As the golden hues of autumn begin to paint the landscape along the Cache la Poudre River and the crisp air signals the end of another beautiful boating season in Fort Collins, it's time for boat owners to turn their attention to a crucial task: winterizing their beloved vessels. Here in Larimer County, we're blessed with a unique cold semi-arid climate. While we enjoy abundant sunshine year-round, our long, moderately cold winters, with temperatures that can easily dip below freezing, demand that we take special care of our boats to protect them from the harsh elements. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your boat is ready to withstand the winter and be in prime condition for next year's adventures.
You might be tempted to think that one of our famous warm spells from downslope winds means you can skip winterization. However, the freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged cold snaps can wreak havoc on your boat's engine, plumbing, and hull. Water left in the engine block or plumbing can freeze and expand, leading to cracked engine blocks, burst pipes, and costly repairs. The dry, sunny climate at 5,000 feet can also be tough on your boat's finish and interior if not properly protected. A little effort now will save you a lot of headaches and money come spring.
1. A Thorough Cleaning:
Before you do anything else, give your boat a good cleaning, inside and out. Remove all personal items, life jackets, and cushions. Clean the hull to remove any algae, barnacles, or other marine growth. This is also a great time to take a stroll through Old Town or visit The 1879 Avery House for one last taste of Fort Collins history before the winter sets in.
2. Engine and Fuel System:
This is arguably the most critical part of winterizing your boat.
Fuel Stabilizer: Fill your fuel tank to about 90% full to prevent condensation, and add a quality marine fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the entire system.
Oil Change: Change the engine oil and filter. Old oil contains contaminants that can damage engine components over the winter.
Flush and Drain the Cooling System: For inboard engines, you'll need to flush the cooling system and circulate a non-toxic, marine-grade antifreeze through the engine block and manifolds. For outboard motors, you can typically just flush the engine with freshwater and then tilt it down to allow all the water to drain out.
Fogging: Spray fogging oil into the carburetors or throttle body to coat the internal engine components and prevent rust and corrosion.
3. Plumbing and Water Systems:
Drain all water from the freshwater tank, hot water heater, and any other plumbing systems. Run a non-toxic antifreeze through the system to protect the pipes from freezing.
4. Battery Care:
Disconnect your boat's batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. It's a good idea to connect them to a trickle charger throughout the winter to maintain their charge and extend their lifespan.
5. Covering and Storage:
A high-quality boat cover is essential to protect your boat from snow, ice, and UV rays. But where should you store your boat for the winter? For those of us in the 80524 area, finding a secure and reliable storage facility is key.
This brings us to a fantastic local option: RV Storage Fort. Located conveniently at 1314 Red Cedar Circle, they offer a variety of storage solutions perfect for your boat. As seen on their website, they provide everything from outdoor 20', 30', and 40' spaces to covered canopy storage and even large indoor boat storage (12 x 40 x 14). Choosing a covered or indoor option at a facility like RV Storage Fort provides an extra layer of protection against the harsh Northern Colorado winter, ensuring your boat remains in pristine condition.
By following these steps, you can rest easy knowing your boat is safe and sound this winter. When the snow melts and the days grow longer, you'll be ready to get back out on the water, whether you're fishing on the Cache la Poudre River or enjoying a sunny day at Horsetooth Reservoir. Happy winterizing!