Winter is officially here, which means it’s time to hang up the holiday lights and figure out where you’re going to store your boat until the spring season.
Winter boat storage can be complicated, especially if you don’t already have a designated spot for storing your boat. Where should you keep your boat during the wintertime?
Check out this guide to discover the top winter boat storage tips.
- Choose the Right Storage Location
First things first, you need to figure out where you’re going to store your boat. Most marinas offer winter storage facilities, just keep in mind that this will cost you money. This boat storage facility in Kingston, Washington is a great option.
If you’re looking to save money, the best place to store your boat is somewhere on your property. Of course, you need to protect it from the elements, so you should either store it in your garage, shed, or keep it covered with some kind of tarp.
If you don’t have space on your property and there isn’t a marina nearby, you can also store your boat at a self-storage facility. Self-storage facilities are temperature-controlled, and they allow you to check on your boat any time of the day or night. All you need is a key.
- Keep Your Boat Dry
The most important part of winter boat storage is ensuring that your boat stays dry. Ice can cause damage to the hull, and water in the interior of the boat can cause mold growth and other issues.
If you store your boat indoors, you don’t have to worry too much about it getting wet. However, if you plan to store your boat outside during the winter months, you’ll need to invest in some type of fabric cover, shrink wrap, or tarp to protect it from the elements.
- Perform Seasonal Maintenance
Just because you won’t be using your boat during the wintertime doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a tuneup. Here are some maintenance tasks you need to perform before putting your boat in storage:
- Use a biodegradable boat cleaner with a neutral pH level to scrub clean the surfaces of your boat
- Elevate the tires
- Remove all flammable and valuable items from the boat
- Remove the boat battery and spray it with an anti-corrosion spray
- Clean the inside and outside of the boat
- Apply fogging oil to the cylinders and the carburetor
- Remove and replace the boat’s spark plugs
- Add antifreeze to the boat
- Check the boat’s engine oil and replace the filters if necessary
- Fill up the gas tank completely and add a new fuel stabilizer
While this may seem like a lot of maintenance for a boat that won’t be in use for a while, these maintenance tasks will ensure that your boat is ready to go come springtime.
Winter Boat Storage: Time to Store Your Boat
Now that you know these winter boat storage tips, it’s time for you to get your boat ready for the winter. With these tips, your boat will stay in good condition all winter long.
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more boating-related news and tips.