BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Always read your boat owner’s manual when preparing to winterize your boat for the off-season. If you are unsure of the appropriate winterization procedure for your type of boat, visit your local marine dealer for advice and service.

Here’s an overview of basic winterization and storage procedures:

Step 1:

Use an environmentally-friendly marine detergent or algae remover to clean your boat’s hull.

Step 2:

Empty the bilge of any excess water and clean it using soap and water, or a marine-grade bilge cleaner.

Step 3:

Drain and flush the engine’s cooling system.

Step 4:

Fill the boat’s fuel tank, and clean or replace the fuel filter.

Step 5:

Remove the spark plugs, and fog the engine cylinders with a rust inhibitor.

Step 6:

Lubricate all moving parts.

Step 7:

Be sure to clean off any excess grease, lubrication, dirt, and marine life.