1 October 2026
How to Prepare a Boat for Winter
Properly preparing a boat before an extended period out of use — commonly called winterization or lay-up — prevents most of the fuel, battery and corrosion problems that otherwise show up when the boat comes back into service.
Fuel system
Fuel left in the tank and system over winter can degrade, leading to starting and running problems in spring. How best to handle this depends on the fuel type and engine, so it's worth checking manufacturer guidance or asking a technician.
Battery
A battery left connected and unmaintained over winter is likely to be flat, or damaged, by spring. Depending on the setup, removing the battery for storage or arranging for it to be maintained over winter avoids this.
Cooling and corrosion protection
Where applicable to the engine, flushing with fresh water before storage helps reduce salt build-up. A general check for corrosion-prone points before lay-up makes it easier to catch anything that needs attention before it worsens over winter.
General lay-up check
A general inspection before storage — covering the engine, electrical system and hull — gives a clear picture of the boat's condition, and a useful baseline to compare against when it comes back into use.