How to De-Winterize Your Boat
When the weather begins to warm up outside, you’ll probably think about taking your boat out of storage and going for a spin. Remember that before you hit the water, there are some essential steps you need to take to ensure that your boat is good to go. Just as you prepared your boat for storage during the colder months, you’ll need to prepare it for your first cruise after the winter is over.
If you’re not quite sure where to start, Seca Surf & Marine has prepared a guide to help you do just that. Your local marine dealer is conveniently located in Lake Country, British Columbia, and Calgary, Alberta, so stop by today!
Check Your Boat
The best way to start the de-winterization process is with a visual inspection. Look closely for any damage that may have occurred in storage such as mildew, mold, or any animal or insect infestations. You should open all the hatches as well as the motor bay so you can thoroughly inspect these areas. If there are any critters running around, you should obviously get rid of them and clean up any debris or waste they left behind. Scan your carpets and other fabric for mold or mildew.
Remember that the hull is a very important feature of your boat. The chances that your hull sustained any damage are slim but it’s always good to inspect it anyway in case you missed any scratches or dents when you packed it up for storage. Ensure that the hull is in good condition and no repairs are needed.
Engine Inspection
The next step in de-winterizing your boat is making sure your engine is in proper running order. For outboards, take off the nacelle to conduct your inspection. Inboards, on the other hand, will require you to open up the engine bay to determine what’s going on. Check the oil, coolant, and other fluid levels to confirm they’re topped off and clean. You’ll also want to check the gaskets and engine heads for any possible leaks. It’s also smart to check the spark plugs to make sure there’s no corrosion. If you require any minor repairs like a spark plug replacement, for instance, then this is the time to make them.
Test the Electronics
Gather up all the electronics you usually carry with you when you’re loading the boat and make sure that they’re all functioning properly. In addition, you should check the status of your fish finder, GPS, and any other electronics you regularly use when boating. In particular, you should check the batteries of all these devices to be sure they aren’t corroded. All that’s left to do after that is get everything charged up and ready to go. After all, no one likes a dead battery!
Boat Cover
The canvas cover prevents your boat from collecting damage and debris so it’s a good idea to check that it’s still in decent shape. Examine the canvas for any rips or tears that need patching. You should also check for any mold or mildew. Your seats could have similar issues, especially if they sustained any sun damage, so you should check these as well.
The final step in the process entails a deep cleaning. It’s likely that you cleaned your boat up prior to storage but it’s still important to polish up the chrome and sweep off the deck. Clean all your windows and other glass to avoid visibility issues. Check your coolers and livewells in case they need to be cleaned out.
We hope that this boat dewinterization guide has been useful. If you need more information or you are looking for boats for sale in Calgary, AB, visit Seca Surf & Marine. We are located in Lake Country, BC, and we proudly serve all of Southern Alberta, so stop by today!