Fall Maintenance Checklist - Prepping Your Vessel For Winter

Fall maintenance is not fun. It is time-consuming and foreshadows the end of another fantastic boating season. As a result, most boaters choose to employ a professional to handle the winterization for them, which takes many of the major items off the checklist. But you still need to understand what is supposed to be accomplished by the pros so that you can oversee the process. And there are easier things that you can accomplish yourself.

Before You Begin

The finest experts on power boats in Sanford, FL, get reserved quickly. So, plan your service early to get a reasonable date that lets you make the most of the boating season without lingering too late in the fall.

Engine Upkeep

Before you go to the haul-out area, give your technician a helping hand by topping off the tank and adding a multifunction fuel stabilizer to ensure the stabilizer is well combined with the gas and that it has a chance to run through the entire system, which permits it to shield fuel in your filters and lines too. Your mechanic should manage these next measures as part of a complete winterization service:

• Change fuel filters and the water separator
• Inspect the fuel line and bulb and replace them if required
• Change engine oil; do not wait until spring, as you must eliminate residual acids and wetness in the system that can harm your motor if left unattended during the winter
• Replace your oil filter
• Fog your engine
• Replace the boat's water impeller; you should do this at least once yearly
• Flush the raw-water system, then refill with fresh antifreeze rated for your winter weather
• Top off coolant levels on freshwater cooling systems
• Replace spark plugs
• Change transmission fluid, if appropriate
• Inspect the wires and rotor cap
• Inspect the belts and modify tension as required
• Inspect the hoses for gaps, bulges, or soft areas and replace them as needed
• Inspect hose clamps for deterioration or wear and replace them as needed
• Inspect the shift/throttle lines and tension, then lubricate the lines and linkage
• Inspect the sacrificial anodes and replace them if over 50 percent degenerated
• Inspect the prop(s) for dents and knicks
• Lubricate the prop shaft and threads
• Pull the battery (top up electrolyte level and recharge if required) and place on a marine trickle charger

Depending on your motor type, there may be a few further steps:

Stern Drives

• Examine and remove plant life or barnacles
• Empty the gear case and inspect for water in the oil
• Inspect the rubber boots for damages and pinholes

Outboards

• Detach the fuel hose and lubricate cylinder walls and pistons in your carburetor
• Lubricate the propeller shaft and threads
• Change your lower unit gear oil

Be sure to request that they store your outboard motor in the lowest position.

Beyond the Motor

After the motor work is accomplished, it makes sense for the shop to do these items while in the boat:

• Flush your bilge and add antifreeze
• Fill your fresh water system and water heater with non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze
• Detach the hot-water heater
• Pump your holding tank and add antifreeze to your head
• Spray down electronics connectors with anti-corrosion lubricant, mainly where you will remove the electronics for the winter (these connectors are especially vulnerable to winter deterioration)
• Remove bulbs from the navigation and running lights and spray sockets with anti-corrosion lubricant

Use this fall maintenance checklist to ensure your boat is comprehensively winterized. Then call us if you need power boats in Sanford, FL.