I’m not much of a fan of winter. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of using your boat, it changes things dramatically. I long for the time when I can pilot my boat across the water wearing only swim trunks, a baseball cap, and some sunglasses. For now, though, many of our boats are sitting in a slip or on a trailer, patiently waiting for boating season to return.
Be patient. The warm weather will come back. Until then, it’s up to us to ensure that our boats make it to the next season in good shape. Let’s face it: our boats don’t get as much attention during the offseason as they do when we’re regularly using them. This neglect often results in a boat not being ready to go when spring comes. Don’t let this happen to you.
Let’s talk about what you can do to keep your boat safe throughout the cold weather months.
Protect the engine
One of the most common issues affecting boats during the winter is a cracked engine block. This usually happens when water inside the engine block freezes. As the water turns to ice, it expands and ends up cracking the block, resulting in major repair costs and downtime.
For this to occur, temperatures need to be below freezing for several hours. A boat on a trailer is more susceptible than one in the water, but even a boat sitting in a wet slip can experience this issue if the temperature drops low enough for long enough.
So how do we avoid this? The most common solution is to winterize your boat. Winterization involves removing all water from the engine’s cooling passages or replacing it with antifreeze. It can be done on boats both in and out of the water, but it’s usually easier if the vessel is not in the water.
Some boat owners choose not to winterize and instead install a bilge heater in the engine compartment to keep things above freezing. These small heating units require a power source and won’t work during a power outage.
Perform wellness checks
I know some boat owners who leave the marina in October or November and don’t return until April or May. They lock the boat up, put the canvas on, and assume all will be fine for the next five or six months. A lot can happen in that time.
I visit my vessel several times during the winter season. Here’s what I check each time I’m there:
Dock lines: These can become frayed or even snap if ignored. Winter winds can be fierce, and neglected lines may break, causing damage to your boat, the dock, or neighboring boats.
Fenders: Inflatable fenders lose their effectiveness in colder temperatures. You may need to add more air to ensure they continue protecting your boat properly.
Bilge: Inspect the bilge for any unusual amounts of water (or anything else) inside. Make sure the bilge pumps are working as they should.
Power: If your boat is connected to shore power, verify that it’s still on.
Run the engines: If your boat isn’t winterized, run the engine up to operating temperature. This helps eliminate condensation inside the engine and improves lubrication. If your boat is winterized, be aware that running the engine could require you to redo the winterization process.
While you’re at the dock, take a moment to check your neighbors’ lines and fenders too. I always keep an extra line or two on hand just in case I need to replace one for a neighboring boat. This small act of kindness can save them a big headache. If their boat breaking loose would damage yours, it’s also better for you in the long run.
In conclusion
Safe boating isn’t just about what you do on the water; it’s about ensuring your boat is protected during the offseason, too. With a little effort now, you’ll set yourself up for an easier, more enjoyable start to the boating season when the warm weather returns.