How to Prevent a Winter Boat Nightmare

Cold weather and freezing temperatures can sink your boat if you do not winterize it properly or prepare for the change in temperature. It is important to always close seacocks and through-hull fittings, as well as keeping the ambient temperature above freezing in the engine compartment of your vessel by using a bilge heater. Often times, as was the case in the above picture, people leave seacock valves open, water inside the hose freezes and contracts, and the hose lifts off the through hull barb, allowing water to pour into your vessel. If your boat has strainers installed to filter raw water, it is especially vulnerable in freezing temperatures as the water can crack and break the sight glass on your strainer, causing an uncontrolled influx of water, and sinking your boat. Don't be That guy (or gal)!