How to Prepare your Boat for Winter Storage

Boat Storage


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When the summer season comes to a close, it’s time for boaters to think about storage for their boat in the winter months. Preparing your boat for storage will help maintain its condition and make it easier to use when boating season returns. Whether you're a first-time boater or a seasoned boater, use this guide to properly prepare your boat for winter storage. Clean Your Boat & Inspect for Damages To prevent any mold, mildew, or corrosion from developing while in storage, thoroughly clean the boat exterior and interior. Start by removing any dirt, salt, or grime residue on the boat. Do this by using a mix of mild detergent and water to scrub the surfaces. When cleaning, pay attention to areas that tend to build up, such as the bilge and engine compartment. Next, clean and dry all interior surfaces, storage areas, cabinets, and seat cushions. Take the time to organize all compartments and make an inventory list of everything that is staying on the boat. Before putting the cover on, make sure there isn’t any trash or personal belongings left on the boat. Check the boat for any damage that may have occurred during the season. Things to look for are cracks, dents, or any signs of wear and tear. No matter the damage, you should address these issues before storing the boat for the winter. Drain Water Systems Excess water within your boat’s systems can cause freezing and other damage. To prevent this, drain all water from the engine block, cooling system, fresh water tanks, and plumbing. Change Engine Oil & Filter Used oil can hold contaminants that wreak havoc on the boat engine, and cause damage like corrosion while sitting in storage. Prevent this by conducting an oil change and protecting the boat’s engine for the months ahead. Change the engine oil and remove any contaminants that could harm the engine. Make sure you are using the correct oil type for the vessel. Fog the engine cylinders with fogging oil to protect the internal components of the engine ...


Keenan Knight
May 13th, 2024

Preparing Your Boat for Spring After Storage

Boat Storage


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As the weather gets warmer and summer starts approaching, boaters are ready to hit the open water. The time has finally come to dust off your boat, check the engine, and prepare for a season of fun and relaxation. De-winterizing your boat is important to ensure it's safe and working correctly for the upcoming season. Before it’s time to set sail, make sure your boat is ready with this guide on preparing your boat for spring & summer months. Step 1: Review Boating Documentation: Insurance, Licenses & Registration Check that your boat's registration, insurance, and boating licenses are current, even if it's still in boat storage. Check that you have all the necessary paperwork and documentation required for boating in your area. Make sure your boat registration, insurance, licenses, and permits are current and valid. Once you have all your paperwork in order, you can move on to the next steps in preparing your boat for the upcoming season. Step 2: Inspect Boat Exterior for Damages After taking your boat out of storage, check the outside surfaces of the vessel and note any damage. When inspecting your boat’s exterior, pay attention to these areas: Hull: Check the boat’s hull for any signs of damage, cracks, or rust. Propeller: Inspect the propeller for damage and ensure it spins freely. Fittings: Look for any loose or damaged fittings, such as cleats, rails, or lights. If you find any damage or signs of corrosion, it’s important to make those repairs before putting it in the water. Also, be sure to clean any built-up dirt and algae from last season. Step 3: Inspect Boat Interior for any Leaks Check inside your boat for any water leaks or damage in compartments, hatches, and storage areas. Check the bilge pump and hoses for proper functioning and look for any mold or mildew. It's crucial to address any leaks or water damage promptly to prevent further issues. Step 4: Check the Boat Engine Preparing the boat engine for the boating season after winter storage is one of the most important steps in the ...


Keenan Knight
April 24th, 2024