Thanks to an unusually mild December, it?s not too late to winterize your boat. Those new to boating may not have thought about it, or understood why it?s important, so let?s look at why and how to winterize and protect your vessel.

Why: Winterization protects the hull, interior, engine, mechanical and electronic equipment from the negative consequences of inclement weather and from not being used for several months. Preventative maintenance (winterization) saves time and money and assures that your vessel will be almost ready to use when spring comes.

At the end of any season, equipment should be cleaned and properly stored until it will be used again. Boats are no different. That?s why it?s prudent to have a winterization check list.

Begin with the boat, motor and equipment manufacturer?s winter setup recommendations.

Interior
* Clean thoroughly. Leave refrigerator, lockers and drawers open.
* Remove electronics and other items of value.
* Position moisture and odor removing products, such as Damp-Away, in the cabin.
* Drain, refill and add antifreeze to all holding tanks.

Bilge
* Drain water and clean.
* Assure that bilge pumps are functional.

Batteries
* Top off fluid cells with distilled water.
* Clean terminals and connections and coat with petroleum jelly to slow corrosion.
* Fully charge batteries.

Inboard engine
* Change engine and drive train oil.
* Flush engine with freshwater. Refill with anti-freeze and/or install a non-sparking
electric heater.
* Spray fogging oil in engine cylinders.
* Wipe down engine with a shop towel sprayed with WD-40.

Outdrive
* Remove any growth and clean.
* Check rubber boot for cracks and pinholes.
* Change oil in lower unit.

Outboard
* Change oil in lower unit.
* Fog cylinders to lubricate walls and pistons.
* Disconnect fuel line and allow engine to run until it stops.
* Set motor in the down position to allow water to drain.

Fuel
* Fill tanks will gas. Add fuel stabilizer and run engine for a few minutes to allow stabilized fuel to circulate through engine.
Hull
* Clean and cover.

How: If you don?t have the time or inclination to take on a boat winterization project, call a marine mechanic or the service department of your boat dealer. Engine winterizing prices vary depending on the type of motor and where the service is performed.

Check with your service provider for an estimate.

Tips from Capt. Gus: Don?t delay winterizing your boat. Sustained periods of freezing temperatures can occur at any time between now and mid-March.

Hot Spots of the Week: Spring-like temperatures over the holidays have activated both the fish and the fishermen. Some say fishing is the best it?s been in years. Those targeting bass, crappie and perch consider it to be the best December in decades. An angler showing off his catch at Little Creek Boat Access earlier this week said, ?When they?re biting, everyone catches fish.? In his live well were two limits of crappie with an average length of 12 inches. Not bad for the last week of December!

Good catches are coming from both ends of the lake, but some of the most productive waters have been Stumpy, Little, Reed and Davidson Creeks. While most fish are shallower than normal for this time of year, stripers and hybrids are along the edges off drop-offs in relatively deep water.

If you missed the fabulous holiday fishing, remember that January is also a great month to fish Lake Norman!