Hilton Head Winter Boat Maintenance Checklist

Winter in the “south” may be milder, but the cooler weather and slower boating schedule give owners the perfect opportunity to take care of their vessels! On Hilton Head, winter boat maintenance means handling everything from simply winterizing the boat, completing basic repairs all the way up to making upgrades for next season.

Plus we know that a little work now prevents bigger issues later and helps your boat stay reliable and ready for spring.

Did you know we have a shop right here on Hilton Head and our certified technicians are experts at servicing boats 35 feet and under? Yep, our on-island shop is equipped for everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Not to mention the coolest part – we are the island’s first and longest-running custom upholstery provider, including new designs and full restorations. Come by any time to see the endless possibilities for customization here!

Tackling your winter boat maintenance yourself? Use this checklist to care for your boat (or bring it to our team and we will handle every step for you):

Hilton Head Winter Boat Maintenance Checklist

1. Exterior Wash and Hull Inspection

Salt, sand, and residue can build up even after a single cruise. Give the hull a deep rinse and inspect for scratches, early signs of corrosion, loose fittings, cracked caulking, or worn hardware.

If you notice anything unusual, our techs can complete a full exterior inspection and take care of repairs before they worsen.

2. Engine Health Check

Cooler months are the right time to run diagnostic checks, inspect belts and hoses, tighten connections, and change engine fluids. To be honest, you should be running diagnostics every month BUT especially before winter.

If the boat will not run regularly during winter, follow winterizing guidance or stop by our shop and we will prepare the engine for safe storage.

3. Battery Care and Electrical Review

Batteries lose power sitting idle. Make sure yours is charged, clean, and stored properly.

Our technicians can test voltage, clean terminals, verify charging systems, and look for small electrical issues that become larger when boating resumes.

4. Fuel and Oil System Service

Did you know you should fill your fuel tank to reduce moisture and consider adding a stabilizer if the boat will sit for extended periods? Yes, you should let your boat sit with a full tank!

Changing oil, filters, and lower-unit lubricants now helps protect the engine through winter. This is one of the most valuable services we provide during the off-season.

5. Safety Gear Review

Confirm that all safety gear is present and in good condition. Check life jackets, flares, extinguishers, horns, throw cushions, and navigation lights. Our team can also assist with replacements if anything needs updating.

6. Interior Care and Moisture Protection

A breathable cover helps protect the interior through the season. Before covering, you should clean upholstery, wipe down compartments, remove damp items, and allow everything to dry completely.

If your cushions or seating need attention, bring her by the shop or send us photos and we can work with you on everything from custom upholstery repairs, full replacements, and custom design upgrades.

7. Electronics and Systems Check

Inspect your GPS, depth finder, stereo, and switches. Look for condensation, loose wires, or weak connections. Take care of anything that’s showing wear and tear. Of course, we can test each system, identify early issues, and keep everything functioning as it should before spring if you see something out of the ordinary and want expert insight.

8. Trailer and Lift Inspection

If you use a trailer, check the tires, lights, straps, and winch. If your boat stays on a lift, confirm the cables, bunks, and guides are secure. We absolutely offer trailer inspections and can help with minor fixes before they turn into problems. Put simply, our certified technicians maintain our entire rental fleet and Boat Club vessels year-round. If you prefer to leave the maintenance to experts, we are here to help.

Bring your boat to our on-island shop and we will winterize it, complete any repairs, or refresh your upholstery before the busy season returns.

Learn more or contact us at HiltonHeadIslandBoatRentals.com or call Jennifer at (843) 540-7169.