What You Need to Know: Storing a Boat for the Winter

What You Need to Know: Storing a Boat for the Winter

Boating is an expensive pastime, but it can get a lot costlier if you fail to prepare your boat to sit for the winter. If you’re not planning to use your boat for several months, you should go ahead and winterize it, regardless of whether you live in a temperate climate or experience severe winter weather conditions. Here are just a few things you should know about storing your boat for the winter.

Inspection, Cleaning, and Repair

The first part of prepping your boat for winter storage after using it all summer is making sure the entire craft is clean and in good condition. This means conducting a thorough inspection of the inside and outside of the boat to check for damage or deterioration that needs to be addressed. The process is made easier when you perform a top-to-bottom cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and detritus-like barnacles that could hide problem areas. Once your boat is clean and you’ve made necessary repairs, you’ll want to wax the hull to prevent rust or other damage during the months your boat is out of commission, as well as make sure everything is dry so you don’t encounter mold after months of storage.

Prepping the Engine

You probably know better than to leave a car sitting for months without starting the engine and letting it run to circulate fluids through the engine and prevent seizing that could result in major damage. Well, your boat has an engine, too, and since you won’t be starting it for a while, you need to prep it to sit until spring or summer. Replacing fluids and filters is a must, especially since you need to make sure to purge any water in the system before the weather gets too cold (especially if your boat will be stored outdoors). You’ll also need to add a few things, like extra antifreeze, a stabilizer in the fuel tank, grease in joints (like the steering column), and fogging oil for moving engine parts. Once these steps have been completed, you should consider sealing engine compartments, as well as intake and exhaust ports that could provide access to pests seeking shelter during the winter months. You don’t want them taking up residence in your engine. Don’t forget to disconnect the battery and consider loosening or removing drive belts to keep them from cracking or snapping under stress and cold weather conditions. These steps help to ensure that your engine is in perfect condition when you’re ready to use your boat again.

Protecting Valuables

Regardless of where your boat will spend the winter, you need to take pains to remove any items of value that could become a target for theft. Start by going through the interior of the boat, including cabinets, lockers, drawers, and bench seating storage space that might contain electronics and easy-to-grab items like flares and life jackets, just for example. You should also consider external components that are relatively easy to remove and could fetch a significant resale price, such as propellers or outboard motors. The propellers can be removed, while affordable engine locks will keep your outboard motor relatively safe from theft.

Cover the Boat

If you’re leaving your boat outdoors for the winter, a boat cover is essential to protect the watercraft from all manner of harm, including the elements, pests, and so on. The right cover can protect the interior of your boat and much of the hull. This is a wise precaution even if you store your boat indoors.

Where to Store Your Boat

There are several possibilities when it comes to storing your boat for the winter. In relatively temperate climates, you could simply leave it docked. This is ideal if you continue to use it year-round, although it will incur docking fees and other maintenance expenses. If you plan to pull your boat out of the water, you can save some cash by simply leaving it trailered in your driveway or garage. However, there may be security risks involved, especially if you leave it in the driveway, and you’ll definitely need a cover to keep the elements and pests at bay. You could also partner with a storage facility that offers both temperature-controlled storage options and on-site security. Some even offer servicing options to winterize your boat in the off-season, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. If you need a reliable storage facility to keep your boat secure and well-serviced throughout the winter, contact the experienced professionals at Goodhue Boat Company, and let’s get you underway!