Winter Boat Prep Checklist: Protect Your Investment This Season

Winter Boat Prep Checklist: Protect Your Investment This Season

As the boating season winds down and cooler weather rolls in, it’s time to think about winter prep. Properly winterizing your boat is more than just a seasonal chore—it’s an investment in protecting your vessel, avoiding costly repairs, and ensuring you’re ready to hit the water as soon as spring arrives.

To help you plan ahead, here’s a quick checklist of what you can do yourself, along with services our expert team can take care of for you.    

What You Should Handle

Some winter prep steps are simple and best handled by boat owners. Tackling these tasks early helps keep your boat safe, clean, and ready for service work:

 

  • Remove personal items, food, and valuables - Prevent theft, pests, or damage during storage.
  • Clean and dry the interior - Wipe down surfaces and ventilate to avoid mildew and musty odors.
  • Disconnect and store batteries (if applicable) - Store in a cool, dry place and charge occasionally to extend their lifespan.
  • Add fuel stabilizer- If this isn’t handled by your service provider, stabilizing your fuel prevents gum, varnish, and corrosion in your engine.
  • Cover your boat securely - A snug, high-quality cover protects against weather, dirt, and critters.
  • Check your paperwork - Ensure registration and insurance are current, so you’re not delayed come spring launch.

Services We Offer

While you can handle the basics, many winterization tasks are better left to professionals. Our service department can handle all the heavy lifting, ensuring your boat is protected from bow to stern.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Engine Oil & Filter Changes - Fresh oil keeps internal components lubricated and free of contaminants.
  • Shrink wrapping - A professional wrap creates a barrier against snow, ice, and rain. This seal keeps moisture out and prevents mold, mildew, and rot inside your boat.
  • Lower Unit Oil Changes - Protects gears and seals from moisture damage.
  • Engine Tune-Ups – Keep performance and reliability at their peak.
  • Impeller, Bellows & Gimbal Bearing Replacement - Avoid mid-season breakdowns by replacing worn parts now.
  • Drive Removal & Inspection - A thorough check prevents hidden issues from becoming major repairs.
  • Fuel/Water Separator Checks - Ensures clean fuel flow to your engine.
  • Anode Replacements - Protects your boat from costly corrosion damage.
  • Electronics Upgrades - Off-season is the perfect time to update charts, radar, or sound systems.
  • Full Detailing & Ceramic Coating - Preserve your boat’s finish and shine for seasons to come.
  • Bottom Painting - A fresh coat protects against growth and improves efficiency.
  • Battery Testing - Keeps your power source reliable and safe.
  • Storage Options - Maximum protection from snow, ice, and weather.

Why Winter Prep Matters


Skipping or rushing through winterization can lead to costly damage. Think cracked blocks, corroded systems, or dead batteries. By taking the time now, you’ll avoid headaches in the spring, extend the life of your boat and your boating season.

Whether you’re a hands-on boater who just needs a checklist, or you’d rather let our certified technicians handle it all, we’re here to help.

 

Ready to prep your boat for winter? Contact our service team today to schedule your winterization package and storage options. And if you're looking for where to get quality cleaning products, let us know or stop into our showroom to browse!