Now that the weather is cooling off, many people will be storing their boat for the winter. If you’re apart of this group, read on! You don’t want to just throw your boat into storage without taking the proper steps first. There are plenty of ways that you can winterize your boat, but we’re provided some of the most important ones that everyone should be following. This will require you to examine your boat a few times over and you may find there are some repairs that shouldn’t wait until spring to get fixed.
Where to Store
First things first: make sure you know where you’ll store your boat for the winter. Sure, you could store it in your driveway, and for some this may be the only feasible option. It certainly saves on money, but it doesn’t provide a lot of protection. In fact, even docking your boat poses the same problems and sometimes costs more. If your garage is big enough, you can store it there. Just make sure its protected from rodents and other pests. If you truly don’t plan to take your boat out for the rest of the season, you can dry rack your boat. However, one of the best options you have is a boat self-storage facility. These facilities will keep your boat protected from the elements and some offer light maintenance and monitored security. As always, services depend on the facility.
Clean
Now that you know where you’re going to be storing your boat, make sure your boat is squeaky clean before putting it away. Dirt and grime can cause damage over time so don’t allow it to fester in storage. Give it a thorough wash, including hardware and trim, and make sure the hull is waxed. If you notice any blisters, get those taken care of right away. Take all removable items off the boat and store them somewhere else. Make sure your boat dries completely before putting it away.
Change the Oil
Even if your oil isn’t due for its routine change, it’s a good idea to put fresh oil in before you put your boat in storage. This will keep internal parts from corroding. You’ll also want to make sure you change the filter and flush the engine, then you can add the new oil.
Cover
Cover your boat, especially if you are storing your boat outside. This will help protect your vessel from damage and the elements, prolonging the life of your boat.
Flush Cooling System
Drain the current coolant and fill it again with fresh antifreeze. Check out the manufacture’s dilution recommendations before you start this. As the temperature fluctuates over the winter, your coolant will help your internal gears and tanks from freezing and damaging your boat.
Hopefully this gets you started on getting your boat ready for winter storage. But when you take your boat back out again in the spring, you’ll want to ensure there aren’t any issues that appeared while you were away. When that time comes, stop by Longshore Boats in Charleston, South Carolina to meet with our service team and read our de-winterizing your boat blog. We welcome all boat owners!
