SOME MORE TIPS FOR GETTING READY TO WINTERIZE
Part 2
Last week I started to share some winterizing tips. Here's some more....
5: REPLACE GEAR OIL
Drain the lower unit of old gear oil and replace with a fresh supply. Whn changing the gear oil, be sure to check for moisture. If water comes out first, or if you see milky or lumpy oil, this is an indication your boat is experiencing moisture contamination and will need new seals before next season.
6: GREASE AND LUBRICATE
Find your engine’s grease fittings (most will be located in the steering
mechanism area), then use a quality marine lubricant to protect against rust,
corrosion and oxidation. Check your owner’s manual to be sure you don’t miss any
important areas that need to be greased before winter storage.
7: REMOVE VALUABLES
Boatyards receive little traffic in the winter, which makes break-ins easy.
Remove all valuables, including expensive electronics.
8: CLEAN AND WAX
9: COVER
The best place to store your boat is in dry storage, but this can be expensive—especially in areas with long winters. At a minimum, you’ll need to cover your boat with a durable cover. Another good option is to shrink wrap your vessel.