If you live in the Northern Hemisphere then you need to think about



winterizing your boat at some time. Winterizing is key to keeping

your boat in working order during the periods that you don't use it.

When it comes to winterizing your boat you can save a lot of time

and money by avoiding five common boat problems that many

individuals make.

First you want to pay careful attention to winterizing your boats

engine. No matter where you live in the United States and Canada,

temperatures will drop below freezing during the winter. If you live

in the far northern area you are likely used to dealing with these

freezing issues and know how to care for your boats engine already.

But for those who are used to warmer weather most of the time likely

don't know the proper way to prepare a boats engine for freezing

temperatures on the few days that they occur.

Second it is important that you remember to check the seawater

strainer on your boat engine as a part of proper winterizing

procedures for your boat. If you leave water in the strainer, even a

small amount, it can freeze during the cold days and damage the

engine seals as a result. You may not notice the damage at first,

but in the spring you will definitely notice it when water starts to

flood into the bilges.

If you are going to store your boat in the water for the wintertime

then you need to make sure your sea cocks are closed. Thru-hull

fittings can be forced below the water surface if there is a heavy

snow load. When it comes to thru-hull fitting you should have good

management practices in order to maintain them.

Make sure your connecting hoses are in proper condition, make sure

the hoses are attached to barb hose fittings with a double band and

make sure you have well exercised your seacock valves. Without the

seacock valves connected to the thru-hull fittings you should be

storing your boat in the water during the winter. The only other

things that can keep your boat safe in the water during the winter

besides seacock is cockpit drains.

When it comes to winter water you want to have a good cover for your

boat. Don't just use the Bimini covers for winter storage. These

covers are only meant to protect against the sun but don't protect

against water in the winter.

These forms of covers will not work and soon won't even provide any

protection for your boat. Instead try using a covering system

similar to shrink-wrap or tarps to help keep out the most rain and

snow you possibly can. Just make sure your covers have good

ventilation otherwise additional corrosion or fungal damage can

occur to your boat.

Along these same lines you don't want to leave open top boats in the

water during the winter season. If there are large areas of the

boat exposed to the weather in the winter then the heavy snow fall

can force open scuppers, thru-hull fittings or even the gunnels

below the water. For these types of vessels it is best to store

them upland.