Think Texas winters are too mild for boat winterizing? Think again.
Even in the Lone Star State, unexpected cold snaps can wreak havoc on your boat. Prepare in advance and don't let a sudden freeze catch you off guard.
Texas has even been known to lead the pack with seven times the freeze-damage claims compared to Minnesota, according to BoatUS. Northerners know the drill: winterize or pay the price. But in the South, many are lulled into a false sense of security as milder winters are more typical.
"Most of those who don't winterize, or don't winterize properly, only find out something is wrong in the spring when brown froth starts spewing through a crack in the side of the engine block, or what looks like chocolate milk appears on the dipstick. Repairing freeze damage takes time and all too often, involves a complete engine replacement. By the time the boat is in working order, a good part of the boating season will have been lost." - BoatUS
What is winterizing?
Winterizing is preparing your boat for the coming cold weather. Different models and sizes of watercraft require different steps, and an expert's input is valuable when it comes to the process.
If you want to make sure you don't miss a step, there is the option of hiring an experienced professional. If you're hiring someone to winterize your boat, insist on a written contract that clearly lists every job necessary to protect your boat, according to BoatUS. Include language that specifies not to dewinterize until you authorize it in case something comes up and you won't be using the boat through the next winter.
If you're on a Brazos River Authority reservoir, and someone plans to come to you, the BRA has a list of approved companies that can winterize your watercraft to help you protect your investment and ensure the work is done in a way that safeguards our reservoir's water quality.
- Lake Granbury Office: (817) 573-3212
- Lake Limestone Office: (903) 529-2141
- Possum Kingdom Lake Office: (940) 779-2321
To begin, consult your owner's manuals for manufacturer's recommendations on winterizing your boat and other systems.
Here are a few tips to help winterize your watercraft.
If possible, store your boat in an indoor climate-controlled facility. If this option is too expensive or unavailable, boat owners can also haul the boat out of the water and store it ashore. If you decide to store in the water, your job is to prevent thru-hulls from allowing water in (close all but cockpit drains), be certain your bilge pump works well (test it by putting some water in the bilge and letting the float switch actuate), and make sure your boat is tied so strong winds can't bang it against the dock (use long spring lines and have chafe guards on every line), according to BoatUS.
Make sure to get aaaallllllll the water out before you put it up. Water expands by almost 10% when it freezes.
"If your raw-water cooling system holds, say, 10 quarts of water, when it freezes, there will suddenly be an extra quart inside under great pressure, with nowhere to go. It's enough pressure to destroy a manifold, wreck a refrigerator, and even crack an engine block like an eggshell," according to BoatUS.
Change the oil in the engine before putting it up. Fog gasoline engines to protect against rust. Don't forget the interior and remove expensive electronics, fishing gear, and any other loose equipment. And don't use a heater to winterize your boat.
For a detailed guide on winterizing your watercraft, there are several available online guides, including this one from BoatUS and this one from Discover Boating.
Keep your hard work and your boat safe by covering it. Tarps are a popular option.
Watercraft are expensive. Don't skip essential maintenance and upkeep because you have a hunch the weather won't be that bad this winter.