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• Pulled Over? What to Do
• Winter Driving Tips
• Summer Road Trips
• Winterize Your Boat

Winterize Your Boat to Save Time Next Spring

As the leaves change and the weather gets cooler, you know − as much as you may dread it − it's time to put your boat away for the winter. However, if you don't prepare your boat now, you could end up doing a lot of extra work to get back on the water in the spring.

Check out our list against your owner's manual to make sure you have everything covered:

• Flush your engine with fresh water.
  
  
• Change the oil in your engine and transmission, and replace the oil filter.
  
  
• Empty your fuel lines. If you wait until spring, old gasoline in your engine could cause all sorts of problems. Adding stabilizer may help, too.
  
  
• Run fogging oil through the engine to help protect the internal surfaces of the carburetor and cylinders.
  
  
• Touch up any dents, scratches and other damage on the outside of your boat to help minimize rust and keep your boat looking its best.
  
  
• Clean the interior and check to make sure that you've removed your valuables. Don’t forget to take your:
  • Electronics
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Extra food
    
    
• Cover your boat to store it somewhere through the cold months.
  
  
• Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have your boat correctly covered.

It make take a little extra effort to winterize your boat now, but you'll get her back on the water that much quicker next spring.