Sherwood Marine Centre

Unfortunately, not all of us are able to use our boats all year 'round, and this time of year we have to start thinking about protecting one of our more valuable recreational assets - our boat!  Winterizing a boat relates well to the old phrase "pay me now or pay me later." The time and effort you spend now will have a definite effect on your boat's performance, or lack of it, and certainly save you time, effort and money come spring. You should remember that your insurance policy will most likely not cover any damage done by lack of maintenance which results in freezing or other damage.

The best place for your boat to be during the winter is out of the water, under cover, in a heated storage area. This, however, can be expensive or impractical. If you don't have this option perhaps you should consider having Sherwood Marine shrink-wrap your boat as this provides excellent protection through the off-season and is the next-best-thing. Short of these two items, make sure that your boat is well covered with a properly supported boat cover (also available at our store), or at the minimum a well-secured tarp.

Your first step in winterizing should be to make a checklist of all items that need to be accomplished. Check the owner's manual of your boat and motor for manufacturer's recommendations on winterization. Having your boat and motor professionally winterized at Sherwood Marine is certainly the most convenient and cost-effective way to make sure that the motor and all the critical systems in the boat are properly prepared for winter storage and protected from damage. Many customers find it very convenient to have their annual servicing done at the same time, as this way the motor is sitting all winter with fresh oils and lubricants throughout.  Combining your annual servicing with winterizing saves money, and means that come spring you only have to charge the battery, put the plug in the boat and GO BOATING!  If you choose to winterize the boat and motor yourself, be sure to follow all procedures in the owner's manuals to minimize the potential for freezing damage or other problems in the spring.

Fuel System

Fill your fuel tank(s) to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. If Sherwood Marine is performing the winterization, a fuel stabilizer will have been added to the fuel system and run through into the engine and the fuel/water separating filter changed.  If you're winterizing the boat yourself, be sure you stabilize the fuel so you minimize the likelihood of needing carburetor work in the spring.

Bilges

Make sure the bilges are clean and dry. Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any oil spill.

Fresh Water System

Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater as much as possible.  Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the faucets including the shower and any wash-down areas until you see the antifreeze coming out. Again, if you have Sherwood Marine winterize your boat this will have been done for you.

Head

Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Add antifreeze and pump through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Check your owners manual to make sure that an alcohol-based antifreeze won't damage your system. Again, if you have Sherwood Marine winterize your boat this will have been done for you.

Interior

Once you have taken care of the systems you should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFDs, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Over the winter these items can be cleaned, checked and replaced as necessary. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or, better yet, bring them home to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. To keep your boat dry and mildew-free you might want to install a dehumidifier or use some of the commercially available odor and moisture absorber products such as "Dry Z Air." Both air dryers and absorbent crystals are available in our store.

Exterior

Pressure wash the hull, clean barnacles off props, drives and trim tabs. Clean all thru-hulls and strainers. Open seacocks to allow any water to drain.Once the boat is winterized, clean and dry the air dryer (if you can run an extension cord to the boat) or the Dry Z Air should be installed centrally in the boat.  Build or install a support system so the cover or tarp won't "belly" and fill with water.  Once installed the cover or tarp should allow for easy water run-off and should be steep enough so that if it does snow the snow will slide off instead of collapse the cover. If you choose to have Sherwood Marine shrink wrap your boat, these items will be taken care of as part of the process.  Additionally, air vents will be installed to allow the boat to "breathe" through the fluctuations in colder and warmer days.