As we enter the second half of the winter season, you're probably already starting to long for sunny days spent on the water. Although you won't be able to take your boat to your favorite lake for another couple of months, it's never too early to start preparing for what's to come. Let's take a closer look at what you'll need to do to get your boat back on the water in a safe and timely manner.
When Can You Start to De-winterize?
You can generally start the process of getting your boat ready for use after the date of the final freeze. Over the past 30 years, the final freeze in Michigan has taken place at some point between April 15 and May 15. Therefore, if you're looking to get back on the water without having to worry about cold temperatures or a freak winter weather event, this is when you should plan to start your season.
Of course, the weather does vary each year, which means it might be possible to get on the water in early April without issue or encounter snow in late May. Therefore, you can also determine the start of your season by waiting for the first extended period of nighttime lows above the freezing mark.
It's also worth noting that you can take steps to keep your boat safe if you want to go out before the weather warms up for good. Installing a heating block for your engine can keep it from freezing and causing serious damage to your boat if the weather decides to get nasty for a day or two.
The Process of Getting Your Boat Lake Ready
There are a number of steps that you'll need to take to get your boat ready for the upcoming season. First, you'll want to take the cover off and inspect for any obvious signs of damage to interior or exterior surfaces.
You will also want to look for chewed or frayed wires or other signs of potential rodent or pest damage. If you have had issues with rodents in the past, you can use peppermint or other natural scents to keep them from getting in your boat during the winter months.
Next, you will want to inspect and charge the battery. If the battery does not hold a charge, it is a sure sign that it needs to be cleaned or replaced entirely. You will also want to inspect belts and pulleys for damage as well as replace or top off coolant and other important fluids. It's also important to turn electrical components on and off to ensure that they work before you take the boat out for the first time.
Ideally, you will have replaced the zinc anodes prior to leaving your boat for the winter. However, if not, you should do so now to prevent unnecessary damage to metal surfaces that spend any amount of time underwater.
Make Sure the Boat Is Clean
Imagine what a room in your house would look like if you went several months without cleaning it. There is a good chance that it would be full of dust, cobwebs and other airborne particles. Mold or mildew may also grow in spaces where moisture is allowed to linger.
Now, imagine what your boat will probably look like after several months of being ignored. At a minimum, you'll want to dust, vacuum and take other basic steps to bring the cabin back to a reasonable standard for occupants. Getting rid of mold or mildew should also be a priority as exposure to these items could result in serious health problems for people and animals alike.
Cleaning the cabin can also minimize the risk of new pest infestations or curtail any current infestation. This is because you'll be removing a key source of food, water or shelter. Finally, cleaning your boat can improve the look and smell of the cabin, which makes it more appealing for everyone onboard.
Getting Your Boat Into the Water
Now that your boat is ready for the upcoming season, the only thing left to do is actually get it back on the water. The method for doing so depends primarily on how large your boat is. Typically, boats under 30 feet can be hauled with a trailer to the shore of your preferred lake or body of water.
They can then be launched with a few easy steps. First, you'll want to install the drain plug and back your trailer as close to the shore as possible. When the winch is under water, place the tow rope on the boat and continue backing up until the boat begins to float. You can now attach the fenders and dock lines to the boat after taking it off of the trailer, and the final step is to park your trailer at a designated location.
If your boat is larger than 30 feet, you will likely need specialized equipment to get it from a boat block to the water. Alternatively, you may be able to just keep it in the water during the winter season. Assuming that you took proper measures to winterize your boat, it should be ready to go rather quickly after all necessary prep work is completed.
Although the weather may look dreary today, it's only a matter of time before you will be back out on the water. Whether you use your boat to fish, host family events or for other purposes, taking the time to get it ready for the upcoming season ensures that you will get the most for your time and money.