Originally posted on the Barletta Boats website.
Where do you live? Are you in a state that gets chilly in the winter? Do temps dip down below zero mid-January, leaving you dreaming of the boating season? Is your hometown known for the hot sun and warm temps? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, chances are, you will need to winterize your boat at some point throughout its lifetime. That’s right, even those who get to bask in the sun most days out of the year need to be aware of boat winterization.
So, what’s the rule of thumb? At what point is it time to close up shop? Are you prepared for this next step —and, more importantly, where to turn? We’re going to dig into all things winterization so you’re ready for the cold, boatless months ahead.
What is Winterization?
Winterization is the process of preparing your boat for winter storage, and in many cases, it’s the opportunity to perform annual maintenance that’s necessary to keep your pontoon running well throughout the boating season. Before the boat goes into storage, it’s critical to prepare the engine and the boat for harsh weather ahead. There are a handful of steps to take to complete this process, and skipping a step could lead to big problems if not done right.
Why is Winterization Important?
The process of winterizing the entire pontoon boat is important because if not prepared for harsh, freezing temperatures, issues can arise with multiple systems in your boat. For instance, the engine is a main component that should be handled with care. If you don’t get all of the water out of the engine, you could face a cracked block once the water freezes and this will ruin the engine in no time. Other components in the engine should be addressed at this time as well. This is an opportune time to have an oil change performed and any other items addressed so the boat is water-ready once the warm weather comes back around.
Winterizing the interior is also important. Making sure all the trash is removed from those long days on the sandbar can be critical in keeping pests out of the boat. You don't want raccoons making a comfy home by digging their way into the furniture on board.
It’s also important to protect the boat depending on where it will be stored. If it’s outside, you will need more than just the mooring cover to handle snow and ice. What if you’re not up against snow and ice but more of a cold rain type of situation? You should still prepare the boat for the off-season, no matter where you live.
When to Winterize your Boat
If you live in a cold climate, winterizing your pontoon boat is nearly non-negotiable. Freezing temperatures and harsh weather will wreak havoc on a boat that’s not properly prepared for the elements. This is especially true if winter temps dip into the 30s or lower. Anything under 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to the water systems in your engine, as it’s vulnerable to potential freezing temperatures. The same is true for your toons in some cases.
Leaving a pontoon boat in a body of water that will freeze over has the potential to damage the aluminum toons. The pressure from freezing water and shifting ice can crush the metal tubes if it becomes strong enough. Even those who live closer to the equator should consider winterizing their boat if there’s even a chance for snow and ice. For instance, when Texas saw unexpected freezing weather last winter, there were many engines damaged due to not being winterized.
The Steps of Winterization
There are a few different ways you can go about winterizing your pontoon boat. First, let’s talk about who should be winterizing your boat. The safest option is to have a dealer winterize the engine. Their service teams know best when it comes to preparing the motor for winter.
There are a few things that you can easily tackle yourself, however.
Once you pull the boat out of the water, it’s a great time to clean up the toons. This is also a great time to go through the boat and make sure all trash and damp items, such as life jackets or wet leaves, are removed. When it comes to leftover trash, even the smallest crumbs left behind will attract unwanted pests, who are capable of doing a lot of damage to the interior
Hopefully, you’ve got a storage spot already nailed down; if not, shrink wrap is a great way to secure your boat through the winter months and most dealerships offer this service. If you’re storing the boat indoors, it is recommended to add a tarp over the mooring cover. This helps shield the cover, even in a storage facility.
The Countdown is On
Once the boat is prepared for winter and tucked away in storage, it’s time to start counting the days until boat season. Since you winterized the motor, cleaned the exterior and cleared out the interior, you will be water-ready once the temps heat up again.
This is a dealer's busy season, and they are working overtime to make sure everyone has a boat at their dock at the beginning of the season. Patience is important! Get ahead of it by contacting them in advance. This ensures you’re being the best partner you can be to your dealer.
Some boats will require preparation before they’re dropped back into the water for boating season. Talk to your dealer about what that process entails so that you’re aware of the timeline and actions required to get your boat out on the water for another boating season.