As the cold weather is about to fall upon us, now is the time to think about winterizing your boat.  This doesn't mean that you should put your boat away into hibernation, you simply should protect it from the winter elements.  Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Top off your fuel tanks and add some fuel stabilizer to protect yourself from condensation.
• Drain your sea strainers (which could freeze and crack in below freezing temperatures).
• Change your engine oil and filters (make sure to get the engine to temperature prior to draining).
• Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the water pump to a bucket of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until water starts to exit the exhaust. This process will vary slightly depending on whether you have a "Raw Water" cooling system or an "Enclosed Fresh Water" cooling system.
• Close sea-cocks.
• Charge and test batteries.
• Drain your water tanks and add some plumbing antifreeze.

For more information view the videos included below or visit Discover Boating.

• RV/Marine Plumbing Antifreeze
• Full line of 76 brand lubricants
• Gas & Diesel Stabilizers
• Fogging Oil and Corrosion Inhibitors
• Low power consumption heaters
• Plus much, much more.

In addition to our full line of winterizing products, we are also pleased to accept your waste oil, filters, oily rags, used antifreeze, and small amounts of contaminated fuel.

Of course you can always call Galleon Marine at 604-273-7544 to have one of their trained and certified mechanics complete a full winterization service.

Galleon Marine has a full parts department to compliment their service department.  A great selection of parts and supplies are also available at West Marine which is conveniently located at our marina (8331 River Rd.).  West Marine Richmond can be contacted at 604-233-2327.