... prepare it for enduring freezing temperatures ... This may mean removing it from water, in the case of small and fragile boats that could be crushed or damaged by the water they are in being frozen ... it may mean adding anti-freeze to toilets and draining as much water as possible from various tanks ...

1) " To prepare [it] for winter weather" http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/winterize 2) "The best place for your boat to be during the winter is out of the water, under cover, in a climate-controlled boat storage area. This, however, can be expensive. If don't have this option perhaps you should consider shrink-wrapping your boat. This, too, is a little expensive but provides a very protective cover. Short of these two items, make sure that your boat is well covered with a tarp or some other sturdy cover. Your first step in winterizing should be to make a checklist of all items that need to be accomplished. Check the owner's manual of your boat and motor(s) for manufacturer's recommendations on winterization. If you are a new boat owner, perhaps you should employ the assistance of a friend with experience in winterizing or hire a professional to do the job. The following is a generic outline of areas which should be of concern to you, however, there are many resources on the Internet with more detailed and specific information." Source and further information: http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/winterupdate.htm 3) "Here's a quick,simple guide to follow prior to storing your outboard for an extended period. Get to the front of your carbs by removing silencer-cover. Hook a hose to your water intake . Crank and let engine warm-up, with motor running at fast idle;increase speed slightly {be ready for this next step!}. Disconnect fuel line at engine and spray a couple ounces of Fogging oil into each carb as motor runs out of gas and stalls. Remove the spark plugs and spray some in each cylinder; turn flywheel by hand a few times. Change the lower-unit lube and remove prop, grease shaft and all other fitting and lube points. Spray a little corrosion preventitive on engine and BE SURE to leave your motor in vertical or down position so water won't lay in there and freeze. Put your battery inside shop and charge it now and then; as long as you're going that way why not put your prop on the shelf by the battery {a good way to still have it come spring}. I fill my fuel tank and add proper amount of fuel stabilizer to it for the winter. While you're at it, just as well go ahead and clean and wax the boat and motor. Get a good quality cover for your boat that breathes. The covers mentioned below are ideal for the winter and you won't find a better price anywhere! Don't forget the bottom while your at it! Keep it Clean - Your boat bottom will be quickest if it is perfectly smooth. Dirt and slime buildup will slow you down. Clean the bottom with a strong cleaner. Wet sand any tough bumps in the running surface with 400-600 grit paper. You don't need wax (in fact it can, in some circumstances, slow you down.)" Source and further information: http://www.brokeboats.com/wintermaintence.html 4) "There’s a good reason many animals hibernate during the winter. Preparing for long periods of inactivity and seeking protection against extreme climatic conditions are necessary steps for survival. It’s no different when it comes to your boat and motor. Proper “winterization” is a must for protecting your craft, and ensuring that it’s in ship-shape condition when spring rolls around. Here are some valuable tips for safeguarding your valuable recreational asset during the “off season.”" "Fill ‘Er Up Protect Your Engine Use the Right AntiFreeze Remove Your Battery, Electronics, and Safety Devices Check Your Prop Clean, Clean, Clean Your Boat Empty Your Head Put it on the Block Go Undercover Additional miscellaneous winterization tasks" Source and further information: http://www.nccoastalfishing.com/winterizeboat.htm 5) Further information: - "How To Winterize Your Boat": http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Winterize-Your-Boat&id=370702 - "Important Facts To Know About Winterizing Your Boat": http://www.outdoorcentral.com/feature-article/important-facts-to-know-about-winterizing-your-boat - "Six Common Boat Winterizing Errors": http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/article.cfm/six_common_boat_winterizing_errors - "Boat Storage and Winterization": http://www.aquaskier.com/articles/boat_storage_and_winterization.htm