It is recommended that you powerwash the hull of the boat and inspect it for any damage.

Run the engine until it is warmed up and change the oil while the engine is still warm. This allows impurities to be flushed away with the oil. Change the oil filter also. Flush the engine first with water and let all the water drain from the engine. Wash the engine with soap and water. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all the fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil (purchase at your marine store) to coat the cylinders and to lubricate the walls and pistons. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Place "fogging oil" into each cylinder by removing each spark plug and spraying it in. Or you can spray it directly into the carburetor while the engine is running. Wipe the engine down.

Flush the engine first with water and let all the water drain from the engine. Wash the engine with soap and water. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all the fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil (purchase at your marine store) to coat the cylinders and to lubricate the walls and pistons. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Place "fogging oil" into each cylinder by removing each spark plug and spraying it in. Or you can spray it directly into the carburetor while the engine is running. Wipe the engine down.

Inspect the stern drive for any barnacles and remove them from the lower unit. Wash thoroughly. Grease all fittings and check the fluids in the hydraulic steering and lift pumps. Place "fogging oil" (purchase at your marine store) into each cylinder by removing each spark plug and spraying it in. Or you can spray it directly into the carburetor while the engine it running. Wipe the engine down.

Flush the cooling system with fresh water and circulate antifreeze through the manifold. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until the water comes through the exhaust. Wipe the engine down.

Change the transmission fluid.

Fill your fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation over the winter months. Change the fuel filter and water separator.

Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out. Some people recommend using Vodka instead of a commercially prepared product because it does not leave any residual odor next year.

Pump out the holding tank prior to removing your boat from the water so your waste tank will be empty. Add antifreeze to the system and pump it through the system.

Clean and dry the bilge. Do not leave standing water as it may freeze and cause damage.

Remove the batteries from the boat and store in a dry environment . Grease all electrical connections.

Clean all areas of the cabin. Remove any items and store outside the boat. Turn all cushions on edge or remove them from the boat. Open up all closed compartments so air can circulate around the cabin. There are commercial products available to place inside the cabin to reduce moisture. You may also use kitty litter to help reduce moisture in the cabin..

There are a few ways to cover your boat for the winter. First you may get it shrink wrapped. This provides great protection but remember unless you pay to have a zippered compartment put in you will have no access to the inside of the boat. Otherwise you can cover it with a tarp and secure it well. Make sure that the tarp doesn’t sag anywhere so snow and ice can’t accumulate and tear the tarp.

Just remember that the time and care you take now will only make it easier and better in the spring!