Seasonal Boat Maintenance Tips

With cooler weather creeping back into the forecast, in some parts of the world it’s time to start preparing your boat for winter. For some, this time of year signifies the end of their boating season, for others it just changes how and when they use their boat. In both cases, if the temperature is going to fall below 32°F, you need to take a few precautions to ensure your boat and its systems are not damaged.

Get a complete winterization checklist here. 

Follow these tips for winterization and maintenance of your fuel system. 

Don’t forget your marine electronics which also may need to be winterized. Here’s some information to help you determine what needs to be done.

Before you put your boat away for the winter, consider what maintenance or upgrades you might want to make before next year’s boating season begins. If it’s not something that has to wait until spring, consider getting it done now during an often slower time at the dealer’s service center. Come spring, you may have to get in line for these services, thus delaying the start of your boating season.

Even if you don’t experience winter, you may want to use this time to go over your boat to ensure everything is in good working order. Here are a few things you might want to have your dealer check:

• Battery life/connections – Is it time for new batteries?
• Seacocks – Are they working properly?
• Overboard drains – Are they all connected and draining overboard?
• Electronics – Are there any updates available?

Staying on top of your boat’s maintenance will ensure you enjoy more great days on the water!