As winter approaches, it’s time for boating enthusiasts to say goodbye to the open water and days of sunshine. Rather than preparing for a weekend on the lake, boaters need to winterize their watercraft to prevent unnecessary damage from the temperature, weather elements, and storage environment. Though it’s meant to cover damages, you can prevent opening a claim on your OC boat insurance policy by following these tips for winterizing your boat.
Be Thorough with Engine Preparations
By thoroughly preparing your engine for winter, you will have an easier time starting up your boat and getting back on the water when the weather starts to warm up. Here’s what to do for your engine.
Drain Water from the Engine
Water expands as it freezes, and any water left in the engine could cause cracks in hoses or other parts. Use water muffs connected to a hose to flush out the engine with clean water. Only run the engine while there is water in it and keep flushing until the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. Once this happens, remove the drain plugs and the water pump hose to thoroughly release any water from the engine. Outboard engines should be flushed with drain holes open.
Change Out the Engine Oil
When you are preparing to winterize your boat, make sure to replace the engine oil. While the boat is in storage, any acid or moisture that is in the oil could pit some of the bearings of engine parts. It is important to warm up the engine before draining the dirty oil out. After flushing out any impurities, use high-quality replacement oil filters and oil in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Protect Internal Components
While the boat sits in storage, the engine oil will slowly drain away and expose the internal workings of the engine to the harsh winter elements. This can lead to metal-to-metal contact and corrosion. You can use a fogging oil spray to help prevent these issues, as it is a specially designed formula that will go deep into the engine and form a protective, anti-corrosive layer on exposed areas.
Take Care of the External Surfaces
Before you are done with your boat for the winter, remove all valuables and electronics before preparing it for storage. Even if you intend to use a boat cover, remove anything that could be stolen or taken out. Be sure to thoroughly wash and rinse your boat, adding a protective coat of wax once you are through. For the best protection against damage, shrink wrap your boat or cover it with a strong material cover.
A boat winterizer kit is a good place to start when prepping your boat for winter. No matter how you plan winterize your boat, maintain an active OC boat insurance policy on your watercraft. These tips will get you back on the water quickly once the weather warms up again.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
