Boat Dewinterization

Now that spring has arrived, boat owners all around the Great Lakes are readying their vessels for fishing, entertaining and cruising. However, since your boat has likely sat around idly in storage for several months in cold temperatures, it’s smart to take some time to de-winterize it and make sure that everything is in good working order before you set sail.

Collins Marine in Tonawanda is your western New York boat dealer and we’ve been here for 30 years, so we’ve seen many a New York winter come and go. As a result, we’ve got these handy boat dewinterization tips to help you get your boat ready for spring cruising on Lake Erie.

Check Oil & Fuel

Your engine is one of the most important components to look over when dewinterizing your boat. Old oil needs to be changed out for fresh, clean oil. As for your fuel tank, you’ll also want to make sure that you either fill up an empty tank or check the condition of your stabilized fuel, since gasoline can degrade over time. If your fuel was not stabilized, then whatever is in your tank needs to be drained and replaced with clean gasoline.

Examine Your Battery

Batteries are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. The best way to ensure that your battery doesn’t lose its charge over winter is to remove it and place it on a tender in a warm, dry place. Hopefully, you did this. Either way, you’re going to need to check over your battery now and use a tester to make sure it’s still got a charge. Examine the terminals and clean off any corrosion (a little corrosion is acceptable, but really corroded batteries need to be replaced) before you check the wire connections.

Inspect Your Exterior

Walk around your boat and look for any glaring signs of disrepair. Some areas of concern include mold or mildew on carpeting and vinyl seating, signs of pest infestation, corroded or rusted metal and any cracks in your gel coat. You don’t want to go out on the water with any of these issues unaddressed.

Replenish Safety Gear

Now is a great time to check over all your safety gear and make sure it’s in good shape. Examine your personal flotation devices for any sun damage or tears that render them useless. Go through your first-aid kit and stock up on any ointments, medications or bandages needed. Make sure your registration and insurance are up-to-date and that you’ve got a functional fire extinguisher on board too.

Remember that you can always get in touch with the Collins Marine service department if you’ve uncovered some boat maintenance issues that could use the eye of a professional. We can schedule you an appointment and get your boat all fixed up and ready to go. If you’re looking to buy a new boat instead, visit our dealership in Tonawanda, NY, to take a look at our inventory of new and used boats for sale. Collins Marine proudly serves the greater Buffalo, NY, metropolitan area.