Storing Your Boat For Winter
As summer comes to an end, boat users everywhere are preparing to winterize and store their boats for the cold season. If you’re one of these boaters, you may be tempted to just throw a cover over your boat and call it a day, but it’s important to put some time and thought into the boat storage process. Storing your boat improperly could mean it sustains damage from the elements over the winter, causing you costly repairs come spring. You also want to go through the process of winterizing your boat so that you can address anything that needs repairing now, preventing it from becoming a bigger problem after sitting for several months. Issues that need to be addressed include mold, mildew and corrosion.
Mark's Leisure Time Marine has locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York, where we offer boat storage solutions for upstate New York residents. Check out our guide to boat winterizing and boat storage below, then come talk to us if you have any questions!
Where To Store Your Boat
You have a couple of options when it comes to storing your boat. You could, for example, store it in your driveway under a cover, and this might be the best or only option if you’re strapped for cash. However, even though it’s free, it leaves your boat vulnerable not only to extreme winter weather conditions, but also to thieves. Even storing your boat in a slip leaves it exposed.
Storing your boat in a shed or garage is a better option since it’s enclosed, which will protect your boat from weather, thieves and debris like leaves or pine needles. An indoor space also makes your boat less vulnerable to becoming a winter nest for bugs and other critters. These animals can do some real damage over months if left unchecked.
Your absolute best option for boat storage is a boat storage facility like we have at our Conesus and Canandaigua locations. A special boat storage place will keep your boat safe and monitored, and any necessary maintenance or upkeep can be done on-site.
Cleaning Your Boat
Having determined where you’ll store your boat, your next step is to thoroughly clean your boat. Remove everything that shouldn’t stay on it during winter, including fishing gear, watersports equipment, clothing, blankets, trash, food and other items that might trap moisture. Salt, sand, dirt and algae can do serious damage to your hull and your gel coat finish over time, so you want to rinse your boat and then use a marine boat wash and gentle brush to scrub the exterior clean. Wipe down all interior surfaces of dust and mop the deck. Check your boat for damage while you do this and get it fixed up if there are any blisters or cracks or malfunctioning electronics to save you time in the spring.
Perform An Oil Change
Regardless of whether or not your boat is due for an oil change, you’ll want to change the oil before storing her. This helps to prevent internal parts from corroding. Change the filter at the same time and flush the system before adding new oil.
Cover Your Boat
Even if you’re storing your boat indoors, you should invest in a proper cover for it. A cover is of particular importance if you’re storing your boat outside, though, since a well-fitting cover will protect your boat from dirt, leaves and the elements. Keeping your boat clean and dry helps to extend its life, so don’t skimp on a cheap cover that doesn’t fit snugly.
Need a safe place to keep your boat for the winter? Visit one of our locations in Conesus and Canandaigua to check out our selection of new and used boats for sale, as well as our boat storage solutions. Mark’s Leisure Time Marine provides boat storage for those in Rochester, Syracuse and all over upstate New York, so come talk to us if you need a place to store your boat.