5 Boat Projects to Tackle This Winter

Winter can be a depressing time for recreational boaters. But smart boaters know the cold, dark winter months are the best time to tackle boat work that they don’t want to do during the summer. Here are a few boating projects you might want to do this winter.

1. Change your impeller. A boat’s impeller can quickly become worn or damaged, and a bad impeller can cause serious problems for your engine. Make checking – and most likely changing – your impeller a part of your off-season to-do list.
2. Improve your boat’s interior. Boat interiors endure a lot of use during the summer. Use the offseason to freshen up your boat’s interior. Start by changing any worn out upholstery.
3. Inspect your battery. Check your boat’s battery to make sure it is charged and in good shape. If you have an old battery, replace it now. You should also check for any corrosion.
4. Install or update alarms. Having proper alarms onboard can save your boat or even your life. Update or install alarms on your boat for carbon monoxide, gas or propane vapors and high bilge water.
5. Change your waste hoses. Old sanitation hoses can make your whole boat stink. Changing your waste hoses will help your boat smell better. If cold conditions makes the hoses stiff while you’re working on them, dip them in hot water to make them more pliable.