A boat or yacht can endure significant wear and tear during use, but long periods of inactivity, especially during the winter months, can be just as harsh. When it comes time for seasonal storage or winterizing for the cold months, there are steps that owners can take that will minimize the amount of preparation they’ll need when they recommission their boat for use. Proper cleaning and engine maintenance are the first steps to take. In addition, check for and replace cracking hoses, lubricate spark plug holes with oil, and replace in-line fuel filters. In addition, owners should fill their fuel tank to at least 90 percent to reduce the risk of water condensation, then add anti-bacterial stabilizing agents to the fuel to prevent bacterial contamination.