Winterizing Your Boat

With an abundance of water, both fresh water and salt water, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. In factPortland boat sales are brisk during the sunny summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats increased mobility and distance. However, a motor boat adds to the maintenance tasks of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is located in northwest United States. Being so far north, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather rolls in from Canada, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once spring arrives.

As for the boat itself, it must be stored out of the weather. The simplest way to remove it from the weather is to store it in a building. In a building, it is protected from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while expensive, is more affordable that indoor storage. This solution is the shrink wrap solution. While this may sound bizarre, it provides a barrier between your valuable boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.

Aside from the boat’s hull, you need to maintain the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to remove any fluid that is water based and to replenish any fluid that is petroleum based. Remember that, when water freezes, it expands. Thus, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, breaking. Two important water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and scrub the bilge using soap, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be scoured out at the end of the boating season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be taken care of in a similar manner to the automobile. The first step is to change the oil. Then make sure that the gas tank is filled. A full fuel tank will stop condensation inside the tank. You may also want to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.

These guidelines are just suggestions. More information is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another source of information is our huge source of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, it will be helpful for you to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally omitted. You might also want to team up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and share the tasks. Then you can reciprocate by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats in tandem can finish the job in less time than two people working alone. When both boats are winterized, you can celebrate together that now you can get out the skis and snow mobile.