Understanding Boat Winterization and Its Importance

As the warmer weather starts to fade into cooler fall and winter months, it’s crucial to start thinking about the winterization process for your boat. This practice is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your boat stays in top shape for the next season. If and when water freezes in your boat’s system, it expands, potentially causing serious damage to internal systems within your engine. Since boats have an open fresh-water cooling system, and use the lake water to cool your engine when in use, this water needs to be flushed out before it potentially freezes and causes these types of damages. Winterizing is a process that not only ensures water has been drained water from essential parts – including engine components, heaters, and ballast pumps – to prevent freezing issues.

There are two types of winterization: open and closed. Both processes involve draining raw water, unhooking ballast bags, and stabilizing the fuel tank. However, with a closed winterization, the plugs that are pulled to drain the water on the engine are put back in as soon as the water is finished draining. This small difference allows you, the user, to hit the water as soon as the weather warms back up, rather than having to get scheduled for a de-winterization. Boat Town specifically does a closed winterization to make your experience getting back on the water easier and smoother. However, we also always recommend doing a general spring commissions check on your unit if it sits for multiple months without being used. This includes a raw water impeller change, oil change, battery check, and a few other key tests to make sure your boat is fully ready for fun!

In addition to a standard winterization service, consider a service check at 25, 50, or 100 hours to catch any potential issues early. Even an oil change and impeller swap can make a significant difference in your boat’s performance. Remember that not all winterization services are created equally, either – it's crucial to have your boat winterized by a trained professional. We always recommend using certified technicians through your dealer. Not only will they have the most up to date training on how to take care of even the newest models, but will go the extra mile to take care of your entire boat, not just the motor. For example – Boat Town includes in the winterization things like a fuel additive to prevent build up, moisture wicking bags to prevent mildew and mold growth on the seat cushions, and a few other top-rated care suggestions for keeping your unit fresh.

When it comes to covering your boat for winter, a good cover is vital. While plastic covers are more affordable, they don’t provide a snug fit or robust protection against harsh weather. Fitted canvas covers are a better choice, offering better waterproofing but requiring periodic maintenance. For optimal protection for an extended period of time, consider shrink wrapping your boat, as it offers the best moisture control and fit. This is typically more popular in more northern climates with harsher winter conditions, but is always an option for any boater.

Protect your boat—and your wallet—by winterizing it properly at the end of the season! If you're a current Boat Town customer, be sure to give the store closest to you a call and let us help walk through your options for proper care of your unit.