Short answer: Harbor Marine winterizes engines, generators and water systems and shrink wraps boats around Lake Lanier, then recommissions them in spring. Book early in the fall at (770) 967-8495.
Why winterize a boat in Georgia
North Georgia winters are mild most days, which is exactly why winterization gets skipped. It only takes one hard freeze for water trapped in an engine block, manifold, pump or plumbing line to expand and crack something expensive. Boats on trailers and lifts, sitting out in the open air, are the most exposed.
Winterizing is cheap insurance compared with a cracked block in March.
What winterization includes
- Engines: cooling passages drained or protected so no water is left to freeze.
- All water systems: freshwater tanks, lines, sinks, showers and heads on boats that have them.
- Generators: protected the same way as the main engines.
- Battery check: batteries checked so the boat is not dead in spring.
- Shrink wrap: available to keep rain, leaves and sun off the boat through winter.
Every boat is a little different. Tell us what systems yours has when you book.
Shrink wrap and bilge heaters
A tight shrink wrap keeps water from pooling in the cockpit and leaves from clogging drains, and it shades the gel coat and upholstery from winter sun. For boats that stay in the water, a bilge heater can add protection on the coldest nights. We can set that up as part of the winter plan.
Book early
Fall winterization and shrink wrap calendars fill up quickly once the weather turns. The earlier you call, the better your spot on the schedule, and the less you worry about an early cold snap catching the boat unprotected.
Spring prep
When it warms up we reverse the process: remove the wrap, recommission the engine and water systems, check the batteries and look the boat over before its first trip. It is a good time for an oil change and an impeller check through boat engine repair, or a detail to get the winter grime off.
Signs a boat was not winterized well
Every spring we hear from owners who skipped winterizing or had it done in a hurry. Common signs are water or coolant under the engine, a cracked exhaust manifold, a water pump that will not prime, or a freshwater line that sprays when the pump comes on. Some of that damage is not obvious until the first run of the season. That is why a careful winterization, and a check at recommissioning, are worth the time.
Tell us what the boat has
Winterization depends on the boat's systems. A small runabout with one engine and no plumbing is a short job. A cruiser with a generator, a freshwater system, a head, a water heater and an air conditioner has a lot more to protect. When you book, list what you know is on board. If you are not sure, we will look the boat over first.
Batteries over the winter
Batteries lose charge as they sit, and a fully discharged battery can be damaged by the cold. Over winter, either keep batteries on a maintainer, disconnect them, or take them somewhere they can be kept charged. We check batteries during winterization and can tell you the best approach for your boat and storage setup.
Winterization around the lake
We winterize at your dock or storage spot through mobile service, or at our Buford shop. We serve boats on Lake Lanier and owners in Buford, Flowery Branch and Sugar Hill, plus Gainesville and Cumming.
Boaters from Suwanee, Alpharetta, Dahlonega and Atlanta are welcome too. Contact us to get on the list.