Fall Clean Out - How to Prepare Your Boat for Winter
- Consult your boat’s manufacturer or a qualified marine expert for preparation items specific to your boat’s make and model.
- Conduct a pre-winterization inspection to audit the boat’s fenders, dock lines, cushions, and covers, as well as the electrical and mechanical systems.
- For winterization and decommission, change the engine oil and filters including fuel.
- Change the engine coolant.
- Check and adjust all belts.
- Conduct a pressure test on the cooling system.
- Change the transmission fluid and filter.
- Winterize the fresh water system and all appliances.
- Winterize the head, including the holding tank and add a deodorizer.
- Pump out the holding tank.
- Disconnect cables and clean all battery terminals.
- Winterize the air conditioning.
- Winterize refrigeration appliances.
- Winterize the salt water wash-down pump.
- Inspect and clean the shower sump and filter.
- Examine the discharge pump and filter.
- Remove the exterior cushions and canvas.
