It’s starting to get colder, and for many boat owners this means putting away their vessel for the season. When you learn how to winterize a boat, you gear it up to brave the winter weather and possibly forgo many of the damages associated with the season. 

Sterndrives 

First, check your owner’s manual to see what sort of sterndrive your boat uses. If the inboard/outboard (I/O) engine uses a thru-hull, you can protect the outdrive by running antifreeze through the engine. 

It’s also a good idea to turn the outdrive downwards to prevent water from collecting which can freeze and expand during winter, which can damage the housing. 

Outboards

To protect the outboards, the engine oil needs to be changed out and refilled to keep the system fresh. Add fogging oil to lubricate the unit, which helps to protect the internal pieces from rust. You can complete this process with the engine on or spraying the oil directly onto the engine cylinders. 

Fuel systems

If your boat runs from gasoline, it’s essential to note if ethanol is present, it may absorb moisture. This can possibly separate the substance from the gasoline, which can damage your boat’s engine. You can avoid this if you empty the fuel tank or use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the separation process. 

When you winterize your boat, you make sure the entire system is fit for the colder weather, everything from your engine block to your spark plugs. Making a checklist can help you identify key components and schedule maintenance when needed.