If you are not a die-hard fisherman, it’s time for most of us to pull the boats come out of the water and store them, but there are a few things that should be done before you cover it. I’m the first to tell people, every boat is different and everyone has his or her own way of winterizing their own boat. Your way might be better than mine, or we could do somethings different, so this article is more for first year owners or just a reminder of a few things to do before you boat goes to sleep for the winter.

If this is your first year doing so here is just the basic things you should do. First, if there is ANYTHING you are not sure about, talk to a person at a marina or take it in and have a professional do the work.

THE ENGINE, (this is only for outboards). Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank, put the muffs on the intakes, turn water on and when water is coming out of the discharge, start the engine and let it run 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to fog the engine, spray fogging into the carburetor or EFI system (check owner’s manual). Again, if you are not sure how to do this, take your boat to a marina.

If you have portable gas tanks, while muffs are still on the intake and water is running, disconnect the fuel line and let the engine run out of gas. Some say, fill your gas tank before storing the boat (good idea) but again, read your owner’s manual before doing so.

Now, drain your lower unit and replace the gear case with new lubricant. When doing so, (inserted picture) look for any metal shavings and if you do find shavings, have it serviced. While your down there, check your propeller and hub.

THE INTERIOR, remove the batteries and make sure the water level is correct and they are fully charged. Then retain a charge during storage (inside if possible). Remove ALL electronics and apply electronic grease to all plugs to prevent corrosion. Then this is a no-brainer. Clean the interior, seats carpet, LiveWell and inside all compartments. Here’s another no-brainer. Wash and wax the boat.

Now for the cover. Make sure your cover fits tight and is secured. If your boat is stored outside.

If you are considering having your boat shrink wrapped, make sure it has proper ventilation or it could cause mildew due to moisture being trapped inside. Also, before covering your boat, prepare it to keep rodents/animals from entering. There are different products used to keep pest from damaging the inside of your boat. Everyone has their own method when doing so, but people do use dryer sheets, cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil, mothballs, some even use Irish spring soap as a deterrent.

That’s about it on winterizing a boat. Again, if there is anything you are not sure of or are not comfortable doing, take your boat to a marina.