay safe and you will stay stress-free during the offseason.
