As fall approaches, it's time to start thinking about storing your boat for the winter. Properly storing your boat is crucial to keeping it in good condition and protecting your investment during the off-season. This article will cover the key things you need to know to safely store your boat this fall.
Reasons to Store Your Boat for the Winter
There are a few key reasons why you should store your boat for the winter months:
- Protect it from winter weather: Storing your boat protects it from harsh winter conditions like freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and wind. These can damage components or the structure of your boat.
- Prevent damage from lack of use: Leaving a boat unused in water or on land over winter puts it at risk of damage from corrosion, mold, and pests. Proper storage helps prevent this.
- It’s often required by marinas and insurance: Most marinas prohibit keeping boats on slips over the winter. Insurance may also require appropriate off-season storage.
- Prepare it for next season: Storing the boat gives you a chance to clean it thoroughly, make repairs or upgrades, and get it inspected so it’s ready to launch in spring.
Location Options for Boat Storage
When deciding where to store your boat, you have several options to consider:
Indoor Storage
- Boat storage facilities: These facilities provide covered indoor storage spaces for boats during winter and charge a monthly rental fee. This option provides the highest level of protection.
- Personal garage/shed: If you have enough space in a garage or storage shed and can transport the boat, indoor storage at home can save costs. You still need to take proper care and precautions.
Outdoor Storage
- Marina winter boat storage: Many full-service marinas offer winter boat storage for seasonal slip holders. This exposes boats to outdoor elements but is cheaper than indoor options. Staff can also winterize boats.
- Self-storage lots: Some storage facilities accommodate boat storage if you have the ability to transport your boat to the facility. This option leaves boats vulnerable to weather.
- Keep it on the trailer: You can park your boat on its trailer at home or another secure location. This leaves it exposed to weather but allows you to easily move it. Appropriate covering is essential.
Prepping Your Boat for Storage
To ensure your boat stays in good shape over the winter, be sure to take these steps before storing it:
- Thoroughly clean the boat: Remove all debris, personal items, canvas, and perishable foods. Clean the hull, deck, storage areas, bilges, and other spaces. Allow all areas to fully air out and dry before sealing for storage.
- Check and recharge the battery: Fully charge the battery. Disconnect it and store it in a cool, dry place if possible. An automatic battery tender can be used to maintain optimal charge over winter.
- Change all fluids: Change the engine oil and filters, fuel filters, transmission fluid, generator oil, and any other fluids as specified by manufacturer maintenance guides. Use only manufacturer-approved fluids to avoid damage over the off-season.
- Protect the hull: Wax and buff the hull to protect the gelcoat. Apply antifouling bottom paint if storing in water.
- Fog the engine: Spray fogging oil into the engine’s cylinders through the spark plug holes to coat the internal components and prevent corrosion. Turn the crankshaft manually to spread the oil.
- Pump out holding tanks: Fully drain and pump out all waste holding tanks prior to storage. Discharge tank sensors should be deactivated.
- Winterize the engine: For inboard motors, work with a certified marine technician to drain cooling water systems and use antifreeze to prevent freeze damage. Or have the marina winterize it when stored there.
- Use preventive coverings: Shrink wrapping the entire boat or using a well-secured canvas cover helps protect it from pests, sun damage, corrosion, and accumulation of snow/ice.
Following detailed winterization and storage guidelines from your owner’s manual is also essential.
What to Do During Storage
- Check on your stored boat periodically over winter. Ensure coverings are secure, no pests or leaks are present, and components are adequately protected.
- Consider having the boat professionally detailed so it’s pristine when launching in spring.
- Make any desired repairs or upgrades
If you decide to store your boat at a marina or storage facility rather than storing it yourself, make sure you choose a reliable provider who will care for your boat properly.
Here are important questions to ask potential boat storage providers:
Some facilities will carry out key winterization tasks like draining systems, adding antifreeze, fogging engines, etc. Find out what's included and the costs.
Options like indoor/outdoor storage, rack storage, shrink wrapping and trailer storage should be available. Choose what best suits your needs and budget.
Fenced, gated facilities with video surveillance and staff on-site 24/7 provide better security. Access should require ID and verification.
Well-maintained buildings with climate control, dehumidifiers, electrical hookups, etc. help protect stored boats. Nearby amenities are also nice for working on your boat.
Some facilities allow seasonal access to boats. This lets you check on it, make repairs or enjoy occasional outings.
Ask about emergency protocols from storms, fires electrical outages, equipment failure, etc. They should have systems to notify boat owners of issues.
When you find a provider that meets your criteria, understand all costs and policies before signing a storage agreement. Be sure to provide emergency contact information and instructions for accessing your boat.
Once winter passes and temperatures start rising, it will be time to get your stored boat ready to launch for the new boating season.
Here is a checklist for properly launching a boat out of winter storage:
To Do 1-2 Weeks Before Launch:
Transport the boat to the marina or launch point
Uncover and thoroughly clean the boat
Charge and reinstall battery
Connect fuel lines and fill fuel tanks
Check and lubricate steering system
Reattach drain plugs in bilge areas
Verify no leaks, damage, or pests from the storage
To Do On Launch Day:
Turn on and test electronic equipment
Start the engine and check for issues
Allow the engine to idle and circulate fluids
Check gauge readings
Thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the boat
Test steering and throttle controls
Check safety gear - fire extinguisher, life vests, horn, lights, ropes
Go for a brief test run near the marina
Perform final walk-around and departure prep
Following proper launch, procedures ensure your boat is running safely and reliably when boating season begins.
Storing your boat well and launching it properly in spring requires time, effort, and know-how. The marine professionals at Great Lakes Yacht Sales in Kenosha, Wisconsin can handle winter storage and spring commissioning for you.
Their full-service indoor storage facility protects your boat from the elements so it’s pristine when launching day arrives. Before storing, their technicians can winterize components and systems to avoid seasonal damage. As spring approaches, they'll get your boat ocean or lake-ready upon request.
For storage, winterization, spring commissioning or any other boating needs, contact Great Lakes Yacht Sales in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Their decades of experience and dedication to service will provide you peace of mind your boat is in good hands year-round!
