If you keep your boat in California year-round, how to winterize your boat depends largely on where you live. If you store your boat in a cold, mountainous, hillside, canyon or desert area, you should take proper winterization measures. If you live in Southern California or the central coast, may use your boat year-round, and don’t want to “winterize†it. Still, it’s a good idea to perform yearly maintenance on your boat – and pay close attention to the weather.
If you’re in Tahoe or other areas where it regularly freezes, you should perform the same boat winterization measures you would if you were living in Michigan. This means changing the oil and filter, adding fuel stabilizer, draining the block, adding antifreeze, checking plugs, belts, hoses, the battery and fuel line, etc. It’s also important to protect the exterior of your boat. Fiberglass is extremely susceptible to cold, and can crack if it’s not properly covered and stored. This is why a good boat cover is a must. It’s also a good idea to store your boat in a garage, if possible.  Because all boats are different, check your owner’s manual for full boat winterization instructions and follow them to the letter.
If you live more temperate areas of Southern California, it’s still a good idea to perform yearly boat maintenance, as described in your manual.
Taking proper winterization precautions is a must for all California boaters. Doing so can save you time and money when the thaw comes.
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The above information is derived from sources we believe to be accurate and reliable. It may however be incomplete. For complete information regarding these topics consult your owner’s manual or repair professional.
