Preparing your boat for the coming winter months can make a big difference in your bottom line – and how fast you get back in the water next year. There’s a lot that goes into winterizing your boat. Engine coolant, fuel lines, oil, and maintenance repairs are very important to address. If you’re not comfortable doing all the mechanical checks, your licensed marine tech at your Bethlehem, PA boat dealer can help. There are, however, some simple things you can do that are just as important for your boat. Here’s how you can get ready for winter.

Be Clean and Green

Once you haul your boat, clean off all algae, barnacles, and marine debris with a phosphate-free cleaner safe for marine environments. If you need to power wash your boat, have a large pad or tarp under it to catch paint chips or rust flakes. You can use it to catch oil drips too if you’re changing the oil yourself. Put the old oil in an enclosed container for your marine recycling center to dispose of properly. Treat the gasoline with fuel stabilizer and run the engine to work it through. Don’t forget to empty your sewage and plumbing compartments to prevent freeze damage. Propylene glycol is an ideal nontoxic antifreeze to fill the pipes.

Protect and Plan Ahead

Some boat owners shrink wrap their boats, while others store them in enclosed sheds. However you store it, always put the cover on. Make sure that air can get in to reduce mildew buildup. Remove the wheels to prevent rot and boat theft. Finally, it doesn’t hurt to review your boat insurance policy with an agency like Saucon Insurance Agency and update it as needed. That’s one less thing to worry about over the winter!

Winterizing your boat takes time and elbow grease, but is well worth it. And for all your Bethlehem, PA boat policy needs, you can count on Saucon Insurance Agency to help navigate the waters of insurance.