Getting Back on the Water: A De-Winterizing Checklist for Your Boat
After a long, cold winter, nothing feels better than getting back out on the water in your boat!
However, if you live in a place where temperatures drop below freezing, winterizing your boat in
the fall and de-winterizing it in the spring are an inevitable part of boat ownership.
De-winterizing your boat (also known as “spring commissioning”) provides an ideal opportunity
to give your boat and engine a thorough checkup and make sure any issues are taken care of now,
before they can sideline you this summer.
Here’s a checklist to refer to when you talk with your marine service provider about de-
winterizing your boat or do the work yourself.
(Pro tip: Book this service as far ahead as possible – it’s one of the busiest times of the year for the yard!)
- Remove the cover. If your boat was shrink-wrapped, ask your yard if they can have the
cover recycled. If you DIY’d shrink-wrapping the boat, check plasticfilmrecycling.org/ to
find a recycling location. If you used a canvas boat cover, check for tears and clean it
before putting it away to ensure it won’t lose its waterproofing capability. - Check for damage. Even if the cover protected the hull and topsides from the elements,
check for damage caused by water accidentally left in the water lines, sanitation system
or live well freezing and expanding. Also inspect the boat’s interior to be sure trapped
humidity hasn’t caused any rust, corrosion or mold growth. - Commission the engine(s). Whether you have an outboard-, inboard- or sterndrive-
powered boat, change the engine oil and filter (if not done in the fall); check
transmission, coolant and power-steering fluid levels and top up as needed. Inspect belts
and hoses for cracks and looseness, check the running gear and propeller(s) for damage,
and repair if necessary. - Fuel System. Even if fuel stabilizer was added during winterization, check to be sure no
water contamination occured over the winter. Top off the fuel tank. - Electrical system. Clean battery terminals and check for corrosion. If you removed the
batteries in the fall, charge and reinstall them. Inspect electrical-system wiring for
damage. Test all of the lights, communications, electronics and entertainment equipment
to make sure it’s working properly. - Water system & plumbing. Flush all antifreeze out of the system. Check hoses, pumps
and connectors for leaks. Inspect seacocks and thru-hull fittings. Test the freshwater
system by running the faucets, shower, and head. - Freshen the interior. If your boat has a cabin, open windows and ports, doors and
cabinets and air it out. Check for mold or mildew in hidden as well as open spaces. Wash
any linens left on board. Bring back items removed for winter storage. Spring-clean the
interior. - Wash & wax the exterior. Even if the boat was shrink-wrapped, it will need a thorough
wash. Clean and inspect seat upholstery, canvas and deck hardware, including the
anchoring system. Bring back hoses, docklines, fenders and other equipment from storage
and replace any that are damaged. Check the hull for cracks or blisters that may have
occurred over the winter. Wax the hull to protect it for the season ahead. - Inspect the safety equipment. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace
batteries as needed. Make sure fire extinguishers and flares are up to date, and check life
jackets for wear and tear. If your kids have outgrown their PFD over the winter, buy one
that fits! - Do a sea-trial. Before you invite family or friends for that first spring boating adventure,
take the boat for a short shake-down cruise. While you are still at the dock, listen to the
engine to make sure it sounds okay. After you cast off, check the steering, watch the
gauges, and turn on the electronics. Feel for any vibrations.
With everything on board clean and shipshape, you are ready for the summer!