In Canada, we winterize our boats. It’s essential. When the ice appears on the lake, there’s a good chance it’s starting to appear in areas of your boat where it doesn’t belong.

What Does it Mean to Winterize Your Boat?

Boat winterization is the process of preparing your boat for the cold winter months to protect it from damage that could be caused by freezing temperatures, snow, ice, other winter conditions, and damage from critters looking for somewhere warm and sheltered to spend the season. It’s particularly crucial in colder climates, like Canada, where the temperatures drop significantly below freezing during the winter.

The Dangers of NOT Winterizing Your Boat

Of course, we all have friends who swear they never winterize their boats and that everything’s been fine. You, however, know better. Right? You know that failing to winterize your boat can lead to:

• Engine Block Cracking: Water can freeze in the engine block, expanding and causing the block to crack. This is one of the most severe damages and can be very expensive to repair.
• Exhaust Manifolds Cracking: Similar to the engine block, water can freeze and crack the exhaust manifolds.
• Frozen Pipes and Hoses: Water in the pipes and hoses can freeze, causing them to burst or crack.
• Fuel Degradation: Over time, fuel can degrade and separate, potentially leading to condensation and water in the fuel system which can cause engine problems when you attempt to use the boat again.
• Battery Damage: Cold temperatures can cause a battery to freeze, especially if it’s not fully charged. A frozen battery is likely to be damaged and may not work properly even if recharged.
• Corrosion and Rust: If you don’t properly winterize your boat and it’s not properly treated and protected, the engine and other metal components of the boat can corrode or rust during the winter.
• Interior Mold and Mildew: Without proper ventilation and/or dehumidification, the interior of the boat can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can damage the interior and create health issues.
• Pest Infestations: Without proper winterization and covering, boats can become a refuge for rodents and insects, which can cause a variety of damage and mess.
• Gelcoat Damage: The boat’s gelcoat can become damaged from prolonged exposure to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This damage can lead to more serious structural issues over time.
• Electrical System Damage: Moisture and cold can cause damage to the electrical systems of the boat, leading to potential safety hazards and expensive repairs. Unwrapped boats are also far more likely to attract critters who may chew on the wiring.
• Severe Upholstery and Canvas Damage: Cold temperatures and moisture can cause fabrics to become brittle, crack, or sustain other damage. Again, unwrapped boats encourage critters to move in, who may tear into your furniture for shelter and warmth.
• Insurance Claims: Some insurance policies may not cover damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance, which may include failing to winterize the boat.

Each of these problems not only is a hassle to deal with but could also result in costly repairs or even the total loss of the boat. Hence, winterizing a boat in cold climates is a crucial maintenance task to ensure the boat remains in good condition and is ready for use when the boating season returns.

When Should I Winterize My Boat?

Winterizing your boat is a crucial task, but timing it right is equally important. Here’s a quick reference for understanding the optimal time frame for this essential upkeep:

• Before The First Frost: Ideally, you should winterize your boat before the first hard frost of the season. In many parts of Canada, this could be as early as late September or early October. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the specific region you are located in.
• Local Weather Forecasts: Keep a close eye on the local weather forecasts as fall approaches. When consistent freezing temperatures or a hard freeze are predicted, it’s time to get to work.
• End of Boating Season: Often, the end of the boating season aligns with the right time to winterize your boat. As your boating activities wind down, begin preparing your boat for the cold season ahead.
• Marina Schedules: If you plan on using marina services for winterization, be aware of their schedules. Marinas may have specific timelines or appointments for winterization services, and booking early ensures you get a spot before the cold hits.
• Customary Practices: If you are new to boating or new to the area, talk to fellow boaters. They can share customary practices on when it’s usually done in your locale.

Timing is key to effective boat winterization. A little preparation, attentiveness to weather changes, and consultation with local boating experts can go a long way in ensuring your boat is well-protected through the Canadian winter.

Winterize Your Boat: What’s Involved?

Taking proper care of your investment in your boat requires several steps. Rest assured, you can do this. Just take it one step at a time. Many of these steps are covered in the Legend Boats Owners Guide.

1. Engine and Fuel Systems:
   • Draining and Replacing Fluids: Drain water from the engine, and replace it with antifreeze to prevent freezing and cracking.
   • Oil Change: Change the engine oil to remove contaminants. See: How to Change the Oil On Your Outboard Motor. We also sell Mercury Oil Change Kits online or at your nearest Legend dealer.
   • Fuel Stabilization: Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and creating harmful deposits. Available online: Mercury Quickstore fuel stabilizer.
2. Water Systems:
   • Draining: Drain fresh water tanks, hot water heaters, and plumbing to prevent freezing and cracking.
   • Antifreeze: Run antifreeze through the system to ensure all water is displaced.
3. Batteries:
   • Removal and Storage: Remove batteries, charge them, and store in a cool, dry place.
4. Cleaning and Drying:
   • Interior: Clean and thoroughly dry the interior to prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
   • Exterior: Wash the exterior and apply a protective wax.
   • For all your boat cleaning needs, we recommend Babe’s Boat Care products.
5. Covering: Cover both your boat and motor with properly fitted covers to protect it from snow, ice, and other debris.
6. Ventilation and Dehumidification: Ensure good airflow and consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew.
7. Pest Control: Close openings and use deterrents to prevent rodents and insects from taking residence in your boat.
8. Inspection and Repairs: Inspect the boat for any needed repairs, and take care of them before the cold weather sets in.
9. Storing: Decide whether to store the boat indoors or outdoors. Indoor storage is generally preferable to protect the boat from the elements, but outdoor storage can be suitable if the boat is well-protected with a good-quality cover and is properly winterized.
10. Record Keeping: Keep a record of all the winterization steps taken, as well as any repairs or maintenance performed.
11. Shrink-Wrapping: Some boat owners opt for shrink-wrapping their boats, which provides a tight cover that protects the boat from the elements.

Following these steps will ensure your boat is protected during the winter and that you avoid any unpleasant surprises (and costly repairs) in the boating season.

Boat Winterization Services: Can Someone Do It For Me?

Of course, you didn’t get into boating in order to add more chores to your to-do list. You did it to create memories. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to worry about this at all? If there was someone who would just take care of it?

The answer, naturally, is absolutely yes: We can take care of it all for you. Your nearby Legend Boats dealer can provide for all of your boat winterization and storage needs.

Should you winterize with a Legend Boats store (we currently have four: Sudbury, Barrie, Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, and Havelock), we can provide you with complete seasonal packages to remove 100% of the worry and stress from the winterizing process:

2023 Winterization Package Prices

 

If you’re not already working your nearest Legend dealer, find yours today and protect your boat for many years to come.