Winterization in the High Desert: Why "Just Draining" Your Boat Isn't Enough

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November 7th, 2025

Albuquerque Boat Winterization

The air is getting crisp, the cottonwoods are golden, and the sun is setting a little earlier over the Sandias. For boat owners in Albuquerque, this signals the end of another great season on the water. Whether you spent your summer at Cochiti Lake, Elephant Butte, or Abiquiu, the time has come to think about putting your vessel away for the winter.

If you’re from a wetter, more humid climate, you might think winterizing is a simple task. But here in our unique high-desert environment, we have a different set of rules. As anyone in Bernalillo County can tell you, our climate is a study in contrasts. We're blessed with plenty of sunshine year-round, but our four distinct seasons bring everything from scorching summer days to winter nights that regularly plummet into the 20s and 30s.

This is exactly why the "just drain it" mentality is one of the most expensive mistakes a New Mexico boat owner can make.

The High-Desert Freeze: A Hidden Menace

"I just pulled the drain plug," we hear people say. "All the water's out, right?"

Wrong. In our semi-arid climate, the real danger isn't just the cold—it's the cycle of cold. Water is a sneaky adversary. It hides in places you'd never expect: the engine block, manifolds, exhaust systems, plumbing for sinks or heads, and even in small crevices within the water pump.

When the temperature at your 87111 home drops to 25 degrees, that hidden water turns to ice. And as we all learned in science class, water expands when it freezes. This expansion exerts incredible pressure, enough to crack a cast-iron engine block or split a fiberglass water line wide open. The result? You pull your boat out in the spring, and you're facing thousands of dollars in repairs before you ever touch the water.

This is a problem that mild days and "plenty of sunshine" can't fix. In fact, that same beautiful sun is a threat in its own right, beating down on your upholstery, vinyl, and tires, causing them to crack and fade, while the dry air wicks moisture out of every seal and gasket.

True Winterization: The Anti-Headache Checklist

Proper winterization is about protecting your boat from all of Albuquerque's winter elements. "Just draining" is step one of ten. A real winter prep list includes:

Engine & Sterndrive: After draining, you must run non-toxic (pink) antifreeze through the entire engine system to displace any and all remaining water. This is the single most important step to prevent a cracked block.
Fuel System: Today's ethanol-blended fuels can go bad in just a few months, gumming up your engine. Fill the tank to 90% (to reduce condensation) and add a high-quality fuel stabilizer.
Plumbing: Every single system that holds water—livewells, sinks, toilets, showers—must be completely drained and filled with antifreeze.
Battery: Disconnect the battery terminals. A fully charged battery will resist freezing, but for best results, remove it and store it at home on a battery tender.
Clean & Cover: Give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out to remove any lingering grime, which can lead to mold (even in our dry climate!). This also evicts any critters looking for a winter home. Finally, use a quality, breathable boat cover.

The Final Step: Secure Seasonal Storage

After all that hard work, the last thing you want to do is leave your boat exposed. A fully winterized boat is a safe boat, but a secure boat brings true peace of mind. This is where dedicated seasonal storage becomes your best friend.

Instead of taking up space in your driveway or worrying about it on the street, consider a professional facility. For those of us in Albuquerque, a secure, local spot is key. For example, Golden Target Self Storage, right on 8601 Montgomery Blvd. NE, offers dedicated Boat Storage, RV Storage, and Vehicle Storage options. A facility like this provides features that your driveway doesn't, like perimeter fencing, 24-hour video surveillance, and gated access. It's the ideal solution for protecting your investment from theft, vandalism, and the relentless high-desert elements.

When spring finally returns, you don't want to be dealing with a massive repair bill. You want to be planning your first trip back to the lake, enjoying a drive past the ABQ BioPark, or thinking about a hike at the Petroglyph National Monument. Take the time to winterize and store your boat properly. You’ll be glad you did.