After a summer full of sun, lobster rolls, and days spent cruising through casco bay, it becomes time to prepare for the cold winter months. Because of the freezing temperatures the northeast is known for, it is essential to make sure you are prepared if storing your vessel somewhere that is exposed to the cold.

Start by reviewing your owner’s manual/manufacturer’s guide to make sure you are taking all necessary precautions for your specific vessel. The following are generic tips to help guide you, but the first step should always be to consult your manual and speak to a technician with any questions as different vessels may require different maintenance. Our neighbors at Portland Yacht Services are a great resource for all your winterization needs.

Flush your engine with fresh water and drain all the water out. You may choose to add antifreeze depending on the type of engine your vessel has.

You may consider changing your engine’s oil and fluids.

Add fuel to the fuel tank and consider adding fuel stabilizer. A near-full fuel tank will limit moisture from getting inside. Be careful not to overfill as fuel may expand and leak in warming temperatures.

Take time to drain any plumbing systems and add antifreeze. Ensure all water has been emptied from all parts of your vessel, including the head, bilge, fridge, etc. 

Opening cabinets and compartments is a good way of increasing ventilation and keeping mold and mildew from building up inside over the winter months. 

This is a good time to take a moment to check your PFDs, flares, fire extinguishers, and any other necessary equipment on board. 

Finally, you may choose to cover your vessel. One popular option is shrink wrap, which is a plastic cover that molds to your vessel and keeps the elements out. Some boaters do their own shrink wrap, but there are a number of local vendors who can perform this service for you. You may also use a canvas covering or tarp to cover your boat in the winter. 

Additional Winterization Resources: