Winterizing Your Boat Instruments

Whether your boat stays in the water over winter or comes ashore for storage, your navigation electronics need preparation. A few simple steps in autumn can prevent corrosion, condensation damage, and UV wear during the months your instruments sit unused.

Before You Leave the Boat

• Clean thoroughly. Rinse all instruments with fresh water and dry completely before covering — trapping moisture under a cover accelerates corrosion.
• Check connections. Inspect cable connectors for corrosion and apply marine-grade dielectric grease if needed.
• Remove batteries from handheld devices (GPS units, handheld VHFs) to prevent leakage damage.
• Update software on chartplotters while you have time, so you're ready to go in spring.

Protecting Instruments During Storage

Even when not in use, fixed instruments left exposed on deck continue to suffer UV damage from low winter sun angles, as well as frost and salt spray from storms. A fitted suncover keeps:

• UV rays off displays and housings during sunny winter days.
• Frost and condensation away from screens and buttons.
• Salt spray and bird droppings from accumulating on lenses and sensors.