---
title: "Boat Winterizing Checklist: Engine, Water, Fuel and Hull"
description: "A practical boat winterizing checklist for Canadian winters: fuel, engine, lower unit, fresh water, heads, batteries, bilge, canvas and what to bring home."
url: https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-winterizing-checklist/
last_updated: 2026-10-23
---

# Boat winterizing checklist

Use this as a checklist for your own work or to check what a shop quote covers. Always follow your engine maker’s manual.

## Engine and fuel

- Stabilize the fuel: Add stabilizer, top up the tank and run the engine so treated fuel reaches it.
- Change oil: Inboards and four-strokes: change oil and filter so acids do not sit all winter.
- Drain or antifreeze the cooling system: Raw-water side drained or filled with propylene glycol antifreeze.
- Fog the cylinders: Fogging oil protects against corrosion inside the engine.
- Lower unit or drive: Change gear oil and look for water in it; check bellows on sterndrives.

## Systems and hull

- Fresh water: Drain tanks and the water heater, run non-toxic antifreeze through pumps and taps.
- Head: Pump out, flush, antifreeze in the lines and holding tank.
- Batteries: Charge, disconnect, or take them home to a tender.
- Bilge: Clean and dry; pull the drain plug for storage ashore.
- Interior: Remove food, electronics, PFDs and cushions or prop them up; leave lockers open.

## Questions

**Can I use car antifreeze?**

No for drinking-water systems. Use non-toxic propylene glycol marine antifreeze. Follow the engine manual for the cooling system.

**When should I winterize?**

Before the first night below freezing, usually mid-to-late October in southern Ontario and earlier in the north and on the prairies.

## Related

- [Boat winterization](https://boatparking.ca/services/boat-winterization/)
- [Boat shrink-wrapping](https://boatparking.ca/services/boat-shrink-wrapping/)
- [Spring launch checklist](https://boatparking.ca/guides/spring-boat-launch-checklist/)

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