First Coast Marine Services

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Why should I winterize my boat?

The number one reason to winterize a boat is the possibility of a broken engine block or manifold, intake or exhaust. In this area a broken or cracked block is diffidently a possibility during the winter. Before winter storage blocks, manifolds and all other water systems on the boat must be properly drained.

Followed closely by fuel going stale. In the worst case scenario this will cause your engine to burn pistons, crack cylinder heads, damage valves, and blow head gaskets among other very costly things. The reason for this is that a marine engine operates in such a heavily loaded state at all times. Just think of your car going up a steep hill all-day-long! You can clearly see how the stress is increased dramatically under these conditions. In the lease case it will lose octane and water will condense in it over the winter. This will lead to corrosion of the fuel system, hard starting, poor idling, frequent stalling. And it won't have any power either.

Fuel stabilizers are an option for short term storage but must be used at the very start of storage. Also, boat manufacturers do not recommend the use of stabilizers for more than three months.

Batteries must be fully charged, disconnected, and protected from freezing. You also need to top the charge every 30 to 45 days to assure a long battery life. A battery allowed to fully discharge and sit in storage for even a few weeks will not charge and provide the rated current. This can leave you with a battery that will not start your boat when you are ready to return to port.

Call Eric (904) 563-3885

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