Boaters in much of the U.S. and Canada acknowledge the need to winterize their boat’s engines each autumn. But what else can go wrong? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers boat owners a free online resource at BoatUS.com/Winterization. The website is chock full of winterizing checklists, tips, and a downloadable Boaters Guide to Winterizing to help all vessel owners ensure their boats are stored safely for the winter.

“In addition to winterizing the engine, there are a few other important things boaters should know,” said BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft. “Like should you use a plug-in heater? How do you store a boat that has E10 fuel in the tank? Or once preparations are done, how can you keep your boat safe over the winter months?”

In addition to a boat engine winterization checklist for both outboard and inboard engines and another on what to look out for over the long winter lay-up period, BoatUS.com/Winterization also offers off-season outboard care tips and help with what to do if the winter storm of the century approaches. Following the winterization guidelines from BoatUS will help ensure you get back on the water faster next spring.