Why is it important to cover and winterize boats? What can happen if winterizati

Posted by sharps on October 31st, 2019

The time has come when summer is nearing the end and winter is approaching. If you have a boat, this is usually the time to start thinking about winterizing. You need to put a proper storage cover on your watercraft. If you are around Salt Lake City, there are many places to get these types of covers for storage. The way you winterize your boat will determine if it is ready to run again next summer. The time you spend on it now will have a huge effect on your boat's performance, or lack of it. By winterizing, you will save time, effort, and money come spring when you take your boat out of storage.

How to winterize:

-Fuel treatment: First off, you should treat your boat’s fuel with a stabilizer. After adding it to the fuel, run the engine for 10 minutes or so to be sure the stabilized fuel circulates throughout the engine. If you don't stabilize the fuel, carburetors and fuel injectors can get clogged with varnish deposits and ruin fuel systems.

-Fog engine cylinders: Aerosol fogging solutions coat the inside of the engine to protect it until spring. If you don't fog the engine cylinders, corrosion can form inside the engine, which can cover parts and cause them to crud.

-Drain engine: Locate and open the petcocks underneath the manifolds and on the sides of the engine block. Remove the water-pump hose from the bottom of the water pump and let it drain completely. You don’t want water left in the hoses when it is left in storage because the water could freeze up and break the hoses. Keep in mind, Outboards self-drain and never require this step.

-Change oil: You should change the engine oil to eliminate moisture and prevent corrosion.

Leaving it in storage for months with moisture buildup from not changing the oil can cause excessive wear, which can lead to loss of power, poor fuel economy, and possibly engine failure If the sun is out when doing this step, use an awning to cover the boat so it stays out of the sun. Salt Lake City has stores to buy an awning if you don’t have one.

-Drain gear-case lubricant: You need to make sure your gear-case lubricant is clear or amber-colored. If it is milky and sometimes lumpy, that probably means the seals need to be replaced.

-Hoses and belts: Check the hoses, belts, and clamps for damage. Replace if necessary. You may want to do this before putting your watercraft in storage so you don’t forget about fixing damages when you take it out of storage next summer.

-Check propeller: Before getting ready to put the cover on and leave it in storage, inspect the propeller for any damages.

-Inspect trailer: You trailer also takes a lot of wear and tear during the boating months. Inspect your trailer’s tires, bearings, frame, and ties. This step can be done with the storage cover on so you don’t forget to do it later.

-Storing: The best place for your boat to be during the winter is covered and indoors. There are many storage cover options in Salt Lake City. If you do not have the option of storing it indoors, you can get an awning to cover your boat.

Worst case scenario, if you do not winterize your boat, you will not be a boat owner after the winter is done. And if it does survive, trust that it will need lots of work, which will require lots of money. So to ensure your boat is ready come spring, follow the steps listed above to winterize it and make sure it is has a good cover on it while it is in storage. Visit your local stores in Salt Lake City to find the equipment you need to winterize, cover, and store your boat.