Winter Storage and Boat Ramp Prep: Pre-Season Checklist

Winter storage essentials

If you're trailering the boat out of the water for winter:

Fuel system

• Stabilized fuel: Add fuel stabilizer if boat sits more than 30 days. Fill the tank to prevent condensation.
• Drain without stabilizer: If you didn't add stabilizer, siphon old fuel completely. Old fuel gums up carburetors.
• Run the engine: With stabilizer, run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate treatment through fuel lines and injectors.

Cooling system

• Flush with fresh water: Run the engine on a freshwater hose for 30 seconds to clear salt/mud from the cooling passages.
• Replace coolant: If you're stored in a freezing climate (rare in Florida), flush the system and add RV antifreeze.

Oil

• Change before storage: Fresh oil provides winter corrosion protection. Drain the old oil while warm.
• Top off: A full crankcase prevents water condensation inside the engine during cold nights.

Battery

• Remove and store indoors: A battery left in a boat loses charge and can freeze (and explode) in sub-40°F weather.
• Trickle charge monthly: Keep it on a battery tender during winter to maintain charge.

Seals and gaskets

• Lubricate: Spray corrosion inhibitor on all metal parts, hinges, and trim.
• Don't skimp: One $8 can of WD-40 prevents $800 of rust repair.

Drain plugs and bilge

• Open drain plugs: Let water drain completely. Leave them out during storage.
• Bilge pump: Test it before storage. Ensure the discharge hose isn't kinked.

Pre-launch spring checklist

Three weeks before your first spring launch:

Battery

• Charge fully (12.6V minimum)
• Check connections (clean, tight)
• Test starting (should crank quickly)

Fuel

• Check color (clear = good, cloudy/dark = bad)
• Smell it (fresh fuel smells like fuel; stale smells sour)
• If in doubt, drain and refill with fresh fuel

Cooling system

• Top off coolant
• Run the engine on a freshwater hose (30 seconds minimum)
• Listen for abnormal noises (grinding, cavitation)

Oil and filters

• Check level (should be at max line)
• Change oil if more than 50 hours since last change
• Replace fuel filter (first-start issues often stem from a clogged fuel filter)

Vitals

• Drain plug: CLOSED (check three times)
• Belts: No fraying, cracks, or looseness
• Hoses: No cracks or soft spots
• Wiring: Corrosion-free, no chafing

Trailer

• Tire pressure: 35-50 psi (check placard on trailer)
• Tire condition: No cracks, bulges, or excessive wear
• Lights: Tail lights, brake lights, and clearance lights all working
• Wheel bearings: Spin the wheels; they should coast smoothly

Safety gear

• Life jackets: Check for mold, rot, or flat flotation
• Fire extinguisher: Pressure gauge in green zone, not expired
• Kill switch: Test it—engine should stop immediately
• Throwable flotation: Available and accessible

Launching day

1. Idle for 5 minutes before backing down. Let the engine warm up; thermostats close while cold. 2. Monitor the temperature gauge. It should rise to normal operating temperature (160-180°F) within 2 minutes. 3. Listen for pinging or knocking. Abnormal noise means stop and investigate; don't assume it'll clear once on the water. 4. Check for water in the bilge. Run the bilge pump before taking off. Water in the bilge on the ramp means investigate before launching.

After-launch flush

Even in fresh water, flush the cooling system within 30 minutes of returning:

1. Beach the boat (if safe) or idle to shallow water. 2. Connect a freshwater hose to the cooling intake (or use the flush fitting if equipped). 3. Run the engine at idle for 2-3 minutes.

This 3-minute routine prevents salt deposits, corrosion, and clogged cooling passages.

Seasonal timeline

December-January: Storage prep, winterization February: Battery charge check, fuel inspection March: Full pre-launch checklist, trailer servicing April-September: Post-launch freshwater flushes, monthly battery checks October-November: Final launch of season, final flush, winterization prep

A 30-minute pre-season check prevents 90% of ramp breakdowns. Don't skip it.