storage

Inboard Winter Storage Do’s and Don’ts

There are two important reasons to winterize your boat, preparing for long periods of inactivity and being proactive in protecting your investment from damage. Winterizing is preventive maintenance that is necessary for your boat’s survival not only in the winter months but in the summer months as well. Below are some helpful tips to protecting your valuable recreational asset during the off-season.

Give It a Full Tank of Fuel or Empty it
In the perfect world, you want no fuel in the tank but that is difficult to achieve sometimes. Bakes recommends adding a fuel stabilizer and fill your boat's fuel tank with premium, prior to stowing it away for the winter. Failing to do so will allow moisture in the air to condense on the sides of the fuel tank as the temperature changes causing water contamination in your fuel while the boat is stored.

Change Your Fluids!
It is crucial to your engine's health to replace your engine's fluids and filters. This will eliminate the chance for moisture and contaminate separation from the system while it sits and provides better overall protection for key internal parts. Do not forget your transmission ATF fluid, it is easy for moisture to get in the transmission from its open vent system mounted so low in the bilge. Swap out your transmission’s fluid with fresh to avoid the chance of corroded clutches and sticky gears. If your boat is equippe