Many boat owners do not want to go through the hassle of properly winterizing their boat and just let it slide. They do not want to put any extra money into the boat before it sits unused for the next several months. Unfortunately, those that do not realize the true importance of winterizing their boats could be in for a rude awakening when they try to use their boats the following spring. They could find a number of problems that could have easily been avoided by having Miss Tootie Boat Works properly winterize their boat.
Whether you have a sailboat or a power boat winterizing is important, and it is one of the least expensive things you can do to a boat.
Here are a few reasons that you should winterize your boat before it gets too cold.
1. Avoid Engine Problems
The engine of the boat is the most critical piece of equipment. There are a number of steps that you need to take before cold weather comes in order to prevent your engine from further damage. You want to remove any fluid that is water based and to fill any fluid that is petroleum based. When water freezes, it expands. Removing the water will prevent the cracking. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be maintained in a similar manner to the automobile. First of all, change the oil. Then make sure that the fuel tank is filled. A full fuel tank prevents condensation within the tank. You may also want to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid. While you think that it might save you some time and money to skip this step in the fall, it will end up costing you a lot more money after winter is over.
2. Avoid Busy Season
When you fail to properly winterize your boat before it gets cold, you will undoubtedly cause some serious problems somewhere on the boat. Many people will even avoid costly repairs before winter because they know that the boat is just going to sit until spring. However, this is not the smartest strategy as boat mechanics are traditionally swamped during the spring and early summer when everyone gets going again. You may not be able to get a mechanic and if you do, they might charge you more. Address problems in the fall when mechanics are a little less busy.
3. Other Potential Damages
While the engine is important, it is not the only area of the boat that can be damaged by winter's freezing temperatures. You need to pay attention to the rest of the boat as well. Check the hull of the boat for stress fractures and address them now. Cold weather can split those little cracks wide open. It is also important to store your boat out of the weather. The easiest way to take it out of the weather is to store it in a building where it is protected from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, if you do not have your own storage place, this solution can be expensive. Another solution, while expensive, is more affordable than indoor storage is to shrink wrap the boat. While this may sound outlandish, it provides a barrier between your precious boat and the elements. In warmer climates where there is less risk of bad winter weather, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.
A boat is a costly investment that needs annual maintenance as winter approaches to prevent damage caused by winter weather. Specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once spring arrives.
Give Miss Tootie Boat Works a call to schedule your winterization now!
(214) 793-9127
Winterization without oil change $89.99 plus tax
Winterization with oil change $139.98 to $179.98 plus tax
