Winterizing your boat - Sailors for the Sea

Winterizing your boat

 October 31, 2013  | By: Oceana

However if you live in New England like our staff, it is time to get your boat out of the water and prepare it for a long winter’s nap. We have a few tips for you on how to make winterizing your boat a little safer for you, your pets, and the environment! 

If you have bottom paint and plan to pressure wash your boat when it is hauled out, make sure there is a water containment system in place at your marina. This will ensure the harmful runoff does not end up directly in the water. If wash your boat at home use a tarp or wash pad to catch any debris and runoff.

Other tips include:

  • Use safe non-toxic marine engine antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, avoid automotive antifreeze, which is toxic and not needed in boats. It is important to note that antifreeze for water systems is particularly important to your health. Check out the West Marine Pure Oceans Line.
  • Never dump oil or other chemical pollutants down the storm drain – they usually lead back to the water you boat in! 
  • If you repaint your bottom this winter, consider switching to copper free bottom paint.
  • To learn more about eco-friendly winterization of your boat, read our past Ocean Watch Essay: Winterizing You Boat.