10 Things to Consider Before Winterizing Your Boat
By: Chad Taylor, 2nd Generation owner and former certified technician
One of the age old questions we get in the dealership when it comes to winterizations is about our pricing compared to the price of some of the non-certified service places. Then of course, there are the DIYers out there that can handle it themselves. The bottom line is, if you are an experienced DIYer then you can absolutely do it yourself for less money - providing you already have the tools needed. My father was the king of DIY and raised us the same way so we feel ya! But as I got older my time became very valuable. This is when I learned to turn to the professionals for all my toys. So short of having enough experience to do it yourself, let’s address WHO should pay to do the winterization and maintenance on your boat.
Certified dealerships have long been the go-to for expert service in the marine industry but what about the folks that are “doing it on the side” or maybe the ones that do not offer certified technicians? What about those shops that claim to have a certified technician yet they are either not in the boat business or they do not currently have a franchise agreement with a manufacturer? Once a technician leaves the industry or leaves a certified dealership they no longer have the ability to remain certified. If you aren’t sure, you should absolutely be asking those questions before you hand over a dollar of your hard earned money. While they might possess the ability to do the work (and do it much cheaper), they do not possess the resources or support of your manufacturer. There are still many advantages of allowing a certified dealership to handle your work. Let’s discuss a few of few of these situations
Expertise and Training: Certified dealerships have technicians who are trained and certified in boat maintenance and winterization procedures. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your boat is properly winterized to protect it from cold weather damage and generally use the highest quality products.This is key to keeping your boat on the water for years to come.
Manufacturer Knowledge: Certified dealerships often have a deep understanding of the specific make and model of your boat, including its unique requirements for winterization. This can help ensure that the process is done correctly by following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Warranty Considerations: Many boats and marine engines come with warranties, and performing improper winterization or non-certified maintenance can void these warranties. Certified dealerships are required to adhere to manufacturer guidelines, helping to preserve your warranty coverage. In addition, many of the marine manufactures will allow another certified dealership to perform your maintenance and winterization. You do not necessarily need to go back to the place of purchase.
Quality Assurance: Certified dealerships are typically held to high standards of quality and customer service. They are more likely to use quality parts and materials, ensuring that the winterization is done properly and that your boat is protected. At Taylor’s we only use marine grade antifreeze and it is rated at -100 degrees. (Note: the “pink stuff” should not be used in marine engines.).
Equipment and Tools: Certified dealerships have access to specialized equipment and tools that may be necessary for winterization procedures, such as pressure-testing systems, marine grade antifreeze, marine grade oils and filters and other materials that are not readily available to the average boat owner or the garage shop mechanic.
Comprehensive Service: Certified dealerships often offer comprehensive winterization packages that include a thorough inspection of your boat's systems, including the engine, electrical components, plumbing, and more. This can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems down the road and can help you avoid surprise issues in the spring when you’re ready to get on the water. DIYers simply don't know what they don't know. Certified technicians do it everyday and know what to be looking for.
Convenience and Time Savings: Boat winterization can be a time-consuming and complex process, especially for larger boats or those with multiple systems. Having a certified dealership handle the task can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other priorities. At Taylor’s we pride ourselves on some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your boat has been winterized by certified professionals can provide peace of mind during the off-season. You can trust that your investment is protected and will be ready to use when the boating season returns. Afterall, our boats are our babies…would you take your newborn to a pediatrician or to a general practitioner or the “home health specialist” that gets their info off of Google or Youtube?
Compliance with New Regulations/Environmental: Some regions have specific environmental regulations governing the winterization process, including the disposal of certain chemicals and materials. Certified dealerships are more likely to be aware of and compliant with these regulations. At Taylor’s we have made substantial investments into proper handling and disposal. This is the reason we now offer a Summarization package in the spring.
Liability Coverage: In the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the winterization process and your boat is damaged, certified dealerships typically have liability insurance coverage to protect you financially.
While certified dealership services may be more of an investment than what the DIYer or the garage mechanic charge, the benefits of expertise, quality assurance, and peace of mind can outweigh the expense. Ultimately, it's an investment in protecting your boat and ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come for you and your family. We hope this helps with your decisions and all of us at Taylor’s look forward to servicing your boat.