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The Basics of Boat Winterization

Sep. 2 2022 Seasonal By Portland Marine & Electronics

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Now that the temperatures are cooling down, many boat owners in the Pacific Northwest are putting their boats into storage for the winter months. However, it’s important to make sure that you’ve properly winterized your boat before you store it so that it will be in good condition when you retrieve it next spring. Here’s what you need to do.

Clean It Up

The first thing to do when winterizing your boat is to make sure it’s clean. You’ll want to remove all trash and personal items from the boat, including any food that could attract pests. Park your boat in an area with good drainage and give it a thorough rinse. You can use a marine soap and some sponges or brushes to clean any difficult areas. Wipe down the console and seats, looking for signs of mildew, mold, rust, or corrosion you may need to clean up.

Make Repairs

Now it’s time to make any necessary repairs to your boat that you may not have gotten to over the summer. Change the oil and all filters, then check the spark plugs in the engine to make sure they’re whole. Add a stabilizer to a clean tank of fuel to keep water from separating in storage.

Cover & Store Securely

Finally, you should have a good-quality boat cover that is water-resistant to snugly put over your boat, whether you’re storing it indoors or outdoors. A boat cover helps to protect your boat from pest infestation, in addition to keeping it clean and safe from any weather damage. Indoor storage is preferable, so if you have a garage or shed that can fit your boat, this is ideal. You can also investigate dry-storage options near your favorite body of water, or look into marina storage.

Need some help with service on your boat before you store it away this fall? Contact the Portland Marine & Electronics service department to schedule a maintenance appointment with our mechanics. We’ve got a massive 8,000 square-foot facility that features three service bays, so we can accommodate your boat service needs.

Looking to buy a boat during the off-season? Come on down to our dealership in Clackamas, OR, today to view our selection of new and used boats for sale. Portland Marine & Electronics proudly serves the metro areas of Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.