Among the long list of decisions to make as colder temperatures force their way into our daily lives, one thing stands out.
What do you do with your boat?
Winterization has been the top plan for decades because, well … it works.
And while it sounds expensive to do all the things and pay for the goods to properly get a vessel fixed up for winter, it could be well worth it.
Hey, there’s nothing worse than paying to fix problems when less money probably would have prevented anything bad from happening when you use your boat the most.
And to be honest, none of the things you can do cost all that much – especially in comparison to breaking down while on the water.
One constant this time of year is the basics of making a choice.
While they won’t be in bathing suits and flip flop temperatures until late in the spring, it’s still very much boat-worthy weather.
If you are a diehard angler, the choice is clear – you’re likely to fish all year long, so why bother with winterization. Keep things up to date and in working order like you would your truck and you should be good to go.
For the opposite end of the spectrum, the decision is equally easy – clean things up, change fluids, fill them up and put fuel stabilizer in the gas tanks, spray WD40 on exposed wiring and hookups, and give things a good going over to find any issues.
While it can be done just prior to the boating season, there is no harm in changing the lower unit lubricant. Many remove the propeller and look for signs of problems – greasing things up before reattaching.
If your boat sits on a trailer during the coldest time of year, do all these things, cover it all up and count the days until time to splash her again.
If your boat lives in the water moored to a dock, things are more related to monthly upkeep – especially since a boat already in the water is more likely to get used on a warm couple of days and the trout are biting.
Some folks go the extra mile and keep their vessel stored inside, out of the elements – like those here at the Boatel.
For those who have the know-how and do these things themselves, they’re all set. If you are close to gaining the skill level, various boating companies and websites have laminated lists of what needs to be done. Some even sell kits that have just about everything you’ll need.
And if you are a newbie or just want to make sure you are doing things properly, come see our team for advice, help, or to take care of all of it.
Our folks perform winterizations at several different levels and help you decide what will work best for your boat.
And whatever the case may be, pick a route and do what it takes. If that’s not working out for you, try another path.
Yep, spending the money right before the holidays kind of hurts. But trust me, it won’t be nearly as painful as fixing something major during the middle of the season.
To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
