Winterizing Your Boat: What I Wish I Knew When I Started

A crisp breeze and the changing leaves signals the inevitable approach of winter. For boat owners in northern climates, this picturesque scene comes with a realization that it is time to winterize our beloved vessels. When I first bought our 1981 Hunter 33, I was a complete novice to sailing, let alone the intricate process of preparing a boat for the harsh Canadian winter months. Now, after personal experience and countless conversations with fellow boaters, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge that I wish I had when I first started. Let me share with you the ins and outs of winterizing your boat.

The Engine

Let’s start with the engine, proper engine care during winterization is crucial, and it’s not as daunting as it first appears.

Firstly, you need to run antifreeze through your engine’s cooling system. Why? Well, imagine what happens to water when it freezes – it expands. Now picture that happening inside your engine block. Trust me, the cost of antifreeze is nothing compared to replacing an engine.

While you’re at it, consider changing the oil. It seems counterintuitive to change the oil when you’re not going to use the boat for months. But here’s the thing: used oil contains contaminants that can corrode engine parts over the winter. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your boat is ready to go as soon as the ice melts.

Sails

Now, let’s talk about sails. While sails are tough, winter storage without proper care can significantly shorten their lifespan. It also creates more surface area for the winter storm to catch on and potentially unfurl or tear them. We have seen this on many vessels.

I always make sure to dry our sails thoroughly before storage. It’s also a great opportunity to inspect them for any damage such as small tears you barely noticed during the sailing season. Winter is the perfect time to address them before they become big problems.

Covering Your Boat

Covering your boat might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than just throwing a tarp over it. I remember my first attempt at covering our Hunter. I used a regular tarp to cover part of it, thinking it would do the job. I’m a little too cheap to pay for a proper custom-made canvas and feel guilty knowing that the shrink wrap is a single season use. But a few strong winds and the tarp was a tattered mess!

If I were to keep my sailboat in Canada season after season I would invest in a proper, breathable boat cover. Not only does it keep out snow and rain, but it also allows moisture to escape, preventing the dreaded mold and mildew. I use a support system under the cover to prevent water from pooling. Your cover (and your boat) will thank you. But if you are like me and want a budget alternative, the tarp is better than nothing. Plus the second time around I made sure it was more solid and didn’t have any areas where snow or rain could pool leading to tears.

Covering your boat also normally means removing canvas such as bimini and dodger to reduce windage and preserve its life.

Water and Waste Tanks

Water expands when it freezes, remember? This doesn’t just apply to your engine. Any water left in your freshwater or waste tanks can cause serious damage.

I make sure to drain all water systems thoroughly and run non-toxic antifreeze through them. This includes the water heater, and all the lines. Don’t forget to run some through the toilet which leads into the waste tanks either – empty, clean, and add antifreeze to these as well.

You might want to consider adding fluid to the bilge as well depending on the pumps installed.

Onboard Items

There are two ways of dealing with items left onboard during the winter months. If you have a warm house closeby it will insure the longevity of so many valuable and precious items.

Your gear will last longer and perform better if you give it a winter vacation off the boat. I’m talking about safety equipment, cushions and electronics too, the extreme cold drains the batteries completely. Canned goods should also be eaten or removed.+

On the other hand when your vessel is your house like me or you live a long way from where it is stored almost everything stays onboard. I always make sure that any food containing liquids is removed so that it doesn’t crack with the freezing temperatures. I leave moisture buckets to prevent more mildew from forming.

If you are aware of leaks seeping in areas (and don’t have a cover), which many boats have, ensure nothing is left near them. Alternatively put items in bags. I didn’t realise this but books can quickly become mold traps that you have to wipe before the following season. Now I bag them and don’t have the extra spring cleaning.

Thru-Hulls

Here’s something I didn’t even think about when I first started sailing – thru-hulls. These fittings allow water to pass through the hull of your boat, which is great when you’re on the water, but not so much when you’re trying to keep everything dry over winter.

I learned about the importance of closing these the hard way when I found a mud nest built in one of our thru-hulls come spring. I could no longer flush our toilet anymore and it wasn’t easy to unclog underwater. Now, I make sure to close all seacocks tightly before winter storage except this year… We all forget things on our checklist from time to time. It’s also a good idea to inspect and clean each fitting while you’re at it. You can even put steel wool inside.

The Learning Never Stops

There’s always something new to learn, especially when we purchased our new to us 1983 C&C Landfall 43. There was also a deck wash (unfunctional) which likely wasn’t properly winterised in the past. The world of boating is constantly evolving, with new products, techniques, and technologies emerging all the time.

Remember, winterizing your boat is ensuring that when spring comes around, you’re ready to hit the water without delay. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto your well-maintained boat on that first warm day of spring, knowing that you’re ready for another season of adventures on the water.

So as you sip that warm cup of coffee during the next winter storm, you can rest easy knowing your boat is snug and protected, waiting patiently for the return of sunny days and fair winds. Happy winterizing, and here’s to many more seasons of sailing ahead!

Anne Alexandra Fortin

Cory and Alex share their adventure with weekly videos on their YouTube channel “Wildly Intrepid Sailing” and share stories on their website www.wildlyintrepid.com . Their dream is to travel the world and to live without any regrets.