Start Here
- Cost of Sailing
- Sailboats Explained
Become a Sailor
Own a Boat
Liveaboard
Set Sail
Shop
Unlock Skills

Resources
Winterize Checklist

Winterize Checklist

With this extensive winterizing checklist, you'll make sure not to forget something critical when preparing your boat for winter storage.

Must-have
Details
Order online

Article Print your list

Supplies you may need

+

Non-toxic Propylene Glycol antifreeze
Engine oil and filter (engine)
Fogging oil (engine)
Fuel stabilizer/biocide (engine)
Antifreeze Hydrometer or "antifreeze tester." (engine)
A cover - shrink wrap, tarps, a canvas cover, or indoor storage
Dehumidifying agent or dehumidifier/heater (cabin)

Bilge

+

Pump or drain the bilge into a proper receptacle
Add antifreeze to cover exposed pumps or through hulls
Run the pump briefly fill it with antifreeze

Batteries

+

Lead-acid
For wet cells, top up all cells as per manufacturer's instructions (usually with distilled water)
Fully charge all batteries
Disconnect electrical connections from the boat
If practical for smaller batteries, remove them and store indoors with a trickle charger
LITHIUM (LIFEPO~4~)
Charge/Discharge to 50% state of charge or manufacturer's recommended storage voltage
Disconnect all connections from the boat

Air conditioning

+

Flush and fill raw water lines with antifreeze

Water maker

+

Pickle membrane with preservative as per manufacturer's instructions
Flush raw water intake systems with antifreeze
Replace or remove all filters

Covering, ventilation and moisture

+

Boat covers
Canvas Covers. Expensive up front, but reusable from season to season and the best environmentally and for the boat
Shrink wrapping. An annual expense that you may want to leave to the pros to do. Should be recycled in the spring
Tarps and improvised materials. Smaller boats can be covered with tarps and other inexpensive materials, but they are prone to blowing off and coming loose. Tarps are difficult to secure on wetstored boats since you can’t get lines under the hull easily
Ventilation and moisture
Make sure any boat covers have leak-proof ventilation and allow airflow
Open all cabinets and storage areas, empty lockers where airflow is restricted
Remove mildew prone items such as towels and clothing for the season and store off the boat
Consider chemical desiccants, a fan, a winter cabin heater and/or a dehumidifier

Storage

+

Check your boat now and then during winter time to inspect it

Engine and generator

+

Rinse and flush the engine with freshwater to remove salt
"Fog" the engine with a spray oil.
Flush antifreeze through the engine
Change the oil and oil filter
Change fuel filters
Close through hulls on intakes and fill strainers with antifreeze
Inboard engines
Check antifreeze level in the engine block with a tester and add anti-freeze as needed to maximize cold protection. Make sure you circulate the new mix before re-testing
Flush and fill the engine and lines with antifreeze
Outboard engines
With the engine running, disconnect the fuel line and run the engine until it stops. This empties all the fuel from the carburetor
Change lower unit oil

Fuel systems

+

Diesel fuel
Add a biocide/stabilizer to the fuel tank
Fill the tank after you add the stabilizer
Gasoline
Most gasoline outboards use a removable tank. This fuel should be disposed of properly or used for some other purpose so you start with a fresh tank in the spring. (I used to put my leftover dinghy fuel into my car)
If you have an older boat with a gasoline inboard and permanent tank installed you can drain it, or add a stabilizer and fill it

Plumbing systems

+

Pressure (fresh) water
Flush all tanks and lines
Add antifreeze to the water tank
Run all fixtures until antifreeze runs out, starting with the fixtures farthest from the pump
Water heaters
Drain all water
If there is a winterizing bypass, shut it off before winterizing the pressure water system so you don't have to fill the tank with expensive antifreeze
Disconnect the electricity or turn off the breaker to prevent accidental startup in the spring while it's empty
Heads and toilets
Flush all toilets with fresh water
Pump out and rinse all holding tanks
Using the water intake hose, flush the system through with antifreeze

Refrigeration

+

Flush all raw water lines with antifreeze

Sails

+

Rinse and sails with fresh water and allow to dry prior to flaking
Take any sails in need of repairs to a sail loft
Consider annual inspection, cleaning and winter storage with a sailmaker to extend sail life

We exist to help you take action on your sailing dream

Quick Links

About Improve Sailing
Questions and Remarks
Privacy Policy of improvesailing.com

Contact

ImproveSailing

Sasker van Heringawei 16E
9034 GD Marsum
The Netherlands

Improve Sailing helps you to make your sailing dream actionable, by writing in-depth articles on practical questions

This site is owned and operated by Buckles Publishing. Copyright © 2024 ImproveSailing.com. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies.

© 2024 ImproveSailing - Do Not Copy