Winterizing your boat is the key to protecting your investment. Our Canadian winters can be harsh, and your boat (and wallet) will thank you for taking a proactive approach.

While you do still have plenty of time left with your boat this season, planning is key to a smooth appointment process. 

Some benefits to planning include:

1. Getting your preferred appointment date. Appointments fill up quickly, so planning means you can align your appointment date with your work schedule. 
2. There is limited space if you plan to store your boat at a facility. Securing your winterization early means storing your boat where you want. 
3. Know exactly how much time you have left in your boating season. 

Winterization, Wrapping, and Storage 

There are three major components to winterization: the process of winterizing your boat, wrapping your boat, and storing your boat. 

Winterization

Properly winterizing your boat will prevent damage over the winter, and in turn, extends the life of your boat. Winterization prepares your boat for the cold Canadian winters that we all know and love (well, maybe not love). It protects critical components of your boat, including the engine and electrical systems from freezing temperatures. Choosing not to winterize your boat, or doing it improperly, may lead to issues down the road including corrosion, engine blocks, and fuel system issues. 

Overall, winterizing your boat reduces the wear and tear, giving your vessel a much longer lifespan. Just like a car, boats require proper regular maintenance.

Wrapping

Having your boat professionally wrapped protects your boat from the elements, and is all-around another good practice to extend the lifespan of your vessel. The most common practice for professionally wrapping your boat is shrink-wrapping. This is because it creates a tighter seal, providing your boat with more protection while it is stored for the winter months. 

While some boaters choose not to wrap their boat when storing it indoors, we still recommend it. This is because it protects your boat from dirt and debris, and unnecessary wear and tear.

Storage

You can store your boat indoors or outdoors. If you are choosing to store your boat at a facility, chances are it will be stored outside. Most of the time, when storing a boat indoors, it is stored on private property. There are several factors that go into deciding whether you will be storing your boat indoors or outdoors, including availability of space, budget, and personal preference. If you choose to store your boat at a facility, we recommend securing your space as early as possible, as these spaces typically fill up quickly. 

DIY Winterization Mistakes to Avoid

When DIYing your winterization and storage, it’s important that you avoid making some of these common mistakes. 

1. Use the correct cover when storing your boat outdoors for the winter. Mooring and bow-to-stern covers are not appropriate for outdoor winter storage. We recommend having your boat professionally shrink-wrapped.
2. Cover your boat even when it’s stored indoors. Many boat owners opt to not cover their boat when they have indoor storage options, but covering your boat even when it’s stored indoors is a good way to further protect your investment. 
3. Ensure your Bimini tops and enclosures are taken down. Some people leave their enclosures up because they believe that this will further protect their boat from the snow, but this is not the case. Boat enclosures are not built to hold up the weight of accumulated snow, so they can be damaged in the process. 

Winterization with Legend Boats 

With skilled Mercury-certified technicians across our Legend Boats retail stores and partner dealerships, you can be certain that your boat is receiving the best care. Our Mercury experts winterize hundreds of boats every year. 

Step-by-step processes ensure high-quality results every time. Our process is meticulous, and ensures that you and your boat are taken care of.  

When booking your winterization with Legend Boats, you will have your choice of package:

• Quick Lube Oil Change 
• Seasonal Care 
• Seasonal Care PLUS 

DIY Tools

As a certified Mercury dealer, we carry the products that you need to winterize your boat. If your Mercury motor is still under warranty, it is important that you use Mercury-approved products for motor maintenance. Not sure what products are best? Our boat specialists will be happy to help you. 

Dealer Network

With over 50 partner dealerships across Canada, you can find your closest dealer to winterize your Legend Boat. 

Planning Ahead 

While we never want to plan for boating season to end, we always recommend planning ahead. This ensures securing your preferred appointment day and time, making it easier for you to plan your schedule. While our team will always do our best to accommodate our Legend Family, we do have limited service and storage spots available.

Protecting Your Investment 

Protect your investment by properly winterizing your Legend Boat. Whether you get it professionally serviced or prefer to do it yourself, using the right products and techniques is key. At Legend Boats stores and partner dealerships, you can trust the high-quality, meticulous process. 

Start planning your winterization now, so you can enjoy the rest of the boating season worry-free!