---
title: "Boat Winterization: Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard Prices"
description: "Boat winterizing before storage: fogging, fuel stabilizer, antifreeze in the block, lower unit oil, water and head systems. What it covers and what it costs."
url: https://boatparking.ca/services/boat-winterization/
last_updated: 2026-10-23
---

# Boat winterization

One frozen night with water in the block can crack an engine. Winterizing pushes the water out of everything that holds it, protects the fuel and fogs the cylinders. We arrange it with the storage, or tell you which yards let you do it yourself.

## What gets done

| System | Typical winterizing work |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Stabilizer added, tank topped up to limit condensation, run through the engine |
| Engine | Raw water drained or replaced with antifreeze, cylinders fogged, oil and filter changed (inboards) |
| Lower unit / drive | Gear oil changed, checked for water, bellows inspected on sterndrives |
| Fresh water | Tanks drained, pump and lines blown out or filled with non-toxic antifreeze |
| Head and holding | Pumped out, flushed, antifreeze in the lines |
| Batteries | Charged and disconnected, or removed to a charger |
| Hull and bilge | Bilge dry, drain plug out, seacocks closed or open per yard rules |

A shop quote should list each item. Ask what is included in a "basic" price before booking.

## Winterizing prices

- Winterizing, outboard: from $250
- Winterizing, sterndrive: from $400
- Winterizing, inboard: from $500
- [Winterizing, PWC](https://boatparking.ca/boats/pwc-storage/): from $200

Starting prices in CAD before tax, from published marina and port rates and market estimates, October 2026. Your boat, the yard and the dates set the final price.

## Doing it yourself

A single outboard is a reasonable DIY job: stabilizer, run, fog, gear oil and grease. Inboards and boats with fresh water, heads and generators are where professional work pays off.

If you plan to do your own winterizing, say so in the request. Some yards require their own technicians for engine work.

[Winterizing checklist](https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-winterizing-checklist/)

## Winterizing questions

**Do I need to winterize if I store indoors?**

Yes, unless the building is heated and the yard says otherwise. Cold buildings get as cold as outdoors.

**When should I winterize?**

Before the first night below freezing. In southern Ontario that is usually mid-to-late October; in the north, earlier.

**Is winterizing required by insurance?**

Many policies exclude freeze damage if the boat was not properly winterized. Check your policy. See [boat insurance and winter storage](https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-insurance-winter-storage/).

## Related

- [Boat winterizing checklist](https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-winterizing-checklist/)
- [Boat shrink-wrapping](https://boatparking.ca/services/boat-shrink-wrapping/)
- [Winter boat storage](https://boatparking.ca/storage/winter-boat-storage/)

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Find a spot: https://boatparking.ca/request-a-spot/ · Email: info@boatparking.ca