Why do you need to winterize a boat?

Asked by: Scott Staniels

Winterizing a boat is an essential process unless you plan to make necessary repairs to your boat come springtime. If you do not winterize your boat, any water droplets left could freeze, expand, and crack the components they were in. This could cause anything from blowing off a hose to completely ruining your engine.

Why dont you have to winterize an outboard?

If You Don’t Winterize Your Boat, Here’s What Happens: Water freezes and expands and can damage anything it’s trapped inside. Water may seep into unprotected spaces to do this. Acidic and corrosive wastes, salt and corrosion buildup can damage delicate parts in engines. Fuels break down or grow dirty.

Do you have to winterize an inboard motor?

If you’ve got an inboard or a sterndrive (inboard/outboard) boat motor, then winterizing is an absolute must-do. This process prevents gunk from building up, keeps condensation out of the fuel tank and just overall keeps your engine healthy.

At what temperature will a boat motor freeze?

At what temperature will a boat engine freeze? Unwinterized boat engines can freeze any time the air temperature is below 28°F (-2°C) – for an extended period. Freshwater cooled engines without proper coolant can freeze below 32°F (0°C). The good news is you can prevent freeze damage fairly easily.

How much does it cost to winterize a boat?

If you winterize your boat yourself, it will cost you about $250. This price includes the cost of winterizing the engine, the other systems of your boat, and cleaning it, stem to stern, inside and out. However, if you have the work done at a boatyard, expect to spend $500 up.

Can I winterize my boat myself?

You need to run antifreeze through the system to get it properly winterized. Winterizing antifreeze can be run through the system to clear out any water present. You’ll want to check in on your boat periodically over the winter to ensure that it is in good condition.

How long does it take to winterize a boat?

about 4 hours

First things first, how long does it take to winterize a boat? Well, depending on your experience, it should take you about 4 hours to complete the task.

Can boats be stored outside in the winter?

So, can boats be stored outside in the winter? You can keep boats outside in the winter if you provide adequate protection against harsh weather. But you can’t simply park the boat on your driveway as most people do during the boating season. Leaving your boat outside during the cold season can damage the boat.

Do I need to winterize my boat if I keep it in the garage?

You’re going to need it. According to BOATUS, in preparation for winter, you’ll want to run antifreeze through cooling systems, flush it through and fill the air conditioning system, flush the water intake and run antifreeze through it (if in lower unit), and ensure that water strainers are filled with antifreeze.

Does snow ruin a boat?

BONUS TIP: If your boat is stored on a trailer, make sure it isn’t parked next to a building with a sloped roof. Otherwise, snow could avalanche right onto your boat and cause some serious damage.