Want to make sure your boat is winter ready?

Start by consulting your local professionals. We talked with Paul Leman at Long Lake Marina in Interlochen (near Traverse City) to learn important do-it-yourself winterization tips.

1. Start with fuel. Make sure your tank isn't empty (though it doesn't have to be full). Use an ethanol treatment with a fuel conditioner, since ethanol can cause issues with rubber fuel lines.

2. For both inboard and outboard motors, this is a great time to change your oil filter and perform regular maintenance.

3. Draining water is critical for live wells, motors and other places that may have standing water. If needed, use a non-toxic (RV) anti-freeze.

4. Protect your internal components by fogging your engine. Fogging oil can be sprayed in the through the intake system to prevent corrosion.

5. Be sure your battery is fully charged, then either disconnect or remove it. It's also not a bad idea to charge it once or twice during the winter.

6. Make a plan to store or shrink wrap your boat. Leaving a boat exposed to the elements all winter fosters mold and mildew, and the excess weight of the snow can actually crush pontoons or other critical structures of a boat. Plus, freezing and thawing cycles can really damage instrumentation, fabric and fiberglass.

This is just a partial list of steps you should take. Be sure to consult a local professional about how best to care for your particular boat, so it's ready when the water opens in the spring.