1

Empty lockers of perishables. Also take off any cans or bottles containing liquids that could freeze.

 2

Clean out refrigerator, ice box and freezer. Block door open and leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.

 3

Remove sails, bimini, dodger and canvas, inspect and have repaired if necessary. Suggestions

 4

Check mast rigging. Make sure nothing was damaged during the season’s use, have damage repaired over the winter. Suggestions

 5

Check running rigging Make sure nothing was damaged during the season’s use, have damage repaired over the winter. Suggestions

 6

Furling systems:  flush all open bearings with warm fresh water and lubricate. 

 7

Service winches Product suggestions

 8

Remove compass

 9

Remove electronics

 10

Open lockers and drawers and hatches

 11

Prop up cushions keep them dry

 12

Install a dehumidifier in cabins and enclosed areas to help prevent mildew growth. Product suggestions

 13

Pump out holding tanks.

 14

Flush the toilet with antifreeze. Product suggestions

 15

Fill discharge and intake hoses with antifreeze.

 16

Empty shower sumps

 17

Drain the water heater

 18

Empty propane lines, light a burner on the galley stove and any other gas appliances–then turn off the manual valve on the propane tank.

 19

Remove bilge drain plug and make a note of where you have placed it.

 20

Make sure bilges are clean and dry

 21

Drain bait well and/or wash down pumps and hoses

 22

Lubricate and exercise the seacocks–all of them–before closing them for the winter

 23

Inspect and repair all electrical wiring and connections. Make sure nothing was damaged during the season’s use.

 24

Remove boat batteries and store in a cool dry place. Clean battery poles.  Place batteries on a smart charger or charge them approximately once a month.

 25

Check all anodes and replace as necessary. Product suggestions

 26

Thoroughly wash the boat hull removing all stains, dirt or debris. Product suggestions

 27

Cover the boat with a fresh coating of wax. Product suggestions

 28

Remove the propeller and check thoroughly for damage. (Now is the time to replace or service a damaged propeller, Not at the start of the next season.)

 29

Clean the propeller shaft and apply a protective coating of grease.

 30

Check stuffing box packing and replace if necessary  (inboards)  Product suggestions

 31

Check cutlass bearing for wear and replace if necessary

 32

Change crankcase and gear case oil while engine is warm and run the motor afterwards to distribute fresh oil throughout the power head. Product suggestions

 33

Change oil filters.

 34

Change gas filters 

 35

Flush the engine with fresh water and drain. (outboards)

 36

Circulate antifreeze through engine block and manifolds. (inboards) Product suggestions

 37

Drain vapor separator tank of fuel by drain screw (Fuel Injected Motors).

 38

On carburetted outboard motors, drain the carburetor float bowls.

 39

Change transmission fluid (Inboards). Product suggestions

 40

Change foot oil (outboards) Product suggestions

 41

Apply touch-up paint to engine as needed.

 42

Fog the engine by spraying fogging fluid into each of the carburetors or  inlet manifold and turn the engine over a few times (without starting) to spread the oil over cylinder walls. Product suggestions

 43

Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little fogging oil.  Product suggestions

 44

Check the motor for loose, broken or missing fasteners. Tighten fasteners and make necessary repairs.

 45

Perform a complete lubrication service on the boat and motor. Product suggestions

 46

Remove hoses from raw water pump.

 47

Check water pump impeller

 48

Drain water lift muffler.

 49

Fill permanently installed fuel tanks with fuel to prevent the formation of condensation.

 50

Add appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer to fuel tanks. Product suggestions

 51

Remove portable fuel tanks to safe, well-ventilated area. Drain plastic tanks and top-off metal tanks. Drain attached fuel lines.

 52

Place the trailer on stands or blocks so the wheels are supported off the ground. Raise the bow higher than the stern to promote draining of rainwater or snow.

 53

Remove trailer wheels to clean and repack the wheel bearings.

 54

Secure all hatches and ports.

 55

Inspect and caulk windows and hatches. Product suggestions

 56

Inspect and repair stanchions, grab- and handrails.

 57

Cover boat with a high-quality cover