Winterization Checklist

Before you start

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.

Plan it with the Winterization Planner for your region's timing.

The checklist

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.

Still winterizing?

See the full winterization guide on the blog, or run the checklist in the AftLog app where each step is interactive.