Winterizing for yachts: how to prepare for the season

Properly winterizing and storing your boat will help prevent damage and make sure you are ready for on-the-water fun in the spring. Consult your manufacturer’s manuals and service guides for specific winterizing, flushing and maintenance instructions before you begin. Plan ahead, create a checklist (see below) and gather all the items you will need to winterize and store your boat.
Below Deck
- Clean and dry bilges, and verify pump operates properly.
- Pump out the holding tank and add propylene glycol antifreeze to the head.
- Drain all systems that use water (e.g. freshwater system, shower sump) and replace with propylene glycol antifreeze as appropriate.
- Remove all food and beverages and clean food particles that may tempt winter critters.
- Secure all ports and hatches.
Store in the Water
- Close all seacocks except for cockpit drains and plug exhaust ports.
- Check dock lines, chafe guards and fenders for proper placement, and tie off tiller or steering wheel.
Covering
- Custom-made canvas or synthetic covers• Best at protecting your boat from the elements and is reusable.
• Allows for air circulation – prevents mildew. - Shrinkwrap
• Effective at keeping rain and snow out, but susceptible to moisture buildup.
• Professionals should shrinkwrap your boat, as it’s easy to damage your boat and/or ignite the shrinkwrap.
• If using a different covering, make sure that it’s water/snowproof, and there’s airflow.
Engine(s)
- Fill fuel tanks, add stabilizer, and change fuel filters and separators.
- Change oil and filter.
• Check coolant level in the freshwater-cooling system and add coolant as necessary.
• Run antifreeze through the raw-water-cooling system. Use propylene glycol antifreeze
(orange-pink colour) as it’s non-toxic.
• Dispose of and/or recycle waste oils, engine coolants and hazardous materials properly.
Outboards
- Fill fuel tanks and add stabilizer.
• Drain the gear case and add eco-friendly lubricant.• Flush engine using an “ear-muffs” device.
Batteries
- If you take your batteries home, store them in a cool, dry place such as your basement and put them on a trickle marine charger.
- If you leave your batteries onboard, make sure battery cable connections are tight and free of corrosion and hook batteries up to a marine charger, or leave them unplugged and charge them completely at least once a month.
Did you know?
Analyzing over ten years of freeze claims, Boat U.S. Marine Insurance found that more than 3/4 of the claims involved cracks in the engine block or the exhaust manifolds that occurred because water remained in the engine or cooling system during a hard freeze.Source: Green Boating Guideline, sailorsforthesea.org
LATEST POSTS
Browse the most interesting updates in the market of luxury yachts eco toiletries. Subscribe to our Newsletter for more info!

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Ecological cleaning with Moncada Hispania: Sustainable products for a clean and responsible yacht. Caring for the environment has become a growing concern in today's society. As more people look to adopt sustainable living practices, choosing green cleaning products...

The Ultimate Stewardess Survival Guide for the Upcoming Yacht Season
Are you ready for the upcoming yacht season? As a stewardess, it's crucial to be prepared for the challenges that come with the job. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, the yacht season can be stressful and demanding, but with the right mindset and tools, you...

Today spring begins and the new season is closer: A Stewardess Checklist
As the upcoming yacht season approaches, it's time for yacht stewardesses to start preparing for their job. Here's a checklist of tasks that you should be focusing on: ➡️ Update your CV and send it out Make sure your resume is up to date and showcases your relevant...