How to De-winterize Your Boat For Summer

As the icy months are abating and the frost on your local lakes is giving way to the increasing warmth, the anticipation grows until it’s time to pull your boat out of storage.

Unfortunately, getting back to the water isn’t quite that simple. Before you hit the water, it’s important to properly de-winterize your boat to prepare for smooth sailing in the upcoming season. If you’re uncertain and asking the question “how do you de-winterize a boat?” Absolute Storage Management will help point you in the right direction.

Do You Have to De-winterize a Boat?

If you own a boat, the time of year when it’s necessary to dewinterize it will depend on your location and climate. The process of dewinterizing a boat involves taking steps to ensure that all of the systems, such as the engine and electronics, are functioning properly after winter storage. It also includes cleaning and detailing your boat in preparation for another season on the water. 

So do you have to dewinterize a boat? Yes, you do. Dealing with this annual maintenance task may seem like an inconvenience, but it is absolutely essential in order to ensure that your vessel runs safely and reliably during boating season. To make sure everything goes smoothly, take some time to review how-to guides and clearly understand each step required for dewinterizing your particular model of boat.

Boat De-winterization in 3 Easy Steps

Dewinterizing a boat is a key step in getting it ready for the new season. It takes some time, but the steps are straightforward and can be broken down into three main parts: prepping the motor, inspecting the hull, and completing any necessary repairs. 

Prep the Motor

The most important part of dewinterizing a boat is getting the motor ready for use. This includes changing all fluids like oil, gear lube and coolant; replacing spark plugs or other ignition components as needed; cleaning or replacing fuel filters; lubricating moving parts on the engine; checking belts and hose connections for wear or damage; adjusting idle speed if needed; checking battery connections to ensure everything is secured properly; and finally running tests to make sure that all systems are functioning correctly.

Inspect the Hull 

Hull inspection can be a daunting boat dewinterization task, especially if your boat has been sitting idle for a few months. Start by washing the hull of your boat to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated during the winter months. This will provide an opportunity to examine any potential damage or wear and tear while giving you a chance to clean away any rust spots as well.

Complete Any Repairs 

The last step in dewinterizing your boat is making sure there are no signs of damage or corrosion from the cold weather. Replace any nuts, bolts, glass, or anything else that might have cracked or deteriorated to the point that their continued use is unsafe for the vehicle. Be especially mindful of any holes that might lead to taking in water and sinking the boat.

De-winterize A Boat, Then Store with Absolute

Once your boat de-winterization is complete, you can enjoy your boat in its full glory and have fun all summer on the waves! When you need to return home after a long day of fun in the sun, leave it in a storage parking space reserved just for you. The Network of Absolute Storage managed facilities has a location ideal for your storage needs, with advanced security and knowledgeable onsite professionals who are ready to provide you with the best storage experience possible.