Tips for Protecting Your Boat During Fall and Winter

While other boaters around the country prepare their boats for a long winter’s nap, we relish in the fact that we can boat year round. But remember, our temperatures are dropping and water conditions are changing too. We also have to take necessary steps to protect our boats during the late fall and winter.


Here are some great tips from our friends at Sea Tow.

1. Do your annual maintenance. Make sure your boat and engine maintenance is up-to-date. Even if your boat has low hours, make sure your boat’s engine and boat are serviced yearly.
2. Inspect the water pump. If your boat’s water pump has dried out, or the impeller has disintegrated or is broken, it can severely damage an engine when run. Tip: Start every boating season with a new water pump. It’s cheaper than having to replace or repair your boat’s engine.
3. Check the fuel filter. Ethanol-enhanced fuel can precipitate out water after sitting for about three months or more. Remove the filter and pour some fuel into a cup to inspect it. Remove any water from your tank and change the filter.
4. Top off the batteries. Using distilled water, not tap water. Ensure all terminals are clean and tight. And, warm up the engine before leaving the boat ramp or dock to be sure it has a good charge.
5. Maintain your trailer. Re-grease the hubs or buddy bearings and check the tire pressure before heading out to the boat ramp. The number one cause of trailer blowouts is an under-inflated tire.
6. Inspect your lifesaving equipment. Make sure to inspect your fire extinguishers and flares, and replace any that have reached or passed their expiration dates. Replace any damaged lifejackets and always make sure you have the required number for your boat.