Is Your Fishing Boat Ready for Winter?

If the days have started getting shorter and the breeze a lot cooler, it means winter is heading your way. Just the way you are going to start preparing your home and car for the cold season, it’s just as important to keep your fishing boat on the priority list too and protect it from the harsh weather ahead.

If you are going to be anywhere near freezing temperatures, you will most likely want to store your boat for a few months to keep it safe during the cold months ahead. Even if you plan to keep it in water, you must take a few safety measures to make sure the weather causes no damage to your fishing boat. Here are a few steps to ensure that your prized possession will remain safe during the winter.

When to start winterizing your fishing boat?

By the time the fall season begins to fade away, many boat owners start preparing their boats for the winter. If you are not in an area that gets cold too quickly, you can even wait until December since January and February are usually the coldest months.

Take a full assessment of the lower unit

With your boat out of the water, you can have full access to the lower unit of the boat as well as other parts that were inaccessible in the water. Check for leaks and keep an eye out for blisters on the hull. Clean the boat and make sure there is no lingering moisture left, as that can damage your vessel when freezing occurs. Ensuring that your boat is dry also prevents mold and mildew from growing.

Remove all smart parts

All electronics, safety equipment, and batteries should be removed when not in use. This is also a good time to get all your fishing gear off your boat for a thorough cleanup and inspection so that you can have everything ready for when the next fishing season starts.

Check all the liquids

Drain all your freshwater tanks as well as your hot water heater during the winterizing process. It would also be a smart idea to fill your tank with fresh fuel to prevent water from condensing there in the cold months. Make sure to add a fuel stabilizer so that it does not spoil during this time. Also, make sure to flush the engine with freshwater and give it a good wash while you are at it.

Cover it properly

If your boat is going to be stored outside during the cold months, invest in a top-quality cover that is fitted and remains tight around your vessel. If rain or snow comes down heavily, be sure to remove it from the cover as it can get heavy and damage parts of your boat.

If you’re looking for new fishing boats for sale, contact us at Young Boats. We would be thrilled to show you our custom-built boats that are made with meticulous attention to detail and functionality. We can assure you that owning your own customized boat is a feeling like no other!