For boaters in northern states or places with colder off-season climates, winter prep is non-negotiable. When it’s time to head in from the lake for the last time, it’s also time to lock in for serious winter prep. Freezing temperatures, snow, and months of storage can take a serious toll on your vessel if you don’t take the right steps now. The good news? With the right products and a little time (and even less with DiTEC), you can head into the off-season confident that your boat will be ready to shine come spring.
Here’s how to winterize with DiTEC:
1. Start With a Full Clean
Before shrink wrapping or storing, give your boat a thorough wash with DiTEC’s Boat Soap. It removes dirt, salt, and grime without harming the environment. A clean surface now prevents stains from setting in over the long winter. If you have a particularly dirty hull with a lot of marine growth, try Hull & Bottom Cleaner for an easy clean.
2. Protect Your Teak
Teak exposed to months of cold and dry conditions can fade and lose its natural luster. Use Teak Magic to deep clean, then apply Triton Teak Shield to protect against the elements. Come spring, your teak will thank you.
3. Guard Your Metals and Glass
Metal hardware and fittings are especially vulnerable when idle for months. Polish them with Metalon PX for a protective finish and a professional-level shine. This improves appearance now and helps fight corrosion over the winter.
For glass surfaces, use Crystal Clear & Glasstec to clean and protect. Crystal Clear removes dirt, water spots, and haze, and Glasstec leaves a protective layer that makes uncovering and maintaining your boat in the spring much easier. Clear, streak-free glass means better visibility and a boat that looks showroom-ready right away.
4. Add a Protective Layer
Before storing your boat, apply Protec 1 to gelcoat and painted surfaces. It shields against oxidation, environmental wear, and fading, so your boat maintains its vibrant finish throughout the long winter months. This step ensures your vessel will look as good as new when it’s time to launch again.
5. Finish Strong
Think of winterization as your boat’s “reset button.” Every step you take now pays off with less work, less expense, and more time on the water when boating season returns.
The bottom line: Winter in the North is tough, but your boat doesn’t have to suffer. With DiTEC’s eco-friendly cleaners and powerful protection solutions, you’ll keep your vessel safe through the off-season and looking its best when it’s time to launch again.
Click here to get the downloadable winterization checklist!
