Batteries.

1. Shut off all breakers battery switches
2. Mark the battery cables and posts clearly.
3. Remove the batteries from the boat.
4. Place them in an area where they will not freeze, on a piece of plywood, not on concrete and where the acid smell will not be a problem.
5. Place them on a trickle charger, if multiple batteries were hooked up together, then charge them that way also.
6. Cycle the charger to a higher setting i.e. 10 amps for a couple hours once every two or three weeks. Do not leave the batteries charging unattended it on a high setting. There is a risk of fire or explosion.

Fuel Systems.

Follow the manufacturers direction on the proper shut down and winterizing of your engine, fuel system, filters, pumps, water separators, injectors, and so on. The time well spent here will aid in a quick start up next boating season. Helpful items;

1. Fuel, separator filters
2. Two stroke motor oil
3. Storage seal

Fuel Tank.

Assuming you tank is in good condition, you should store the boat with a full tank of fuel. Before you fill the tank, you must add fuel conditioner to the tank. If you do not, the fuel may degrade over the off season. The boat will run poorly, and in a worst case scenario, detonation may damage the engine itself. A full tank will reduce condensation in the tank. During the off season check the boat periodically for fuel smell. If it is present then the tank or connections to the tank may be leaking.

Use the correct ratio of fuel conditioner. Most are sold for people who have lawnmowers, motor bikes and similar vehicles. Boats usually have larger tanks. You will need to buy more than one, if you have a large boat.

Cold weather preparation.

If you live in a climate where it goes below freezing or can go below freezing, you must prepare the boat for winter especially the engine(s.) One mechanic suggested I could get recycled anti-freeze coolant from large truck repair centers in bulk amounts and cycle it through the whole engine. I have not been able to get this and have not tried it, although it sounds like a good idea.

I do know of one person who purchased a relatively large amount of antifreeze, mixed it, then used the engine hose attachment with a gravity feed to cycle the coolant through the legs and into the engine. I would recommend if you do this, to warm up the engines prior to feeding the antifreeze in, so that the engine thermostats are open. Otherwise you may get antifreeze in the exhaust manifolds, but not in the engine block itself.

If you check your insurance, most DO NOT COVER damage due to freezing engine blocks etc. you are supposed to drain them.

I like to drain mine right after I have winterized the motor fuel systems. The water is warm, but all the hoses are nice and flexible, easy to work with.

If you do not have closed cooling, you must drain everything including the water pump, which is also the fuel pump assembly on many modern Mercruisers.

After I have drained everything, I clamp everything back up then I like to top up the hoses and engine with an anti-freeze mix, just in case there is a little water pooled in unreachable places.

Check your fluids

Before you close the hatch and button the boat away check all the fluids and top them up. Power steering, hydraulics, trim pumps etc. Higher fluid levels will reduce condensation and will help you spot any potential leaks and problems when you de-winterize next season. Using a lightly oiled rag to wipe down any caps or lids before you close them will help to reduce rusting over the winter.

Radios and Stereos

This applies more to entertainment systems rather than communication equipment. Many amplified stereo systems installed in boats are automotive varieties which have been slightly modified to be installed in marine vessels. Many of these, such as tape decks, amplifiers and CD players are subject to corrosion from condensation and salt water in their more sensitive areas. They can be modified by yourself or professionals to have quick connects and harness plugs installed on the electrical hookups, so that the components can be removed and stored in a warm dry place during the off season.