Winter Prep

The Complete Guide to Winterizing Your Boat

Don't be caught off guard when temperatures drop — this thorough guide walks you through the entire winterization process, whether your boat is headed to the yard or staying in the water.

The guide is built around two main sections, so you only need to read what applies to you: Part A covers everything about haul-out storage — from booking your yard slot, bottom cleaning, and blocking/support, to choosing between shrink wrap, a frame cover, or a tarp, and deciding whether to unstep the mast. Part B is for anyone leaving the boat in the water over winter — covering bubblers and de-icers, bilge pumps, high-water alarms, heating, and mooring lines, so you can avoid the costly surprises that ice and freezing can cause.

You'll also get a shared prep section covering the engine, fuel, cooling system, batteries, and plumbing — laid out step by step so nothing gets missed — plus a handy summary table you can use as a checklist, and a section of tips to make spring commissioning easier.

What's included:

• A complete walkthrough of engine, fuel, and cooling system winterization

• A comparison of storage options: shrink wrap, frame covers, and tarps

• Everything you need on ice protection and in-water storage systems

• A checklist-style summary table for quick reference

• Written in clear, practical language — no unnecessary jargon