Your Ultimate Guide to Winterizing a Boat
As a top boat service provider on Lake Hopatcong, NJ, we’ve winterized thousands of boats in our decades of experience. We know winterizing your boat can be overwhelming, so we put together some video discussions between Bridge Marina president, Ray, and master service technician, Jeff, for winterizing a pontoon boat to help guide you.
How Should the Boat Be Brought in for Winterization Service?
When dropping off your pontoon boat for winterization, make sure it is dry, clean, and full of gas. In this clip, Jeff shares insights from years of winterizing boats, highlighting what pontoon owners could be doing differently when bringing in their boats.
What About My Fuel Tank? Should I Fill It Up Before Boat Winterization?
Wondering why you might want to fill the tank for winterization? Read our blog on a full vs. empty tank here.
Secret Spots to Check on the Boat
As an experienced boat service and winterization provider, we’ve learned a few ‘secret spots’ pontoon owners tend to forget about before bringing in their boats for the winter. Be sure you don’t forget to check these hidden areas on your boat post-summer!
Give the Boat One Last Good Cleaning
Before you send your pontoon boat for winterization, give it a deep clean to remove any dirt, food, and garbage. Not only will this lead to a more pleasant spring recommission, but it will also prevent any critters from entering your boat for a snack. Trust us, it will make all the difference in the spring!
Make Sure Everything is Dry
To avoid moldy surprises in the spring, dry out all your equipment before dropping off your boat. This includes your anchor and anchor line, life jackets, storage compartments, towels, and more.
Check Your Hinges
Another component to check on your pontoon boat before drop-off is the hinges. Open up all your compartments and hatches to ensure your hinges and hardware are tight and clean.
Beware of Price-Point Winterization
Boat and engine winterization is undoubtedly the most important service to perform if you live in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures. When searching for a winterization service provider, be sure to place your trust in experienced professionals rather than a service provider who cuts corners on quality to save on costs; a cheap winterization service can cost you more in the long run.
On the subject of cost, we recommend keeping in mind that most insurance companies won’t cover damage due to incomplete winterization service or lack thereof. Read more about the importance of proper winterization in our blog here.
Have Winterization Questions or Need to Book Your Service?
When it comes to winterizing your boat, detail and expertise make all the difference. We provide far more than just a “basic drain and cover” service and have winterized thousands of boats! Our professional, trustworthy team makes it easy with clear communication, Lake Hopatcong’s only 100+ point inspection, and carefree drop-off and pick-up.
Questions? Fill out this quick contact form, and we’ll get back to you! You can also call us at (973) 663-1976. Interested in a free winterization service quote? Get in touch with us here.
We look forward to being of service!