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Getting Ready to Winterize

Sep 28, 2020
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It’s getting to be that dreaded time of year again… taking your boat out for winterization. It feels like last week was the first day of summer so we’re not sure how we got to this point of the temperature dropping and leaves starting to change. Either way, we want you to be prepared for winter and make sure your Robalo is properly winterized so you’ll be ready when summer returns.

We recommend having a qualified dealer perform winterization procedures on your boat, they can best recommend steps for lifting and cradling. It’s important to be thorough and not skip any steps. Read on for our top tips for general prep that you can get a jump on right now:

Dry Storage Preparation: 

  • Wash the deck and walkway surfaces. 
  • Clean all deck hardware, and apply a coat of rust inhibitor. 
  • Clean the indoor/outdoor carpet.  
  • Scrub hull thoroughly to remove marine growth, scum, and loose bottom paint. 
  • Inspect underwater gear and propeller for excessive wear or damage.
  • Consider applying a fresh coat of bottom paint. 
  • Remove hull drain plug; store it in a safe place. 
  • Allow bilge water to drain, raise the bow of the boat during a period of storage.

General To-Dos:

  • Clean boat interior including all cabinets. 
  • Lay all plastic cushions flat. 
  • Check for adequate air circulation around life jackets and other safety equipment left onboard.
  • Clean and dry bilge. Remove any materials such as rags, sponges, or other cleaning material.
  • Weather permitting, open all doors, hatches, portals, and windows to air out the interior for a day or two.
  • If covering the boat while in storage, use a cover constructed of fabric that allows for plenty of ventilation. 
  • Review procedures for winterizing engine and systems such as the generator, air conditioner, strainers, hot water heater, sump pump, Porta-Potti, head, holding tank, water tank, sewer system, and water systems. 

If you have any questions on the winterization of your Robalo, please refer to your owner’s manual for specifics or contact your dealer.