Boat Maintenance Tips: Preparing For Winter

A person’s hand inspecting a silver boat propeller in El Paso.

With summer and fall nearly behind us and cold weather ahead, it’s important to prepare your boat for winter. Proper maintenance and winterization will help protect your boat from the changing elements and have it ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

If you need boat repair in El Paso, Southwest RV Repair is here to help. Contact us online or call (575) 332-1068 to learn more about our services.

Inspect the Fuel System 

Few parts of your boat will take as much of a hit due to repeated use as your fuel system. From corrosion and rust to leaks and clogs, there’s a lot that can go wrong with your fuel system, requiring El Paso boat repair. Therefore, before you put your boat away for winter storage, check the fuel system for leaks, clogs, and corrosion, and make any necessary repairs. 

Check the Propeller 

Along with the fuel system, your propeller gets subjected to the most use, wear, and tear. Therefore, you should pay extra attention to them as you’ve been using your boat the last few times this year. If they aren’t performing as well as they should, start by giving them a thorough cleaning. If they still aren’t performing up to par, you may require boat repair next spring. 

Prep the Hull and Topsides

While performance and mechanicals are important, so is having a boat that looks sharp and spiffy. Therefore, don’t forget to make any necessary repairs or changes to the hull and topsides. Here are a few things you may need to do: 

  • Fresh paint job 
  • Waxing and sealing 
  • Compounding 
  • Fix flooring issues 

Essentially, you should do whatever you need to do to have your boat looking and working its best next spring. Contact us for more hull and topside advice!

Other Essential Winterizing Tips and Tricks 

In addition to paying close attention to the hull, topside, props, and fuel system, here are a few other boat winterization tips and tricks. 

  • Tend to any El Paso boat repair needs before storage 
  • Change the oil and the oil filter 
  • Check the fuel bulb, filters, and water separator and change them if necessary 
  • Replace your water impeller 
  • Fog the engine 
  • Flush each of your water systems and replace the plugs if necessary 
  • Check all your belts, wires, rotor caps, and hose clamps for problems 
  • Remove the battery and place it on a trickle charger if you don’t plan to use your boat all winter 

Boat Repair in El Paso

As you can see, a lot goes into preparing your boat for an El Paso winter. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, you can contact Southwest RV Repair for boat winterization services. We can also attend to all your boat repair needs before putting it away for the year! Call (575) 332-1068 today.

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