Storing Your Boat for Winter
Now that summer is over and winter is on the horizon, it’s time to put your boat away until the weather starts to warm up again. But you can’t just throw your boat into storage. You’ll need to winterize it first. Boat winterization is an important process that helps you keep your vessel in good condition. With the arrival of spring, you’ll have less maintenance to do and you can get your rig on the water sooner.
Winterizing your boat isn’t difficult, but you should know all the steps. We created the following guide to make the process easier for you, so read on to learn more!
If you have any questions or need any assistance, visit us at Mark's Leisure Time Marine in Conesus or Canandaigua, New York.Our skilled technicians can help you with all your boat storage and maintenance needs.
Finding Storage
The first thing you need to do is to find a good place where you can store your boat. Of course, you can just stash it in your backyard or driveway. However, while this will save you money, it won’t provide good protection. You want a spot that’s going to keep the boat safe from the elements and thieves. If you have a garage that has enough space, you can put your boat there. Just make sure it’s protected from rodents and other pests. One of the best options you have is a self-storage facility, which will keep your boat protected from the elements. Depending on the facilities offered, you can get additional amenities like maintenance and round-the-clock monitoring with security cameras. You should also think about investing in a cover for your boat, especially if you aren’t able to store it in an enclosed area. This will protect your boat from damage and extend the life of your vessel.
Cleaning
Before you can store your boat for winter, you need to clean it thoroughly by washing both the interior and exterior. The boat probably picked up a fair amount of salt, dirt, and algae throughout the boating season. Before cleaning, you’ll want to do a quick inspection. Pay close attention to the hose connection and fuel lines, and look for any leaking fluids, corroded cables, or damaged fuses. You don’t want to leave your craft in storage with an unresolved issue as it can cause extensive damage over time. After you’re done cleaning, allow the boat to dry completely and apply a coating of wax to keep it protected during the off-season. Don’t forget to remove all equipment and gear like dock lines, fire extinguishers, flares, and life jackets, before storing your boat.
Oil Change
Your boat’s engine may not be due for its regular oil change, but it’s smart to check it after you’re done with your final cruises for the season. If it looks clean, you may only need to top it off, but sludgy oil should be changed. Make sure you replace the oil filter at the same time. After the oil change, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the fuel through all the internal components.
Flush the Cooling System
If you’re storing your boat in an area that’s likely to freeze, you’ll want to flush the boat’s cooling system with antifreeze. This will keep the internal components of your engine from freezing up and damaging your watercraft. The coolant that’s already there needs to be drained and then filled with fresh antifreeze, per the manufacturer’s dilution guidelines.
Winterize the Livewell
An aerated livewell is a must-have when you’re out fishing, so it’s important to make sure that it doesn’t get damaged during winter. After all, it’s just as susceptible to freezing as the moisture in your coolant. Even if you empty your livewells, any traces of residual water or moisture that build up over time could lead to big problems. Cleaning your livewell and flushing it with antifreeze will make sure that it’s also ready for the spring.
So there you have it, a quick and easy guide to boat winterization. If you have any questions, need some parts, or find some maintenance issues that need to be resolved, drop by Mark's Leisure Time Marine and we’ll be happy to help! We proudly serve the areas of Conesus, Canandaigua, and Rochester in New York.