With winter coming to a close, it is almost time to get back out on the water! Hopefully, during the winter, you winterized your boat to avoid any damages that the cold weather can bring. Now, we are going to give you some tips on how to winterize your boat! Tip #1, Bring your boat to Gull Boats & RV for professional De-Winterizing!
Check the Engine & Refill the Cooling System
Checking the engine first is essential after taking the tarp off. Since the engine has been sitting for a few months, an oil change and an inspection of the outdrive should be done.
If you winterized your boat, the cooling system should be drained. That means you’ll need to refill the system before heading out. One of our team members can do this for you!
Check Water Pumps and Thermostats
After the winter, water pumps may need to be replaced as it keeps water flowing down to cool your engine. If it needs to be replaced, now is the time to do so. Checking the thermostat is also very important. This regulates the water temperature and if it’s defective, your engine could be in trouble.
Inspect Cables and Hoses
Hoses and cables go through some wear and tear as usage increases. So as you are de-winterizing, inspect the cables and hoses to make sure they are secure and there is no breakage along them. The cold weather can seriously damage these hoses and cables, resulting in some hefty expenses. The fuel and coolant hoses are very important to check, as these rubber parts can crack and cause some serious trouble if not taken care of properly.
Check Your Battery
A battery check should also be done when de-winterizing your boat. If not de-winterized, you may end up with a dead battery while you are on your next boating adventure! The battery loses power during the winter months of no usage, so having someone check it out would be advised!
Clean the Distributor
Distributors have a tendency to corrode during the cold winter months. Salt and other gunk can build up and cause corrosion on the distributor. If not taken care of properly, you may end up having to replace your distributor!
Check the Fuel System
The cold temperatures that come in the winter can cause the fuel lines to easily crack, as they are made mostly of rubber. Fuel filters can also become damaged and should be inspected. Also, if you didn’t put any additives in the fuel system to prevent fuel separation or water contamination, you may be in trouble! Don’t worry, you can always have someone from Gull check it out for you.
Inspect the Bilge Pump
The bilge pump should always be checked upon de-winterizing. Water can get trapped in the boat and during the winter, it may freeze and cause cracks and breaks. The bilge keeps your boat afloat, so if there are any damages, you are at risk of a sinking boat!
The Best Thing Of All
This may seem like a lot of work, so your best bet is to bring your Boat into Gull Boats & RV and let our trained professionals in our service department handle it for you! No Hassle, No Problems!
If you are looking to purchase a boat now that winter is going away, check out Gull Boats and RV! We offer a wide selection of both new and pre-owned boats that are perfect for those who are ready to take on the open waters! For more information, check out our website, give us a call at 406-549-6169, or visit our store!
