Late-Season Boat Care Checklist for Great Lakes Boaters
Share
Late fall on the Great Lakes is a good time to prepare your boat for winter storage. Follow your engine and equipment manufacturers' instructions first; this list covers useful supplies and inspections, not a complete winterization procedure.
1. Check the correct engine and fuel-storage procedure
Winterization varies by gasoline versus diesel engine, cooling system and manufacturer. Do not assume that fuel stabilizer or fogging oil is suitable for every boat. For applicable gasoline-powered boats, explore our Big Boatin 5-Piece Winterization Essentials Kit, which includes fuel stabilizer, fogging oil, waterproof grease, a hanging moisture absorber and oil-absorbent sheets. It does not contain engine oil, filters, antifreeze or a professional winterization service.
2. Inspect for moisture and corrosion
Look for leaks and standing water, and make a storage plan for suitable ventilation and moisture management. Inspect metal hardware, electrical connections and moving parts for corrosion. Corrosion Block waterproof grease may help in suitable applications when permitted by the equipment manufacturer.
3. Clean and protect fiberglass surfaces
Wash away grime before storage. For appropriate fiberglass gelcoat surfaces, marine cleaner-wax can help restore shine and protect the finish. See Meguiar's #50 Boat/RV Cleaner Wax and our wider Boat Care collection. Always check product compatibility and instructions.
4. Inspect safety gear and bilge equipment
Check navigation lights, life jackets, hoses, clamps and bilge pump operation before storage and before the spring launch. A manually controlled bilge pump should not be treated as an automatic pump. For a compatible replacement, see the Attwood Tsunami MK2 800 GPH 12V manual bilge pump.
5. Make a spring-ready parts list
Inspect dock lines, rod holders, mounts, electrical fittings and cleaning supplies. Shop our curated Popular Marine Essentials for boating accessories that are easier to find without scrolling through a huge catalog. Big Boatin offers $9.99 standard U.S. shipping and free standard shipping on qualifying orders of $99 or more.
Important: Improper winterization can damage engines, plumbing and batteries. Follow your boat's manufacturer manuals or consult a qualified marine technician. This checklist is general information, not boat-specific service advice.