'Tis the season to consider winterizing your vessel.  The pros at Deep Blue Yacht Supply have designed an outline for this crucial task.  We understand that your vessel and geographic location are different from our own, so please use this outline as a foundation for your own winterizing schedule.

We always like to hear what other boat owners do to prepare for the winter. If you have a winterizing suggestion, please drop us a line. 

Always consult your owner's manual for specifics and for items that may deviate from this checklist.

• Add Fuel Stabilizer
  Keeps your fuel fresh during storage, removes water to prevent corrosion, and eliminates the need to drain fuel before storage. 
  
  
• Change Oil
  Run engines at low RPM for several minutes, and change oil while oil is warm. This allows impurities to be removed with the oil, and circulates the treated fuel throughout fuel lines, carburetor, etc.  
  
  
• Change Oil Filter 
  Run engine to circulate oil. 
  
  
• Flush engine with fresh water.
  
• Circulate antifreeze through manifold
  Use hose from water pump to a bucket of antifreeze.  Allow engine to run until water exits exhaust. 
  Follow manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• Change transmission fluid
  
  
• Disconnect Spark Plugs
  Remove spark plugs and disconnect wires and spray each cylinder with fogging oil.
  Re-install spark plugs, leaving wires disconnected.
  
  
• Inspect batteries
  Check water levels & charge battery
  
  
• Inspect Propeller
  Remove prop and lubricate if necessary.  Inspect prop for dings or damage.  Even a slightly dinged prop can cause excess vibration on the engine / lower unit.  If ding exposes aluminum, then excess corrosion can occur from electric currents. Have propeller repaired or consider purchasing a new propeller.
  
  Deep Blue Yacht Supply offers the following tools:
  
  • Propeller Guide
  • Inboard Propellers
  • Ski and Wakeboard Propellers
  • Inboard Propeller Pullers
  
  
  
• Inspect all belts and hoses.
  To replace any hoses or belts, check out our selection of Buck Algonquin® hoses and clamps. 
  
  
• Sterndrives: 
  Inspect rubber boot (if present) for cracks or holes
  Check fluid levels in lift pumps and hydraulic steering
  
  
• Inspect Shaft Cutless Bearings
  Replacement is due when the prop shaft starts to shimmy or when the shaft shows movement of about 3/16 of an inch. Deep Blue Yacht Supply carries a wide range of Metallic, Non Metallic, and Flanged Cutless Bearings 

• Flush Engine
  Use water muffs or a flushing plug attached to the raw water pickup, and let all water drain from the engine.  
  
  
• Drain fuel from fuel hoses, pump
  Disconnect fuel hose from engine and run until engine is out of gas. 
  
  
• Drain fuel from carburetor
  Remove the drain screw from the carburetor bowl and allow all fuel to drain out.  Don't forget to replace the screw.  Not performing this step could leave deposits when the fuel and oil mixture evaporates.
  
  
• Disconnect Spark Plugs
  Remove spark plugs and disconnect wires and spray each cylinder with fogging oil.
  Re-install spark plugs, leaving wires disconnected.
  
  
• Change Gear Oil in Lower Unit
  
  
• Lubricate and Inspect Propeller
  Remove prop and lubricate if necessary.  Inspect prop for dings or damage.  Even a slightly dinged prop can cause excess vibration on the lower unit.  
  
  Deep Blue Yacht Supply offers the following tools:
  
  • Propeller Guide
  • Outboard Propellers
    
    
• Lightly lubricate or wax exterior of engine
  Provides that straight-from-the-factory look

• Bow
  Inspect the lifelines, pulpits, and stanchion. Inspect the anchor, ground tackle, lines, and fenders. 
  
  
• Hardware
  Inspect all deck hardware including cleats, deck pipes, hatch lifts, brackets, vents, and scupper plates for damage or wear. 
  
  If you are in need of deck hardware, check out our wide selection of Buck Algonquin® Marine Hardware. 
  
  
• Scrub, Polish, and Wax the Deck and all hardware
  Remove carpeting, PFD's, and other valuables.  Wash and rinse deck, seating and console.
  Lay cushions on their ends to help circulate air. 
  
  
• Clean and Oil Teak Surfaces
  
  
• Polish the windshield
  
  
• Inspect dingy and life raft clamps
  
  
• Clean and Inspect bimini canvas and covers
  
  

• Inspect Hull for Damage
  Look for and repair any scratches and gouges. Inspect for blisters.
  
  
• Inspect Trim Tabs
  Be sure to test the trim tabs to make sure they function properly. Refer to your owner's manual for specifics. 
  
  
• Replace Zincs
  These sacrificial pieces of metal protect the precious metal components of your boat including lower units, propellers, rudders, shafts, and struts. They should be replaced when one-third of the original zinc remains. I like to replace mine once a season when the boat is out of the water. 
  
  Be sure to check out our wide array of Zimar Zinc Anodes. 
  
  
• Inspect and repair rub rails
  
  
• Scrub, Polish, and Wax the Hull
  Time to get all those barnacles off the boat.
  
  
• Inspect rudder / steering components and fittings.
  Deep Blue Yacht Supply provides a wide range of Steering Components. 
  
  
• Inspect shafts and struts for proper operation.
  We offer stainless steel boat shafts in Aqualoy® 17, 19, and 22 material. Please refer to our Shaft Guide for specifics about custom stainless shafting. 
  
  

• Empty the tank
  Completely drain the fresh water tanks. 
  
  
• Empty the hot water heater
  Drain and disconnect the hot water heater. Disconnect the "In" and "Out" lines from the heater and then connect them together. 
  
  
• Non Toxic Antifreeze
  This type of antifreeze is usually red and alcohol based. You'll want to pump the anti-freeze into the water tank. Then, turn on the pump and run all the faucets until you see the antifreeze come out. 
  Don't forget the shower heads and showers near the swim platform.

• Pump Out the Holding Tank
  At the pump-out facility, pump out the tank. During the pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush. 
  
  
• Use toilet bowl cleaner
  Check your owner's manual for acceptable tank and bowl cleaners. Add the cleaner to the bowl with a little water and let sit for a couple of minutes. Add more water to the tank and pump the holding tank again. 
  
  
• Non Toxic Antifreeze
  This type of antifreeze is usually red and alcohol based. Make sure that your owner's manual approves of the non-toxic antifreeze. Add the antifreeze to the water compartment and flush to coat the hoses and bowl, and into the holding tank and y-valve.

• Verify that bilges operate properly
  Verify connections to battery. Clear debris from float. 
  
  
• Make sure bilge has oil
  
  

• Moisture Control
  With your boat locked away, you'll need to control moisture, or you'll come back in the spring to a boat full of mold and mildew. I personally use "DampRid". They provide hanging bags for stateroom closets, and canisters for heads and open areas. 
  
  
• Clean the refrigerator
  I use simple dish soap to wash the inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer. I also leave them open to dry completely.