Storing Your Aluminum Boat: Winter Preparation And Storage Tips

Aluminium boats need to be properly protected and winterised before storing them for the winter. If not, they can suffer damage and degradation. Here are some tips on how to store an aluminium boat for the winter.

How to store an aluminum boat for winter

Storing outside vs. inside

Storing your boat outside in winter can be problematic. Your boat will be exposed to harsh winter conditions, and there is a greater possibility of sinking if you aren't monitoring it frequently. It will also be vulnerable to theft.

If you do decide to store your boat outside, you will need to take several precautions to protect it from the elements. Firstly, you will need to invest in a high-quality cover that can withstand harsh weather. A custom-fitting cover with elastic sides or cinching lines is ideal, but if you're looking for a cheaper option, you can use a standard tarp with a pole in the middle to prevent water from pooling.

You should also ensure that your boat is clean and dry before covering it. Remove any plant life and barnacles from the hull, and scrub the entire boat with soap and water. You might also want to apply a coat of wax to the hull to protect it from rust.

In addition to a cover, you may want to consider shrink-wrapping your boat for added protection. You can also build a wooden frame over the boat to keep snow from piling up. If you live in an area with snow, it's best to store the boat upside down to prevent leaves and debris from plugging the drain hole.

If you have the space, it's generally recommended to store your boat inside during the winter. This will provide better protection from the elements and reduce the risk of theft. You can store your boat in a garage or shed, or you can rent a boat storage unit.

If you choose to store your boat inside, it's still important to take the necessary steps to prepare it for storage. Be sure to clean and dry your boat thoroughly before storing it, and consider using a waterproof cover to protect it from dust and accidental leaks.

Whether you store your boat inside or outside, there are several other precautions you should take. These include:

• Draining all internal water from tanks, pipes, and other components to prevent freezing and cracking.
• Removing sensitive materials, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and electronics, and storing them in a warm, dry place.
• Removing and charging the battery, cleaning the terminals, and storing it in a warm, dry place.
• Inspecting key areas of your boat, such as the hull, engine, and electronic components, and making any necessary repairs or replacements.

Preparing the boat for inspection

Firstly, conduct a thorough inspection of the boat's key areas, including the hull, electronic components, deck, and engine. Make any necessary repairs or replacements to ensure no damage worsens during the winter. Remove safety jackets, electronic devices, and other items, storing them safely for the winter.

Next, wash the boat to remove any dirt and flora, reducing the risk of these substances freezing and damaging the exterior. Remember to remove the drain plug and raise the bow to drain excess water, as leaving water inside will cause it to turn to ice and potentially damage the deck and electrical components.

Then, pay attention to the engine. Change the engine oil and oil filter if needed, and spray fogging oil through the carburetor to prevent interior rust. Fill the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent gas deterioration and moisture formation.

Finally, find a suitable cover or choose a storage provider. Invest in a high-quality cover that will protect your boat from harsh weather conditions. If you opt for a storage provider, research their reviews and inquire about storage options and rates.

By following these steps, you will ensure your aluminum boat is prepared for inspection and ready for winter storage.

Cleaning and drying the boat

To prepare your aluminium boat for winter storage, cleaning and drying are essential steps. Here is a detailed guide:

Before storing your aluminium boat for the winter, it is crucial to thoroughly clean it. Start by scrubbing the entire boat with soap and water, from the hull to the interior. Pay special attention to the hull, removing any plant life, dirt, or barnacles that have accumulated. Open all compartments, drawers, and refrigerators, and give them a good cleaning as well.

Once you've finished scrubbing, ensure you allow enough time for the boat to dry completely. If you have a fiberglass boat, repair any blistering that may have occurred. After drying or making repairs, apply a coat of wax to both the hull and the superstructure, and polish it evenly. This will help protect the boat's exterior and prevent rust formation.

Next, focus on the engine. Flush the engine, including the coolant system, with freshwater to remove any salt, dirt, or corrosion. Refill the coolant system with antifreeze to prevent freezing during the cold winter months. Briefly warm up the engine to loosen any impurities, and then replace the oil and all filters. Check the old oil for any signs of water intrusion, such as a milky appearance.

Now, it's time to address the boat's interior. Open all compartments and remove any personal belongings, safety jackets, and electronic devices. Store these items in a safe place for the winter. Scrub the interior with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. If your boat has organic materials like fabric or leather, remove them to prevent mildew deposits.

Finally, don't forget about the boat's exterior. Remove any plant life or debris that may have built up on the outside of the boat, and rinse or wipe it down. Pay special attention to the drain plug and ensure it is open. This will allow any remaining water to drain from the boat, preventing it from turning to ice and causing damage during freezing temperatures.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your aluminium boat is clean and dry, ready for winter storage.

Covering the boat

Covering your aluminium boat is an essential step in winterising your vessel and protecting it from the elements.

The Right Cover

First, you need to choose the right cover for your boat. It is recommended to invest in a high-quality, custom-fitting cover with elastic sides or cinching lines. This will be more effective than a standard tarp, although some boat owners make do with this cheaper option. If you go for a tarp, you will need to create a structure underneath to prevent water from pooling. One option is to use a lawn chair as a tent pole in the middle of the boat.

Snow and Water Drainage

If you are storing your boat outside, you will need to ensure snow doesn't build up on top of the cover. You can do this by creating a wooden frame to keep the snow from piling up. Alternatively, you could turn the boat upside down, although this is not possible if you have fixed electronics. If you are storing your boat in an area without snow, you can leave it right side up with the plug out.

Securing the Cover

Once you have the right cover, you will need to ensure it is securely tied or weighed down. To weigh it down, you can use water jugs or similar heavy items.

Other Considerations

Before covering your boat, you should pull out the batteries to recharge them. You should also take steps to prevent wildlife from getting into the boat, such as by placing mothballs inside.

Removing and storing batteries

When storing your aluminium boat for winter, it's important to remove and store the boat's batteries correctly to prevent damage and ensure they're ready for use in the spring. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Disconnect the Batteries:

Start by disconnecting your batteries from the electrical system on your boat. Look for a battery disconnect switch within your electrical system, which will cut off most loads while keeping essential systems like emergency sensors operational.

Remove the Batteries:

After disconnecting, it's best to completely remove the batteries from your boat. This ensures they remain at the proper temperature and are safe from severe weather fluctuations. Removing the batteries also makes it easier to perform maintenance and keep them connected to a battery maintainer.

Perform Regular Maintenance:

Just like with any battery, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes watering and removing corrosion. Check your battery manufacturer's instructions for specific maintenance tips and procedures.

Final Charging:

Before storing your batteries, charge them one last time. This ensures they will be ready for a complete recharge next season and reduces the risk of freezing during the winter.

Check Voltage:

After charging, disconnect the negative cable and wait a few hours. Then, use a hydrometer or a voltmeter to check the specific gravity or voltage of each cell. The specific gravity should be between 1.265 and 1.285, while a fully charged battery should read 12.6V.

Disconnect Terminals:

Disconnect the terminals to remove all electrical loads from your batteries. Electronics often have parasitic loads, or "vampire loads," that can slowly drain the battery, even when they're turned off. Combined with the battery's self-discharge, this slow drain can damage the battery during the off-season.

Store in a Safe Place:

Store your batteries in a cool, dry place where they won't freeze. Ideally, choose a well-ventilated area on a wood surface in a garage or storage facility. Keep them easily accessible to make charging more convenient.

Use a Battery Maintainer:

Consider using a battery maintainer, which will keep a low, constant charge on your batteries to prevent freezing. This is especially useful if you're leaving your batteries in the boat. However, always disconnect them from the boat's wiring even when using a maintainer.

Choose the Right Charger:

Make sure you have the correct charger for your battery type. Flooded and AGM batteries often require different chargers and algorithms. Smart chargers can help prevent overcharging.

Trickle Charge or Charge Monthly:

Ideally, trickle-charge your batteries or charge them monthly to prevent self-discharge and extend their lifespan. Batteries with a full charge are less likely to freeze.

By following these steps, you'll ensure your boat's batteries are properly stored and maintained during the winter, ready for the spring boating season.

Frequently asked questions