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  Suggestions2
6. Furling systems:  flush all open bearings with warm fresh water and lubricate. Suggestions
   
7. Service winches Product  Suggestions links :Harken 46.2 winch service – Harken 40 winch service – How to service a Lewmar Evo Winch
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. Suggestions   Electronic dehumidifiers
13. Pump out holding tanks. Suggestions
    
14. Flush the toilet with antifreeze. Suggestions
15. Fill discharge and intake hoses with antifreeze. Suggestions
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  Suggestions
    
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 Suggestions
23. Inspect and repair all electrical wiring and connections. Make sure nothing was damaged during the season’s use. Suggestions
    
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. Suggestions
    
26. Thoroughly wash the boat hull removing all stains, dirt or debris. Suggestions
27. Repair minor gelcoat abrasions cracks and scratches Suggestions
28. Cover the boat with a fresh coating of wax. Suggestions
29. 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.)
30. Clean the propeller shaft and apply a protective coating of grease.  Suggestions
    
31. Check stuffing box packing and replace if necessary  (inboards) Suggestions
32. Check cutlass bearing for wear and replace if necessary.  Link  Boathouse can order  a cutlass bearing for you
    
33. Change crankcase and gear case oil while engine is warm and run the motor afterwards to distribute fresh oil throughout the power head. Suggestions
34. Change oil filters.  Suggestions
35. Change gas filters Suggestions
36. Flush the engine with fresh water and drain. (outboards)  Suggestions
    
37. Circulate antifreeze through engine block and manifolds. (inboards) Suggestions
38. Drain vapor separator tank of fuel by drain screw (Fuel Injected Motors).
39. On carburetted outboard motors, drain the carburetor float bowl.
40. Change transmission fluid (Inboards). Suggestions
41. Change foot oil (outboards) Suggestions
42. Apply touch-up paint to engine as needed.    Suggestions
43. 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. Suggestions
    
44. Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little fogging oil.  Suggestions
45. Check the motor for loose, broken or missing fasteners. Tighten fasteners and make necessary repairs. Suggestions
46. Perform a complete lubrication service on the boat and motor. Suggestions
47. Remove hoses from raw water pump.
48. Check water pump impeller Suggestion
    
49. Drain water lift muffler (if not filled with antifreeze).
50. Fill permanently installed fuel tanks with fuel to prevent the formation of condensation.
51. Add appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer to fuel tanks. Suggestions
52. Remove portable fuel tanks to safe, well-ventilated area. Drain plastic tanks and top-off metal tanks. Drain attached fuel lines.
53. 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.
54. Remove trailer wheels to clean and repack the wheel bearings.
55. Secure all hatches and ports.
56. Inspect and caulk windows and hatches. Suggestions
57. Inspect and repair stanchions, grab- and handrails.
58. Cover boat with a high-quality cover Suggestions

Print  Winterization check list

Disclaimer for boatshouse.ca.

The information articles provided is for general purposes only and intended to help you make better decisions about your boat and boating equipment. Such information is not intended to substitute for instructions from the manufacturer, dealer or marina about your specific boat or boating equipment and Boathouse specifically disclaims any liability for damage to your boat or equipment arising from your following these suggestions. For more details about your equipment or application, we suggest you contact the manufacturer of your boat or other equipment.

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