How to winterize your boat

Winterizing is the difference between a spring that starts on the first turn and a spring full of repairs. Do it before the first hard frost.

1. Stabilize the fuel. Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine long enough to work it through the system.
2. Fog the engine. Fogging oil protects cylinders from corrosion while it sits.
3. Drain water systems. Engine block, livewells, ballast, and fresh water — standing water freezes and cracks.
4. Change lower-unit oil. Old oil can hold water; fresh oil protects the gears all winter.
5. Remove the battery. Store it inside on a maintainer. A battery left to discharge all winter is often dead by spring.
6. Protect the outside. Cover, shrink-wrap, or indoor storage — sun and snow both damage gelcoat and vinyl.

Run the Winterization Planner for your region's timing, then work the winterization checklist step by step.

Track these on your boat with AftLog — free to start, $29 lifetime Pro.

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• Boat safety equipment list