As a boat owner, you're probably excited to get your boat in perfect condition for new adventures of sailing and fishing with your friends and family. Over 87 million adults go boating every year, so it's only a matter of time before you go on a boating adventure.

Now, you may wonder how you can get back to organizing boating adventures after sealing your boat and its belongings for the winter seasons.

If yes, you are in the right place! Boat experts refer to this process as de-winterization. We will guide you on how to de-winterize a boat just in time for its journey.

Below are the main checklist items one should consider as part of the de-winterization process.

Taking the Tarp off

Before anything else, you must remove the tarp or the covering over the boat. Hopefully, before putting your boat away for the winters, you covered it up. Otherwise, it will be tiresome to clean up all the dust and dirt it accumulated over the winter months.

You might end up with some unwanted guests onboard like bugs, rodents, snakes, or even birds with their nests in many cases. For this reason, it is essential to get a cover for your boat when you choose to store it.

Check the Boat Engine

Any boating expert would suggest that you start by checking the engine compartment. Then, make sure you change the engine oil, ensuring that the outdrive is in good condition for the engine to start. The oil filter also needs a change. Also, be sure to add the right oil additive, so the boat engine remains corrosion-free and clean.

Refilling the Cooling System

Hopefully, before storing your boat for winters, you drained the cooling system completely. This process keeps the coolant line from freezing and causing any issues during the spring season.

You should check the cooling system's hoses for any signs of cracks or holes and make sure to empty the strainer as well. Once you take care of these elements, you can refill the system. One thing you should make sure of is that the rubber impeller does not have cracks.

Checking the Water Pumps and the Thermostats

Replace the water pump on the impeller after every 200 hours. This is an important part as it keeps the water flowing towards the engine for cooling it. Therefore, change it as soon as its time is due.

The thermostat is also an important thing. It is responsible for regulating the water temperature. If the thermostat is not working properly, your boat engine might get too hot or too cold. This too requires replacing after every 200 hours.

Check the Cables and Hoses

The cables and hoses will eventually go through the wear and tear phase as the years pass by, especially if they have a rubber composition. Rubber tends to break down in cold winters and after exposure to sunlight.

During the de-winterization process, you should check and observe all the cables and hoses on the boat and make sure you secure them tightly.

Check the Battery

A battery check is also an important part of the de-winterization process. As a part of this checking, you should fill up all the required fluids needed. The best item to use for this process is distilled water, which prevents disruptions in the battery.

Use a battery tester to measure the volts and amps. If the battery cannot hold its charge, then take it for repairs or replace it accordingly. If it is working properly, you should clean any corrosion on top of the battery terminals before connecting it back to the cables.

Clean the Distributor

During winters, the distributors can wear down. To step this issue, we recommend to clean it during the winter. Firstly, you should remove the distributor cap and make sure to give it a good wiping. After sthat, make sure all of the connections are set up properly.

Checking the Fuel System

Remember to drain the cooling system before winters, and fill the fuel tanks should remain full with a fuel stabilizer. This is to prevent moisture from forming inside the tank during the winters.

To de-winterize a fuel tank on the boat, you must inspect the fuel line for any unusual cracks as their rubber construction allows them to crack easily.

You must also change the fuel filter every season. If you filled your fuel tank with gas but did not add an additive inside it, you will have to drain it all out. This is because the gas might have gone stale during this time.

Inspect the Boat's Exterior

This is a no-brainer, but we speak of it here because many people ignore the boats' exterior. It is essential to check the boats outside for any damages as there might be a chance of it happening during winter storage. Almost one-third of boats sink inside the water due to damages to the boat's hull.

Make sure to check every corner of the boat's exterior to ensure there is no damage like cracks or missing pieces, or gouges. If you are not good at such inspections, it would be wise to hire a boating expert for this process.

Inspecting the Bilge Pump

Check the bilge pump, including its parts like the pump itself along with its automatic switch and circuit. If the bilge pump isn't working, then you should inspect it right away.

Painting the Bottom of the Boat

I prefer painting with anti-fouling paint so that it remains clean and doesn't rot. Sand and scrape the bottom of the boat and wipe it down too if required before applying the paint.

Do a trailer Check

Check the brackets and springs for any corrosion or rust. Replace the trailer if there is a need for it.

Check Your Safety Gear

The safety gear needs to be ready and in order. This could potentially save lives in emergencies. Ensure there is no damage to the emergency equipment and its expiry date is not approaching anytime soon. The list for such things includes fire extinguishers, checking lights in the cabin and on deck, checking the boat signaling equipment like the horn or flares, and the floatation devices too.

Clean up

The final process is to make sure everything, including the electronics, battery, navigational equipment, and lights, etc., is working. All in all, make sure to check each and everything before you start off on your boat journey, and be sure to get help from an expert on matters where you feel like you don't know what to do.