De-Winterizing Your Boat

As the temperature warms up, it’s time to get your boat ready for a season filled with fun on the water. If you stored your craft during the winter, you’ll need to do some de-winterization tasks before it’s ready to hit the river. Keep reading to learn what you can do to get your vessel ready for the spring. If you have any questions or you want to buy a new model, call Mark’s Leisure Time Marine in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York. We also proudly serve Rochester!

Engine Check

The first thing you should do when taking your boat out of storage is attend to the engine. Start by checking out the belts. Make sure they are in good working order by pressing gently on them with your hand. If there’s a lot of give, it may be time to replace the belts. 

Tanks and Hoses

Next, check the tanks and hoses for any leaks. Hoses can split and crack in the cold weather, so make sure there aren’t any holes that could cause a leak. Make sure to inspect the fuel lines and tanks, coolant systems, and oil. Replace any damaged hoses immediately. 

Fluids

Once you’ve established that there are no leaks, check the fluids themselves. Fuel that’s left alone all winter long can become stale or degrade. If you didn’t stabilize or empty your fuel, you’ll need to empty the tank now. Check the fuel tank for damage. Next, check the coolant. Hopefully you emptied it before storing for the winter. Make sure there is no damage to coolant lines or the tank. Remember to either fill up your boat’s oil or replace it!

Battery

Finally, you need to check the craft’s battery. Batteries aren’t built to deal with the harsh winter weather. Ideally, you removed the battery from your vessel entirely and hooked it up to a trickle charger before you stored it. No matter how you stored your battery, you need to test it. Check the volts and amps with a battery tester to ensure it can still hold a charge. If it won’t charge at all, you’ll need to replace it before the first sail of the spring. If it’s functioning properly, clean any corrosion from the terminals and hook it back up.

Are you ready to hit the rivers and lakes this spring? We hope this guide helps you properly de-winterize your boat. Contact Mark’s Leisure Time Marine with any questions. We also have a great selection of models for you to choose from! We are located in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York and are proud to serve Rochester too. We can’t wait to help you make the most of your springtime adventures on the water!