What is Included in a Boat and Jetski Winterization?
Properly winterizing your boat or jetski is important to prevent potential issues in the future when Spring rolls around and you’re ready to get back on the water. At the Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop, located in Ocean Pines, MD we have a process to complete your winterization to ensure your watercraft does not get damaged by the potentially harsh winter weather in the Eastern Shore area.
Here is what is included with winterizations completed by Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop, keep in mind that a few of the steps below may not pertain to your watercraft ie. no gear oil replacement on a personal watercraft.
Add Fuel Stabilizer to Gas Tank:
To begin Winterization, a fuel stabilizer is added to the fuel tank. This is to help the fuel from going bad over the winter which can cause issues in the Spring.
Oil & Oil Filter Change: (optional but recommended)
Our service department recommends changing the oil and oil filter in the fall prior to winter storage. This will help to lubricate and coat the engine with fresh oil that contains rust inhibitors, which will help extend the life of the engine. removes the acid, which can cause corrosion and other damage to the precision surfaces inside the engine.
Change Lower Unit Gear Oil Change:
The lower unit gear oil gets drained and replaced. This is to eliminate any water and metal shavings that may be in there due to using your boat. Fresh oil is always best to help prevent expensive damage.
Grease Fittings:
The steering shaft and pivot shaft grease nipples of your outboard engine will be greased along with any other grease fittings. This is to prevent items from corroding or locking up as they sit over the winter. The grease will help prevent saltwater intrusion and the wearing of the components during the boating season.
Run Antifreeze Through Water Lines:
Water will be blown out and drained prior to running antifreeze through the systems. There will almost always be some water so to prevent it from freezing and cracking which can cause damage to your engine, the antifreeze will be run through the water lines to prevent it from freezing. This will be run through all waterlines on your boat/Jetski where water sits to prevent freezing and expansion, protecting your boat’s systems from damage.
Spray CRC on Engine:
Spraying this on and around your engine, wiring harness, battery terminals, and engine compartment adds a protective film to help prevent rust and corrosion while helping to lubricate those items.
Pull out and Charge Battery:
Lastly, the battery(s) will be pulled out, the terminals get cleaned and the battery will be put on charge. Once charged, it will be stored indoors.
Wash and Cover Watercraft:
After your watercraft is winterized, it will be washed, dried, covered, or shrink-wrapped and then put into storage. Washing off any dirt, debris, oil, or smells from the bay will help to prevent rodents from wanting to get inside your watercraft during the winter. It is recommended to take everything off of your boat prior to storing it. Check out our blog,
Once over For Obvious Issue:
During the winterization process, our certified mechanic will be giving your watercraft a once-over for Obvious issues/ potential issues. Depending on the severity, the work may be done in the Spring. This allows time to discuss it with the owner, order the parts, and wait for the delivery (parts can take a while these days). This will all be noted in our system and will be added to the Spring Prep Work Order and completed prior to you receiving the watercraft back.
Protect your investment by properly Winterizing your watercraft. You’ll be thankful you did come springtime.
Posted In