Boat Winterizing and Storage for Cruisers | Big Rideau Lake

What does it take to winterize and store a cruiser for our Eastern Ontario winters? Good question and we are glad you asked. In fact, it's a common question when someone is considering storing this type of new or used boat.

Every marina will likely do it slightly differently (depending on training, experience, equipment, facilities, dry land vs. water based marina, etc.). Here are the steps we take at Len's Cove Marina on Big Rideau Lake:

1. Lake test and assessment of major equipment. Any deficiencies seen or suggestions are noted and communicated to you by email (anything repairs suggested are for your approval).  We do a complete walk around with you at your boat when you drop it off also and note your needs at that time

2. Haul out, complete hull pressure wash, and soap and water scrub of the water line. Chemical (acid wash) for cruisers without hull anti fouling paint. Boats with anti fouling paint fill have it re-coated in the spring.

3. Remove hull drain plugs.

4. Fuel system stabilization (engine is run with stabilizer in the tank during lake test).

5. Engine(s) oil and filter changed (OEM approved parts only). ****This is not applicable for diesel engines. They are charged out at a lower rate and are optional at an extra service charge.

6. Inspect other lubricants (transmission, and power steering if applicable).

7. Inspect all hoses, belts, connections.

8. Block draining and antifreeze.

9. Outdrive service - inspection of bellows etc, and fresh lubricant (if equipped).

10. Water system drained, pump and hot water tank disconnected, and antifreeze added as required.

11. Toilet winterized, and holding tank pumped, rinsed, and winterized.

12. Air-conditioner system drained and winterized (if equipped).

13. Generator oil and filter changed, block drained and winterized (if equipped).

14. Check charge and disconnect all batteries.

15. Ensure boat is dry and tidy before storage, tag with name and notes about possible work necessary.

16. Store undercover, -or- outside shrink wrap with proper support and ventilation, -or- inside (as selected). Ensure secure and protected yard/building.

17. Monitor snow loads (if applicable) multiple times during winter months.

18. Spring prep, install plugs (engine block and hull), install any hoses disconnected for winter, clean battery terminals and connect.

19. Launch, lake test, and verify major equipment is set-up and working.

20. Fill water system and test. Start generator and AC system (if equipped).

21. Detailed wash and wax service available in spring (for extra charge).

• Bonus #1: Earn AIRMILES® Reward Miles on your contract (service, and parts) and any winter work you elect to have completed. Also, if you are an existing Len's Cove Dockage and/or storage customer you can earn a referral bonus of extra AIRMILES® - ask us how!

• Bonus #2: Take advantage of winter work for repairs, upgrades, preventative maintenance while you are not using your boat and be ready for spring. We keep our technicians on all winter long.