Boat Winterization in Ayr, ON
How to Winterize Your Boat
There are many things you can do to take care of your boat. When the boating season comes to a close, you’ll want to be sure that you address essential maintenance tasks. This is even more important if you know that you’ll be storing your boat for the winter. C.A.S Power Marine has created this guide with everything you need to know about boat winterization. Keep reading for some helpful tips. If you have questions or you’d like to speak with our service department, give us a call. You can also stop in and see us. We’re located in Ayr, Ontario.
Clean It
Regardless of how often you hit the water with your vessel, you’ll accumulate a lot of gunk throughout the boating season. If you’re not careful, this could damage the gelcoat and lead to corrosion. One of the best things you can do is give your boat a thorough cleaning before you store it for the winter.
Start by washing the exterior from front to back. Be sure there’s no dirt or grime stuck anywhere. Pay attention to small areas as well, like between the seats and other crevices. As far as the interior is concerned, remove any gear and equipment before you store your boat. When you’re done cleaning it, allow it to dry before you wax it.
Change the Oil
Next, it’s time to change the oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines regarding your specific model. The standard recommendation is to change the oil every 50 to 100 hours of operation. Keep in mind that when you’re planning to store your boat, you’ll need to add fresh oil to prevent internal components from corroding. This is also going to prevent condensation from forming. Once the oil is replaced, remember to change the oil filter. Run the motor for a few minutes so the oil has a chance to circulate and lubricate all of the parts.
Coolant & Antifreeze
If you’re an experienced boater, you probably know the importance of flushing the coolant and topping it off with fresh antifreeze. Before you do this, be sure to check the manufacturer’s dilution recommendations. When the temperatures start dropping during the winter season, the coolant will prevent the internal components and tanks from freezing and damaging your boat.
Winterize the Livewells
You’ll also need to perform maintenance on the livewells on your boat. After all, this area is just as vulnerable to freezing in the winter. You might think that emptying the tank is enough, but there’s always a risk of residual moisture or water building up and causing issues. You can avoid this by pumping some antifreeze through the livewells before storing your boat.
Store It
The final step in the boat winterization process is to find a place to store it. Unless you have a garage or similar storage space, you’ll need to invest in a breathable cover. This will protect your boat from dust and grime. If you plan to store your craft outside, it’s extremely important to apply the cover tightly - while keeping it tented - to prevent rain, snow, and other debris from causing damage. If possible, you should check on your boat regularly throughout the winter while it’s in storage.
If you’d like to learn more about boat winterization, don’t hesitate to contact us at C.A.S. Power Marine in Ayr, Ontario. Our crew members are available to answer your questions and assist with your boat service needs. We proudly serve those in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and surrounding areas.
C.A.S. Power Marine
Please feel free to contact us or stop in today for all your Marine Equipment needs! Call us at (519) 623-2372 or contact us below.
