How to De-Winterize Your Boat for Spring

After a long winter spent locked away in storage, your boat is likely in need of some serious TLC. However, boats are pretty complicated pieces of equipment, and it's not always clear what components need caring for, and which are still in good shape from last winter’s tune-up. To help you figure out what to repair, inspect, and replace to successfully de-winterize your boat we've written up the helpful article below.

Clean Your Boat

Your boat can build up a lot of grime over those long winter months, and it’s important to give it a good scrub before you take it out on your first boating trip of the season. However, before you get started, be sure to take a moment to give your vessel a good inspection. Double-check that there are no pools of water, signs of pests, or mold or mildew growing anywhere on your boat’s interior. Afterward, double-check the hull—and metal components—for any signs of rust, cracks, or damages that could cause a serious issue later. Once you’ve done this, you’ll want to grab a long-handled scrub brush, some boat soap, and a bit of wax to start cleaning your boat. 

Care for Engine Fluids

When inspecting your engine, you’ll first want to check that all of your fluids are fresh and clean and that there are no signs of a leak. If none of your fluids show signs of debris, darkening color, or condensation, you’re fine to top them off and move on to the next task. However, we do recommend completely replacing your coolant, fuel, and engine oil before doing so, as they are some of the few liquids that can go bad sitting in your engine. If you did happen to notice a leak while inspecting your engine, be sure to carefully examine the hose and tank for any damages. While the hose can easily be replaced, a damaged tank will need to be seen by a mechanic.

If you found an issue while caring for your boat that you think requires professional repair, we want to encourage you to visit us here at New Jersey Outboards. Our location in Bayville, New Jersey offers both a convenient service center and on-site parts department for you to take advantage of. We proudly serve the nearby areas of New York, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!