How To De-Winterize Your Boat | OS Marine Services Vancouver

De-winterizing your boat is vital for increasing your boat’s shelf life, as launching a dirty vessel down into the marina will be unsafe. This will require a complete and detailed inspection of your boat, including every part, from hoses and cables to trailer tires, to bring out the best for your boat, and de-winterizing can make it possible for you.

Certain steps can let you de-winterize your boat like a pro and help you to increase the life of your boat, and a visual inspection from the expert boat repair specialists can help you do this more efficiently and with great accuracy.

Trailer Inspection

Your boat’s trailer will help you get into the marina, so an unmaintained trailer can create a hassle for your boat in barreling down the water. The trailer tires might need some air so that you can check out for your pin, safety lock, and oiling of the hitch lock. In case of any corrosion sign, you will need to get it fixed immediately. You can plug in the four-way electrical plug and test your boat’s turning signals in case of driving it.

Check the Engine

If your boat has been in storage for longer, we recommend checking its engine, including the check-out of outdrive and an oil change to start it properly. You should also change the oil filter of your boat to make it corrosion-free and clean.

Securing your Boat Cover

You need to wash off your boat cover thoroughly with water if your boat was stored outside for a long time, as there can be the presence of mold, seedlings of plants, and other hanging items that will make you wash your boat cover appropriately cleaned and dried.

Dust Removal

Dust is noticeable, even if your boat is sealed with plastic. A cleanup of this dust is essential to prevent your boat by scraping the layer of dust away from your boat. Hosing off the interior side of the boat is a must.

Cooling System Refill

When de-winterizing a boat, you need to check the hoses of your cooling systems for any holes or cracks that might have occurred by storing your boat away in winter. Remember to empty the filters, too. Then, carefully refill the system. Make sure to also check for any cracking signs of the impellor.

Checking out the Cables and Hoses

As time passes, your boat, cables, and hoses require some wear and tear, especially if they are made of rubber, because they break down in winter and even in sunlight. Hoses and cables should be secure and tight before de-winterizing your boat. Also, check for coolant and fuel hoses.

Fuel System Checkup

Your boat’s fuel system needs to be filled to the brim with the fuel stabilizer as it prevents moisture from forming inside in the winter season. To de-winterize your boat, check the fuel line for any cracks to take preventive measures.

Inspect your Boat’s Exterior

Inspecting the boat’s exterior is an essential step before de-winterizing your boat to check for any outside damage, cracks, or missing gouges of your boat. For expert help, you can go for boat mechanics or specialists who are professionals in it.