Boat Winterization Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost to winterize your boat for off-season storage. Enter costs for each winterization task. Toggle each item on or off based on what applies to your boat. The calculator totals your professional labour and material costs separately, giving you a full estimated budget.
Winterization cost formula
Shrink wrap cost = Length (ft) × Rate ($/ft)
Total = Engine fogging + Antifreeze + Oil change + Fuel stabilizer
+ Shrink wrap + Storage + Miscellaneous
DIY winterization reduces labour costs significantly. Purchase materials from a marine chandlery and follow your engine manufacturer's service manual for the correct procedures.
Winterization checklist
- Flush and fog the engine with protective oil
- Change engine oil and filter (old oil contains acids that damage internal parts)
- Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine to distribute it through the fuel system
- Drain or antifreeze all water systems: engine raw water, head, livewell, shower sump
- Remove and store batteries in a warm place on a maintenance charger
- Rinse and dry the bilge; leave the bilge pump float switch in the auto position
- Apply corrosion inhibitor to electrical connectors and metal hardware
- Remove electronics, flares, life jackets, and valuables
- Cover or shrink wrap for outdoor storage
Boat winterization cost calculator: frequently asked questions
What does winterizing a boat involve?
Winterizing protects a boat from cold weather damage during off-season storage. Key tasks include: fogging the engine with protective oil, flushing the cooling system and adding antifreeze to all water systems, draining live wells and bilges, removing electronics and valuables, applying corrosion protection to wiring and metal fittings, and covering or shrink-wrapping the boat for storage.
How much does it cost to winterize a boat?
Professional boat winterization costs vary by boat type and region. A typical outboard-powered boat: $150 to $400. A sterndrive or inboard: $300 to $700. A large cabin cruiser: $500 to $1,500+. DIY winterization with purchased materials costs $50 to $200 for most boats. This calculator helps you estimate your specific costs.
What is shrink wrapping and how much does it cost?
Shrink wrap is a heat-applied plastic film that protects boats stored outdoors from snow, ice, and UV damage. A professional shrink wrap installation costs approximately $12 to $20 per linear foot of boat length (measured from bow to stern). A 25-foot boat might cost $300 to $500 to shrink wrap. Some owners use a custom boat cover or store the boat indoors instead.
Should I winterize my boat myself or hire a professional?
DIY winterization can save $150 to $500 but requires knowledge of your specific engine and systems. Improperly winterized engines can suffer costly freeze damage. If you are unfamiliar with your engine or live in a region with hard freezes, professional winterization is a worthwhile investment. Marine mechanics charge $80 to $150 per hour.
What type of antifreeze should I use in boat plumbing?
Use only non-toxic propylene glycol RV/marine antifreeze (pink antifreeze) in potable water systems, livewells, and bait wells. Do NOT use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which is toxic to aquatic life and humans. For raw-water engine cooling systems, some technicians use propylene glycol; others simply drain and blow out all water. Follow your engine manufacturer's guidance.
Official sources
- American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC): ABYC winterization and lay-up standards.
- US Coast Guard Boating Safety: Winterizing your boat.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.