November, December 2025 Column HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR BOAT’S MARINE ELECTRONICS By Capt. John N.Raguso Most boat owners know that there is a process for winterizing your vessel’s powerplant(s) and fuel system. Some trust this process to their local marina’s marine mechanics, while the do-it-yourselfers among us relish the opportunity to perform these requisite tasks as part of the overall“boating experience”. However, there is also a step-by-step process for preparing your marine electronics for the winter layover Old Man Winter
The vagaries of winter weather in the northeast can be hazardous to just about everything electronic on your boat, from starting and house batteries, wiring, con- nectors, switches, circuit breakers, accessory panels, marine electronics and more. The temperature extremes punctuated by sub-zero nights, heavy snow and rain, exposure to constant coastal moisture, the occasional 50-degree days, etc. will all collaborate to wreak havoc on the sensitive screens, wiring and internals of your boat’s electrical components. Those who simply winterize their motor, cover the boat
and hope for the best can be the subject of numerous nasty surprises come springtime. The recommendations on how to care for your marine electronics are in two sections. I have assembled a few tips that have worked for me prior to season ending decommissioning, plus my good friends at Furuno USA have also shared a comprehensive summary on what they recommend, so let’s dive right into it. Author’s Recommendations -On Engine Electrical Connections Remove engine hood, observe exposed connections for corrosion, clean as required and use spray protectant to coat critical surfaces. -Accessory Panels
Access rear of panel from inside boat or remove accessory panel screws to access breaker switch wiring connections. Inspect connections for corrosion and clean as required. Use marine electronics spray to protect wiring and metal switch parts. -Accessory Panel Operations Work each switch for functionality and repair/replace wiring, breakers, fuses, toggle switches or connections to ensure operational integrity. -Marine Electronics Wiring and Plugs Remove electronics power, antenna and transducer plugs for all marine electronics, inspection for corrosion and wire/plug integrity, clean and spray to protect wiring integrity -Remove Batteries from Boat
Remove batteries from boat. Inspect cables for corrosion and connection integrity, clean and lube with dielectric spray. Charge batteries to full potential and monitor charge state over winter layover. Store batteries off the garage cement floor on wooden blocks to prevent discharging. -Clean Screens I will removed the covers from all my 228 EdgeWater CC’s marine electronics displays,which include a 12-inch Simrad MFD,
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