First-Time Boat Owner Checklist

1. Have the Correct Insurance

Even though boats are a boatload of fun, they can come with their fair share of mishaps. Having the right insurance will protect you from significant expenses and will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your time on the water. Our tip? Take the headache out of boat insurance by working with an insurance agent.

2. Learn to Trailer Your Boat

There are many trials and tribulations that come along with trailering your boat. But don’t worry—you’ll become a pro in no time.

Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the boat you’re buying and familiarize yourself with its weight capacity (Gross Combined Vehicle Rating). The last thing you want to find out is that your vehicle won’t be able to tow the boat you just purchased.

3. Learn to Launch & Retrieve Your Boat

Yes, there’s such a thing as boat ramp etiquette. Launching and retrieving your boat can be stressful for first-time boat owners, especially on busy weekends—but just remember practice makes perfect. Try practicing backing up your boat in an empty lot before heading out to launch.

4. Understand the Basic Maintenance Required

A boat has an engine with a lot of moving parts, just like your vehicle. So, with any watercraft, it’s important to keep up with annual maintenance. Pencil in regular oil and filter changes on your calendar, including propeller inspections.

For colder climates, you’ll want to winterize your vessel.

5. Get Proper Equipment

Sometimes, things happen on the water. Whether it be an overboard emergency or troubles with your motor, you’ll need basic proper equipment onboard your boat at all times. This includes:

• Life Vests
• Throwable flotation devices
• A fire extinguisher
• Visual and audible signaling devices
• A VHF radio to call for help
• A safety kit
• A toolbox

6. Master Your Operating Skills

Safe boating makes boating fun for everyone. Opt to take a boating safety course or courses offered by the US Coast Guard to hone your boating skill and make the boating experience safe and enjoyable for everyone onboard.

Why Boating Terminology Matters

Are you a recreational boater that tenses up when asked which side the starboard is on? Don’t worry—no boater is automatically born knowing important boating terminology. However, if you want to become a seafaring connoisseur, learning the language of your vessel will make you sail safer and smarter.

Top 7 Boating Terms & Phrases

Bow & Stern

Port & Starboard

Forward & Aft

Hull

The Transom

You can find the transom at the stern of your boat. This area is where your motor attaches to your boat.

Bilge Pump

Gunwale

Boat Smarter With The Absorber®

Boating is a fun investment enjoyed by sailors, anglers, and recreationists. But sometimes, boaters find themselves in situations that can be avoided through practical upgrades. From cup holders to carpet replacement, learn how to upgrade your boat, enhance your experience, and increase your vessel’s value.

Top 10 Upgrades for Your Boat

1. Add Cup Holders

Setting your drink down on a rocky boat is just asking for a  spill. Make things easy for you and your guests by installing several cup holders around your deck. Cup holders come in various sizes and mounting options to hold any drink of any size at any time—so you can sip comfortably, keep your hands free, and avoid messes while on your boat.

2. Install Marine-Grade USB Ports

Don’t get stuck on the water with a dead cell phone. Charge your electronics by adding a few USB charging ports throughout your boat and never detour back to the docks again. Marine-grade USB ports are inexpensive and easy to install so it's a perfect upgrade for your boat. Just drill a small hole, connect positive and negative power, and enjoy endless charging capability during every voyage.

3. Set Up a Trash Can

Most boats don’t have a built-in trash can. This results in you and your guests stuffing plastic grocery bags full of trash that fly away every time you hit the accelerator. Instead, add a portable trash can to your boat for easy trash disposal. These trash cans come in many collapsible varieties for easy removal and storage.

4. Replace Your Carpet

Have an older boat that’s seen years of dirty shoes, spills, and sun exposure? It sounds like it’s time to upgrade your carpet. Whether you’re selling your boat or not, people will notice your carpet. Carve out some time over the weekend to upgrade your boat by replacing your old carpet with easy snap-in templates. Remember to add those cup holders to avoid spills and keep your boat's new carpet clean.

5. Install Underwater LED Boat Lights

Colorful underwater lights will not only dazzle your guests and fellow boaters, but they’ll also help light the way at night. With a little drilling and wiring know-how, you can upgrade your boat by installing underwater LED lights.

6. Add Fishing Rod Holders

Fishing is fun, but fishing for rods when you need them? Not so much. Make your next fishing trip better by installing easily accessible rod holders. Rod holders will allow you to double the number of fishing poles you bring—so you’ll never get caught in the water without enough rods to go around the deck.

7. Boost Your Stereo System

What’s a boating trip on the water without good tunes? Replace your sound system with quality marine speakers that sound so good they’ll make the fish below you want to jam. There are plenty of sound system options for boats on the market to fulfill your needs for hours of mood-boosting music out on the water.

8. Add a Cell Phone Mount

Fumbling for your phone in your glove compartment is old news. Cell phone mounts are an inexpensive solution for easy and accessible phone storage. Keep your phone a touch away as you navigate the waters with your newly upgraded boat.

9. Install a Bimini Top

Sometimes sunscreen isn’t enough. With summer in full force, you’ll want to keep yourself and your guests shaded from the blistering sun. Water reflects the sun's rays, so investing in and installing a quality Bimini top will provide comfort and protection from painful sunburns. A Bimini top will also improve the look and value of your vessel.

10. Buy the Absorber®

Your boat is a big investment. Protect it with the Absorber® — a super-absorbent towel designed to dry excess water in a single wipe. The Absorber® comes in a convenient reusable tube for easy storage, so you can keep it on your boat without taking up unnecessary space. Never let your vinyl seats fall victim to mold and mildew again and get the towel that boaters love.

Keep Your Boat Clean With The Absorber®

Add years of life to your boat by keeping it clean. The Absorber® is the ultimate alternative to terry cloth towels and chamois due to its sponge-like pore structure. This hyper-drying towel doubles your drying power and protects your upholstery from gradual water damage, preserving your seats for years of enjoyment. Shop the Absorber® at Boat Lover’s Towel for plenty of sizes to fit your needs.

If you’re a frequent boater, you know how easily mildew can grow on your vinyl seats. After all, your boat withstands a lot of moisture and humidity, even when it’s not on the water. Despite your vinyl seats being susceptible to damage, there are several ways you can prevent mildew growth from making an appearance.

Potential Harms to Vinyl Seats

Just like your fishing boat, vinyl seats are an investment—so naturally, you’d want to protect your investments. Your vinyl seats are susceptible to a lot of harm like UV rays, water damage, and fallen debris. The best thing you can do for your vinyl seats is to clean them after each fishing trip. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and will keep your seats looking fresh every time you hit the water.

How To Keep Your Vinyl Seats Clean

While you should be cleaning your vinyl seats after each use, you should not let them air dry. Air drying vinyl seats may seem harmless, but it does a lot more harm than good. When you leave a vinyl seat to dry on its own, you’re creating a breeding ground for mildew. 

Let’s dive into a few important steps you can take to keep your vinyl seats looking sharp and free from damage.

1. Wash Your Seats Regularly

Your work isn’t done after pulling into the dock after a day’s worth of fishing. Think about all of the moisture, sweat, and debris built up on your vinyl seats—it’s a lot more than you think. Make sure that you have water, mild dish soap, and a cloth on hand to gently scrub away the day’s residue. Besides, a clean boat makes for a great confidence booster.

2. Use a Protective Sealant 

Protective sealant acts as a barrier and prevents the early formation of mold and mildew. Top-rated protective sealants also protect your boat’s vinyl seats from those harmful UV rays, oils, stains, and just about anything the elements can throw at your upholstery. However, protective sealants won’t protect your vinyl from damage due to fallen debris, so make sure you cover your seats and store your boat away from any questionable objects.

3. Dry With the Absorber

Wait right there—did you make sure your vinyl seats are completely dry? The most important rule you should follow is making sure your seats are fully dry before packing things up. For the most effective dry, use an ultra-absorbent towel like The Absorber® to get rid of all excess moisture that could lead to mold and mildew.

Clean Your Vinyl Seats With the Absorber® 

For many, fishing is like a meditation on the water. However, as relaxing as a weekend fishing trip is, all fishermen know how much work it is to maintain a fishing boat. Luckily, there are a few ways you can regularly keep up on your vessel to avoid any major repairs.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Fishing Boat

Fishing is supposed to be your time to unwind. You spend a lot of time on your fishing boat, so, as a responsible boat owner, you should minimize the chance of any surprises with a little expertise and elbow grease. Whether you’re fishing on the open sea or a sleepy lake, proper vessel maintenance is a skill all fishermen must learn—and it’s never too late to start. 

1. Hard Parts & Battery Maintenance

The last thing you want is to get stranded in the middle of open water. A dead battery can be a recipe for disaster and will quickly turn your peaceful fishing trip into pandemonium. That being said, it’s crucial to check and maintain your fishing boat's battery. 

Make sure your battery is fully charged and listen for any unusual noises after you start your engine—and don’t forget to check and change your oil. Boats typically need an oil change every 50 to 100 hours spent fishing, so it’s pertinent that you stick to a regular oil-changing schedule.

2. Keep Your Fishing Boat Clean

So you had a successful day on the water—but don’t be so quick to pack up just yet. You don’t want to be the fisherman that stinks up the entire dock with a smelly boat, so make it a habit to clean your fishing boat after each trip. 

Fishing is messy. You can expect your deck to be strewn with blood, scales, and fish pieces after a long day of tossing your line. After you’ve unloaded your equipment, wash your deck using mild soapy water and a durable boat brush to scrub the grimy residue away.

3. Remove All Moisture

Leaving moisture lingering around your fishing boat can lead to big problems like mold and rust. Dew can lead to mold and saltwater can result in corrosion, so it’s important to wipe away any wet areas with a highly-absorbent towel when you see them to reduce the risk of long-term damage. 

A clean fishing boat will boost your confidence and lengthen the life of your vessel. A fishing boat is a big investment, so why not keep your prized possession looking as fresh and clean as it can be?

Keep Your Fishing Boat Clean With CleanTools

Now that everything is thawing and temperatures are rising, you might be itching to stretch your sea (or lake) legs. But before you uncover your boat and head out on the open water, there are a few steps you need to take before buoying up. 

Follow these four steps to ensure your boat is de-winterized and ready for its spring voyage, so you can enjoy your weekend cruise or family fishing trip without getting stranded.

Check Engine Oil and Fluid Levels

Winter can be harsh on your boat—especially if you live in colder climates. One of the first things you should check after your boat’s winter hibernation is its engine oil and fluid levels. Make sure you give your boat an oil change and add the correct fluids to avoid any rusting or corrosion. If your boat has a power steering reservoir, be sure you fill it to the correct level.

Check Battery, Fuel Lines, and Connections

The cold is not a friend to your boat’s battery, lines, and hoses. Cold temperatures can freeze and crack fuel lines, so ensure you do a complete visual inspection of all lines, hoses, and connection clamps. Any cracked lines and hoses should be replaced to avoid any future issues, and any loose cables should be tightened.

As for your battery, you can test the volts and amps with a battery tester. If it tests well, go ahead and hook it up after cleaning away any corrosion. If it doesn’t test well, you should replace it. 

Inspect the Exterior

The last thing you want to discover while out on the water is a leak. During your boat’s de-winterization process, inspect the exterior for damage like dents and holes. You will also want to check for any rusting. A great way to prevent rust and corrosion is by investing in a cover to keep on your boat during the winter months. 

Rust never sleeps, but there are ways to prevent it. Avoid any major rust and corrosion issues by keeping your boat clean, dry, and regularly inspected.

Clean Up

You’re almost done—but don’t start your engine just yet. Before taking your boat out, you’ll want to make sure all your electronics are working, that your navigational lights turn on, and that your boat is clean and tidy. We recommend using Boat Lover’s Towel’s boat cleaning accessories, like our extension pole paired with our round boat brush, to clean those hard-to-reach areas. Do a quick sweep around the deck and check to make sure no critters decided to call your boat home.

Once you’ve determined that your boat is ready for action, it’s time to launch.

Why You Should De-Winterize Your Boat

De-winterizing a boat shouldn’t be an option for boat owners—it should be mandatory. As a boat owner, you should always inspect your boat regardless of the time of year. But cold temperatures can pose major risks for you and your boat if you don’t inspect and address any winter-related issues before hitting the water. 

By following the above steps and using Boat Lover’s Towel’s various boat cleaning accessories, you can count on a safe boat launch and a fun-filled weekend for you and your family. 

Soak up some rays with the help of Boat Lover’s Towel and shop boat cleaning accessories now.

Fiberglass boats are a popular choice among boaters because they’re durable, lightweight, and low maintenance. Despite their popularity, fiberglass boats are still susceptible to getting damaged when you’re out on the water. The good news is they’re relatively easy to repair. Keep reading to learn about the steps to take when repairing your fiberglass boat and what materials you’ll need. 

What You Need for A Successful Fiberglass Boat Repair

All you need to perform successful marine fiberglass boat repairs are several basic tools and materials and a few hours of your time. 

Tools & Materials

Thankfully, fiberglass is an easy material to work with. The tools you need to repair a fiberglass boat depend on its size and overall condition. For example, if the hull is damaged, you’ll need a fiberglass repair kit and a resin hardener. If it’s scratched, sandpaper and polish should do the trick. 

Here are ten tools and materials you’ll need to perform any basic fiberglass boat repairs: 

• Soap
• Water
• Plastic bucket
• Sponge or cleaning rag
• Electric sander
• Sandpaper
• Primer 
• Epoxy sealer
• Hardener
• Putty knife

Time 

Just like with the tools and materials you’ll need, the time it takes to repair a fiberglass boat depends on its condition, size, and severity of the damage. While a newer boat can take less than one hour to repair, an older boat may take a few hours to complete. Similarly, the bigger a boat is and the more extensive its damages are, the longer it will take to repair. 

With that in mind, it takes boaters an average of three to six hours to complete fiberglass boat repairs. 

6-Step Guide to Fiberglass Boat Repairs

While repairing a fiberglass boat isn’t particularly difficult, it does require time and effort. Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to repair your fiberglass boat like a pro: 

1. Use gentle soap and warm water to clean the damaged area and the area surrounding it. 
2. Use an electric sander and sandpaper to remove any excess materials or residue on the surface of the damaged area. 
3. Apply a layer of primer to the affected area. The primer layer protects the boat from harmful UV rays, chemicals, and corrosion. It also ensures that your paint job will last for years without fading or chipping.
4. Apply a mixture of epoxy sealer and hardener to the surface of the damaged area.
5. Smooth out the mixture with your finger or a putty knife until it dries completely. 

Repair Your Fiberglass Boat With CleanTools

Every successful boat repair starts with a clean boat. With over 20 years in the marine industry, CleanTools is your destination for superior boat cleaning supplies. Keep your investment in tip-top shape with the Round Boat Brush and The Absorber® XL. When you want to feel confident in a clean boat, CleanTools has you covered. 

Every sailboat owner knows that sails are susceptible to dirt, mildew, and other hard-to-remove stains. It’s the risk you run every time you take your boat out on the water for a day of fun. Thankfully, cleaning your boat’s sails is an easy, one-person job that’s relatively inexpensive. Once you know how to clean sailboat sails, you’ll be ready to take on your next weekend DIY project with confidence. 

If you want to know how to clean sailboat sails, here’s a step-by-step guide we made that will walk you through the process. 

Boat Sail Cleaning 101

First things first: unlike cleaning the boat itself, you really only need to clean the sails when they start to look dirty. You can follow a set cleaning schedule if you want, but you don’t have to. Keep reading to learn about what to avoid, materials to use, and what steps to take when cleaning your sailboat’s sails. 

Things to Avoid

Harsh sail cleaners, such as bleach and chlorine, are the top products you should avoid when cleaning your boat’s sails. These types of cleaners contain chemicals that strip the sails of their protective resin coating. This stripping weakens the sails over time, meaning you’ll have to pay more money to either repair or replace them down the road. 

Additionally, you should never clean your sailboat’s sails in a washing machine. Doing so will also strip the protective resin coating and likely create tears in the fabric that can’t be fixed. 

Materials to Use

Cleaning boat sails is a relatively inexpensive process because it only requires a few key ingredients: 

• Mild detergent 

• Soft-thistle brush 

• Warm, fresh water 

• Plastic bucket

How to Clean the Sails on Your Sail Boat 

Check out our simple five-step process for how to clean sailboat sails like a pro. 

1. Find a large, open space that has a clean, flat surface where you can stretch out the sails. 

2. Apply mild detergent to the sails.

3. Use a soft-thistle brush to rub in the detergent. 

4. Rinse the sails thoroughly with warm, fresh water until no detergent remains. 

5. To prevent mildew growth, let the sails dry completely before reattaching them to the sailboat. 

Sometimes you’ll need a second line of defense against dirt, mildew, and other stains. Vinegar is a powerful sail cleaning solution that removes pesky stains that get left behind after cleaning with detergent. Simply soak any stain spots in vinegar, then rinse off the vinegar with warm water. Some sailboat owners have found that a combination of detergent and vinegar is most effective for removing stains. 

Feel Confident With a Clean Sail on Your Sail Boat

Now that you know how to clean your boat’s sails, it’s time to invest in the best sail washing products. As the boat cleaning experts, CleanTools manufactures superior boat cleaning supplies—like our Round Boat Brush. This soft-thistle brush is safe for all sail finishes and removes set-in stains without damaging the sail’s material. When you shop this product, you’ll get to enjoy clean sailing from here on out.  Shop Our Round Boat Brush and make cleaning Sails on your sail boat easier than ever before.

When you make a big purchase, you’ll do everything you can to protect that investment. The same can be said about your vessel. If you want to get the most enjoyment out of your boat, you must learn how to take proper care of it. 

Whether you’re a recent boat owner or have been one for years, it’s never too late to learn how to properly detail a boat. Take a look below to find some helpful tips on how to wash and wax your boat like a pro. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Boat Washing 

The best thing you can do to protect your boat from long-term damage is to clean it regularly. It’s not always noticeable, but dirt, grime, and debris collect on your boat’s exterior every time you take it out on the water. Knowing how to wash and wax your boat wherever you are whether in California, West Marine or any part of the world. It’s essential for all boat owners who want to lengthen their boats’ lifespans and keep them looking good as new. 

Check out our six-step guide on how to wash your boat: 

1. Take your boat out of the water and secure it on a trailer, or an elevated, flat surface. 
2. Cover the interior to keep it dry. 
3. 
    
   Give it a thorough pre-rinse to remove surface debris. 
4.  
   Squeeze a layer of boat soap on the exterior. 
5. 
    
   Scrub the soap in with our non-abrasive Wash Mitt or any non-abrasive tool. Between its ultra absorbency and gentle application, this wash mitt blows competing products out of the water. 
6. Rinse your boat thoroughly with water to remove the soap, and let it dry. If you want to speed up the drying process, The Absorber® will help you get the job done in no time. This product’s sponge-like pore structure makes it super absorbent, and it’s big enough to cover a larger surface area than standard drying towels. 

How You Can Wax and Buff Like The Pros  

Besides a thorough wash, an effective boat detailing job also includes buffing and waxing. Debris that stays on your boat’s surface causes harmful erosion, and frequent sun exposure dulls the glossy finish over time. If you want to know how to properly buff and wax a powerboat to protect it from long-term damage, keep reading. 

Buffing

The purpose of buffing your boat is to smooth over surface scratches. Unlike applying soap to your boat all at once to wash it, you’ll want to apply buffing polish one section at a time. 

Instead of purchasing polish and non-abrasive cloth, get a product that does both—like The Glosser®. This pre-moistened microfiber wipe makes boat detailing faster and easier.  

Waxing

The type of boat you have will determine the type of wax you should use: 

• Sailboats: The large majority of modern sailboats are made of fiberglass. The best wax for cleaning fiberglass boat surfaces is Meguiar’s Marine Pure Wax Carnauba Blend. 

• Motorboats/Powerboats: Motorboats can have anything from a gelcoat to a painted surface. Whatever material of your motorboat’s exterior, the best wax to use is Meguiar’s M6332 Flagship Premium Marine Wax. 

Here’s how to wax your boat in three simple steps: 

1. Apply the wax to your boat’s exterior in sections, like with the buffing polish. 
2. Smooth the wax, with a non-abrasive cloth, in a circular motion. 
3. Let dry then begin to buff again. 

The Buffing Process For Your Boat

To give your boat the sleek finish you want, you need to know how to wax it with a buffer. Repeat the buffing process that you performed in stage one. This leaves a glossy finish and adds a protective layer to your boat’s exterior. We recommend washing, buffing, and waxing your boat at least once every few months. 

How Much Does It Cost to Wash and Wax a Boat

If you’re wondering how much it costs to wash and wax a boat/powerboat. Whatever size your boat is, whether its a 40 ft powerboat to a small fishing boat, here’s a general breakdown: 

• Boat Soap: $11.99 on Amazon 
• Water Bucket: $10.00 on Amazon 
• Wash Mitt: $10.95 at CleanTools 
• Drying Towel: $34.99 at CleanTools 
• Buffing Polish: $12.65 on Amazon 
• Microfiber Cloth: $9.28 on Amazon 
• Boat Wax: $8.52 on Amazon 

The grand total for these products is $98.38 excluding the tax. This amount may seem a bit pricey just to give your boat a little shine, but trust us, the money you’ll save by avoiding long-term erosion and sun damage. It’ll be well worth it to sustain the life of your boat especially in places that are extremely sunny like California, Arizona or Florida.

Shop Our Products To Help With Waxing and Washing 

Now that you’ve learned how to wash and wax your boat properly, you need the right products to do it. With over 20 years of marine industry experience, CleanTools has everything you need to feel confident with a clean boat all year long. Check out our industry-leading products on our website. Shop Our Products 

If you thought that preserving the brand-new look of your boat was impossible, think again. Ensuring a long life for your boat paint job is much easier than it sounds. With a little TLC, the right paint job will hold up for years to come. 

Choose the Right Paint For The Job

Simple boat paint jobs are the best ones. The first—and easiest—way to keep your boat’s paint job looking fresh is to choose the right paint for the job. While the cost of a durable product to paint your boat with might seem steep at first, we guarantee that it will a.) protect the body of your boat and b.) help you avoid having to repaint your boat every few years. These two factors will save you money in the long run by extending the life of your boat and its paint job. 

Keep reading to learn about the different types of paint you can use for your boat. 

Gelcoat

Painting your boat with gelcoat will give it a shiny finish. To maintain the shine, you’ll need to apply a seal regularly to protect the paint layers from dirt and other contaminants. 

LP (linear polyurethane)

LP paint leaves a shinier finish on your boat than gelcoat paint does. It gives your boat the shiny look you dream about. A paint job done with this product can last over ten years while requiring a minimal amount of maintenance. 

Awlgrip

Awlgrip is a polyester-based, high-gloss topcoat paint that helps protect your boat’s color by sealing in the paint. It’s a top-rated paint brand in the boating industry. The cost to paint a boat with awlgrip will be a little higher than other paint types, but it’s known to last longer than other paint jobs. 

Maintaining the Paint Job For A Long Time

You’re not quite done after applying layers of paint to your boat. You also need to maintain the paint job to make sure it lasts a long time. We recommend using mild cleaners—such as Windex or a vinegar and water mixture—to remove contaminants from your boat’s surface without stripping the paint’s protective layer. 

Remember to wash your boat regularly with water and a detergent that’s designed specifically to clean painted surfaces. When washing your boat, be sure to use soft water. The abundance of minerals in hard water can strip away the paint. We recommend using a gentle wash mitt to wash and The Absorber® to dry. These two products paired together will leave your boat looking good as new. 

To add an extra layer of protection to your boat’s paint job, apply a sealer. This element will repel dirt and keep UV rays from fading the paint color. 

Polishing/Waxing your Boat

You shouldn’t polish your boat for the first few to several years of using it because doing so could strip your boat’s paint job of the protective seal that helps it last a long time. Here's our step by step method after that time is up how to wash and wax your boat. After those first years, though, giving your boat a good polish will keep the surface smooth and shiny for years down the road. 

How to Paint the Hull of a Fiberglass Boat

Start by removing the current layer of paint from the hull of your fiberglass boat, and sand it down. These small steps will give you a smooth, clean surface to work with. Wash the surface with soap and fresh, soft water, then let it dry. Apply a layer of your desired paint, and let it dry thoroughly. Once the paint dries, apply a layer of sealer to protect the paint from smudging or getting damaged by dirt and other materials. 

Shop Our Boat Cleaning Products 

CleanTools has the products you need to give your boat a thorough wash and dry before applying layers of paint and sealer. Whether you need a high-quality wash mitt or a super absorbent drying towel, we have what you need. If you have more questions about how to preserve your boat’s paint job, our boat experts are happy to help. 

Nothing is better than relaxing on a boat during spring and summer months: the warm sun on your skin, spending time with loved ones, and casting away your cares. But that boating bliss can’t happen without a little bit of work. In order to enjoy a functioning boat in the spring and summer, it’s crucial to maintain it during the cold winter months. Keep reading to learn about what it means to winterize a boat and how to do it effectively. 

What Does Winterizing a Boat Mean? 

Winterizing your boat is the process of preparing it to endure harsh winter conditions. Keep reading to see our step-by-step boat winterizing guide. 

Winterize Your Boat in 3 Easy Steps

Check out our three-step guide to winterizing a boat: 

1. How to Winterize Your Boat Motor

The winterization process differs slightly depending on what type of motor your boat has, but the following steps generally apply to any motor type:

• Drain any excess water, including the freshwater supply. 
• Add a coat of corrosion protection to the motor. 
• Pour in a fuel-stabilizing additive.

2. How to Winterize Your Boat Trailer Wheels

If boat trailer wheels aren’t maintained properly, they’ll deteriorate over time and need to be replaced frequently. Here are some easy steps to protect them from winter damage:

• Store your boat trailer in an enclosed storage unit to protect it from low temperatures.
• Wash the tires and wheels thoroughly, then apply a protective coating to shield them from outside conditions. 
• Cover your boat trailer wheels with tire and wheel covers. These covers act as an additional protective barrier. 
• Elevate the tires to protect them from excess pressure that could deform them over time. 
• Move your trailer every once in a while—if you don’t elevate the tires—to protect them from experiencing excess pressure in one spot all winter. 
• Add some extra air to the tires before storing your trailer for the winter to slow the natural air loss. 
• Remove any heavy items from the trailer to prevent excess weight from putting too much pressure on the tires. 
• If you’ll be storing your boat trailer past the winter months, consider removing the tires and wheels completely and storing them separately. 

3. Additional Steps in the Winterization Process

Follow these additional steps, and your boat will be ready for winter: 

• Replace fuel filters.
• Pour antifreeze into the plumbing system to avoid frozen pipes.
• Remove drain plugs. 

How to Winterize Different Boat Types

The type of boat you have determines how you need to winterize it successfully. Take a look at the steps below: 

How to Winterize a Pontoon Boat

1. First, consult your boat’s manual to make note of any specific instructions provided.
2. Next, connect the boat motor to a water source.
3. Fill the tank with gas, and pour in a stabilizer. 
4. Replace the gear oil.
5. Add fogging oil to the carburetor—if your boat’s manual calls for it. 
6. Change out the sparkplugs.
7. Clean the boat’s exterior thoroughly. 
8. Disconnect the battery and any other electronic elements.
9. Cover the boat with a tarp or other substantial protective material. 

How to Winterize Your Ski Boat

1. Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.
2. Add fogging oil to the carburetor—if your boat’s manual calls for it. 
3. Drain any excess water.
4. Loosen the belts.
5. Remove the drain plugs.
6. Disconnect the battery.
7. Clean the boat’s exterior thoroughly. 
8. Pour antifreeze into the plumbing system to prevent the pipes from freezing, expanding, and possibly bursting. 

3 Common Boat Winterization FAQs

If you’ve never winterized a boat before, you probably have some questions about how to complete the process effectively and easily. Check out this list of common boat winterization questions we receive from customers and our answers to them:

• Spot remover
• Marine cleaning agent
• Vacuum
• Degreaser
• Soft and hard brushes
• PVA towel
• Water hose with a nozzle
• Wax 

How often should I winterize my boat?

How often you need to winterize your boat depends on what type of boat it is, its size, the outside elements, and where it’s located. As a general rule, you should take these steps either monthly, quarterly, annually, or every two to three years: 

Trust the Boat Winterization Experts at CleanTools

If you’re looking to winterize your boat this winter, CleanTools has the products to help keep it in tip-top shape all year long. Our superior boat cleaning supplies will protect your boat from water damage, frozen pipes, dirt and grime, and everything in between. Our PVA cloth—appropriately called the Absorber—allows you to dry your boat faster and easier than ever before. It keeps your boat cleaner and dryer than any other product on the market. For quality boat winterization tips and products near you, try CleanTools. If you need a gift idea for the holidays we've got your back. 

Contact us today. 

You may think that changes in weather indicate the end of the boating season—it does not. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Cooler temperatures and fewer vessels on the water create an ideal atmosphere for boat enthusiasts to hit the water with their glistening crafts. 

Crisp air and gorgeous fall hues make sailing the open waters much more fun than doing so on sweltering hot days. The fall season does, however, indicate shorter days and ice-cold water. To help you stay prepared, let’s discuss everything you need to know about boating in the fall. 

Things to Do in the Fall on a Boat

If you’re new to boating, or typically boat only in the summer months, you’re in for a treat. There are so many fun activities to do on your craft in the fall. 

1. Stern-gating

Stern-gating is the younger, more adventurous sibling of tail-gating. Instead of driving to a crowded parking lot, invite your friends and other boat enthusiasts for an afternoon of food and fun on your boat. Though you can stern-gate anywhere, it’s definitely more fun when your favorite baseball and football team’s stadium is near the water. 

2. Fall Festivals

There’s nothing like a festival to put you in the mood for all things fall. Pack up your boat and travel down the river to your town’s local fall festival or state fair. 

It’ll be chilly on the water, so grab a hot cup of your favorite pumpkin spice beverage and get your cruise on. If you do plan to travel your city by boat, be sure the waterways have proper boat accommodations and facilities. 

3. Boat Camping

Who says you need a campground to experience the peace and serenity of nature? One of the best activities boat owners can do is go boat-camping. Find a quiet place to cruise, pitch a tent on the deck, and anchor out. 

With boat camping, you can avoid crowded campsites, bond with friends and family, and have a new experience. Don’t miss out on the smores! Prep them beforehand and pop them in a convection oven for ooey-gooey goodness. 

Boating Tips For The Fall Season

When fall boating, keep your friends and family safe with the following recommendations.

1. Wear a PFD. If you plan on entering the water, always wear a personal flotation device. Doing so protects you from the shock of cold water.  
2. Mind the weather. Autumn weather is dangerously unpredictable, especially on a boat. Before you go boating, check the day’s weather and prepare for wind, heavy rain, and storms. 
3. Communicate. Before your excursion, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Do this every time you boat, not just in the fall.  
4. Turn on the lights. When boating in the fall, lights are always your friend. Make sure you have navigational lighting that works, as well as waterproof flashlights and headlamps. 
5. Clean your vessel. After every adventure, be sure to rinse your boat and dry thoroughly with a PVA towel like the Absorber® XL. With this efficient tool, you can spend less time drying your boat and more time enjoying life.

Don’t Forget About Boat Maintenance In The Fall