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With summer coming to an end and the winter season just around the corner, many boaters are beginning to prepare their boats for storage. Taking a few simple steps to preserve your boat during the off-season can save you tons in the long run. Progressive, a leading boat insurer, offers these slip-proof tips for winterizing your boat:

• Get your engine winter-ready

First drain the water from the engine completely and fill the cooling system with environmentally safe antifreeze. Remove the spark plugs and fog cylinders, and wipe down the engine with fogging oil or a similar moisture displacing lubricant.
 

• Check your fluids

Change the oil and filter, and ensure fuel tanks contain stabilizer and are filled to the desired level. And don’t forget the lower unit. If there is any water left in the lower unit, it can freeze and cause the unit to crack.
 

• Remove the battery

Maintain the battery’s charge and keep it conditioned through the winter by removing it from the boat and storing it properly.
 

• Show your love

Check on your boat periodically during the winter months.

• Keep your boat sufficiently covered

If you are using a standard canvas or plastic cover, make sure it is properly secured and sturdy enough to handle any snow build-up. For added protection against the winter wind and snow, look no further than trusty shrink wrap, which can be used to cover exposed areas of the boat. If possible, apply shrink wrap or another covering to the tongue, trailer jack and winch.

• Keep your boat from “going condo”

To keep birds, rodents or other vermin from using your boat as their winter residence, make sure there are no possible entrances, and spread a deterrent like mothballs throughout the vessel.
 

• Check your insurance policy

Make sure you’re properly protected in case your boat is stolen or damaged in the off-season. A stand-alone boat insurance policy can give you that protection. If you’ve made upgrades to your power or other permanent equipment, don’t forget to update your policy!


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