De-Winterize Your Boat: 3 Steps to Get Your Boat Ready for Spring
You ready to hit the lake in your Nautique boat?
Not so fast.
Before hitting the lake for the first time this Spring, it’s important to properly de-winterize your boat. Follow these tips from the service department at Buxton Marine in Lewisville, Texas to get your boat ready for the lake in no time:
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Before you do anything, be sure to do a visual inspection of the boat. If the boat is covered with a cover or tarp, inspect it for damage and note any issues. After lifting it off, carefully inspect the paint for chips, screws and fittings for rust, and the hull for cracks. And don’t forget about the trailer! Do the same in-depth inspection of the trailer and note any warped or rusted items that need replacing.
Step 2: Clean & Replace
After your boat has been out of commission for a season, mildew and unwanted creatures can creep into the boat, so give your boat a thorough wash and wax to really make it shine as you de-winterize your boat. Also, open up all of the compartments within and take stock off what’s inside. Check gear, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment to make sure it’s all there, in good working condition, and not expired. Throw out any items that you no longer need or are past their prime.
Step 3: Check the Mechanics.
Now that the physical part is done, it’s time to inspect the mechanics of your boat. First off, if you used potable anti-freeze in certain water systems of the boat, flush it out. Next, charge or replace the battery. If the boat sat for one season, then charge it and give it a go. If it has sat any longer than that, we would recommend replacing the battery. You’ll then want to check the engine, flush any old fuel that might still be in the system, and inspect filters, spark plugs, etc. Be aware of any strange sounds when you rev up the engine and seek professional boat service if any issues arise.
If you have any issues or questions about de-winterizing your boat, call our service department at Buxton Marine in Lewisville, Texas. As the best boat dealer in North Texas, our team services Nautique, MasterCraft, Malibu, Tige, and more on a regular basis, and we’re happy to help get your boat ready for Spring.
Good times ahead!