Winterizing Your Boat: Tips For Long-Term Storage

As the boating season comes to an end, boat owners need to start thinking about winter storage options. Preparing your boat for storage depends on where and how you are storing it. The most common ways to store a boat are outside on a trailer at home, in a dedicated storage facility, or in the water. If you keep your boat in the water, you'll need to maintain it similarly to the rest of the year, with some additional precautions. Here are some essential steps to put your boat away for the winter and protect it from the harsh weather.

Pick the right spot

Picking the right spot to store your boat for the winter is crucial. The most common ways to store a boat are outside, on a trailer at home, or in a dedicated storage facility. If you're leaving your boat in the water, you'll need to maintain it in a similar way to the rest of the year.

If you have a trailer and are willing to pay for a hauler, you can store your boat in your backyard or a rental unit in a storage facility. If you don't have a trailer, consider storing your boat in a marina that offers winter storage on land. This is often the simplest and most affordable option, as it doesn't require a trailer and there are no storage fees.

If you have a small boat, storing it in your home garage can be a great option. Attached garages will absorb heat from your house, preventing freezing temperatures. This option provides protection from pests and vandalism and allows you to keep an eye on your boat. However, it may take up valuable space, and you'll need to prepare your boat by filling and flushing its systems with antifreeze and tarping it for protection.

Dedicated indoor boat storage facilities, often referred to as dry-stacked storage, offer 24/7 protection from the elements and typically have around-the-clock security monitoring. While this option provides the most protection, it is usually the most expensive.

When choosing a storage spot, consider the level of protection from the elements, security, convenience, and cost. Additionally, ensure that you prepare your boat properly for the chosen storage method to prevent damage during the winter months.

Keep the boat dry

Keeping a boat dry over winter is essential to protect it from damage. Water that freezes and thaws can cause serious problems, so it's important to prevent water from settling where it could cause harm.

First, you'll want to drain water from the engine cooling systems, plumbing system, or any other system holding water. Flush the engine using water muffs until it reaches the optimum operating temperature. It's also important to check your operator's manual for any specific requirements.

Next, cover the boat well. A good winter boat cover will protect the deck from dirt mixed with rainwater and snow, prevent damage from ice pellets, and deter critters. Make sure the cover is tied down securely with cover straps and anchored with sandbags or milk jugs filled with water. If you're keeping the boat in the water, consider using shrink wrap, but be aware that this can be expensive and potentially dangerous if not installed correctly.

If you're storing your boat on land, pick a spot that provides shelter from the wind. If you're storing it in the water, consider using a marina with a certified "clean marina" designation, which follows environmentally friendly practices.

Finally, use a dehumidifier to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.

Remove what you can

When preparing your boat for winter, it is important to remove as many items as possible from the boat. This will protect your possessions from damage and make the boat lighter and easier to cover and store.

Firstly, remove all soft items like cushions and store them in a dry place. Soft items are particularly vulnerable to mould and wear and tear, so it is best to keep them in a dry and temperature-controlled environment. Next, remove all electronics, such as fish finders, and store them in a safe place. This will prevent theft and damage to these valuable items. Check the expiry dates on your emergency supplies, such as flares and medicines in the first aid kit, and replace them if necessary. You should also check the condition of life jackets and other safety gear. If you have expired flares, you can donate them to your local fire department for training purposes.

Remove the battery and use a trickle charger to keep it maintained during the winter. If you are storing your boat in water, consider removing items such as knotmeter impellers and depth sounder transducers and replacing them with locking dummy plugs. If your boat has a stuffing box, adjust the nut to stop any dripping. Check for any leaks in the rudder stuffing box if your boat has one.

By removing these items and storing them in a safe place, you will protect your possessions and make it easier to prepare your boat for winter storage.

Flush and drain water lines

Water freezing and expanding in your boat's water lines can cause serious damage. To prevent this, it's important to drain water from the engine cooling systems, plumbing system, or any other system holding water.

First, flush the engine using water muffs until the engine reaches the optimum operating temperature. This will ensure that any residual water is removed and prevent freezing and potential cracking in the system.

Next, pay attention to the thru-hulls, which are the openings in the hull below the waterline. If your boat has thru-hulls that cannot be closed, it is recommended to store the boat ashore for the winter. For the thru-hulls that can be closed, follow these steps:

• Close the seacock or gate valve.
• Remove the hose and use an absorbent cloth or turkey baster to remove any remaining water.
• Reinstall the hose and secure it with two hose clamps to prevent water from entering and freezing.

For thru-hulls above the waterline, which typically do not have seacocks, check for any plastic thru-hulls that may crack and deteriorate in sunlight. Replace these with bronze or Marelon to prevent potential issues.

Additionally, consider removing and replacing knotmeter impellers and depth sounder transducers with locking dummy plugs. Check for any leaks in the stuffing box and rudder stuffing box, and make sure to adjust the nut to stop any dripping.

Finally, plug the exhaust ports to prevent snow or unwanted guests, such as muskrats, from entering the boat.

By following these steps, you can effectively flush and drain your boat's water lines, protecting it from potential water damage during the winter months.

Protect internal engine components

To protect the internal engine components of your boat during winter, you must take several precautions. Firstly, it is important to understand that during storage, engine oil drains away, which can expose internal engine components to scuffing and corrosion. To prevent this, use a fogging spray that coats the internal engine components with an anti-corrosive compound. This will create a protective layer and safeguard against any damage.

Additionally, it is recommended to remove all valuables and expensive electronics from the boat for safe storage elsewhere. This includes electronics like fish finders, which should be stored in a secure location, such as a good photographer's bag. It is also advised to insure your boat, even if it will be out of use for the winter.

Another important aspect of protecting internal engine components is ensuring proper fluid levels. Check your operator's manual for specific requirements, but in general, it is essential to maintain proper levels of oil, coolant, steering fluid, transmission/lower unit fluid, and outdrive oil. It is also a good idea to grease all the moving parts.

Finally, fuel can deteriorate over time, causing a build-up of varnish and gum in the engine, which can lead to hard starts, poor performance, and reduced engine life. To prevent this, top off the fuel tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent varnish build-up in the fuel lines, fuel injector, or carburetor. Running stabilized fuel through your engine will also help maintain its performance.

Frequently asked questions