As summer fun winds down, take these steps to ensure your watercraft is ready for winter boat storage. Use our step-by-step guide to get your boat in ideal shape for next season.
If you love to kick back and enjoy time on the water during the warm weather months, you’re not alone. There are more than 11.8 million registered recreational boat owners in the U.S. But now that summer is ending, many boaters need to take steps to prepare their crafts for winter. Long-term storage can take a toll on your boat. Take proper precautions to prevent damage and limit the time required to get your boat ready to ride the waves when the snow melts and warm weather returns.
Where you store your boat can make a difference in how you prep for winter boat storage. If you live in a mild climate, keeping your boat in the water can be an easy choice. If you winterize your boat properly, outdoor dry storage is an affordable option. For the most protection from the elements, indoor dry boat storage is the safest choice.
How to Store a Boat for Winter
The average boat owner only gets out on the water 54 days per year. Given the limited amount of time your boat spends on the water, having a solid grasp of proper storage and winterization techniques is essential. Creative Colors International (CCI) is a mobile leather and vinyl repair leader. We’ve been helping boat owners and marinas keep their vessels in prime condition for more than 44 years. Here’s what we’ve learned about how to store a boat for winter:
- Clean the boat: For winter boat storage, start by washing the interior and exterior of the boat when it’s ashore. This is particularly important if your boat spent the summer in a slip at a marina. You’ll want to use a cleaner designed for boats to scrub off any grime build-up and water-borne contaminants. Dry it thoroughly.
Make any interior repairs: If you notice any rips, tears, or fading on your boat upholstery, CCI can come to you to restore it so your boat is ready to go next summer. Damage to marine vinyl can increase the chances of mold growth. Fixing it prevents the need to order costly replacement parts down the line. We pride ourselves on our meticulous craftsmanship and ability to adapt our offerings to various boat types and styles. “CCI repaired and renewed my worn-out boat seats and engine cover. They look brand new. We couldn't be happier with the results,” said Scott, a satisfied CCI customer."- Change the oil: After you’ve made essential repairs, it’s time to focus on the engine. If water gets in your oil, it can cause engine corrosion. Be sure to change the oil, replace the oil filter, and flush the engine to protect it from water damage while it sits in storage.
- Drain the coolant: If your area experiences cold temperatures, you’ll need to drain the coolant and add antifreeze, so nothing freezes during the chilly winter season.
- Disconnect the battery: To prevent the battery from draining when the boat isn’t in use, disconnect the battery.
- Fill it up: A full tank of gas prevents condensation from forming and causing rust to form.
- Wrap it: If you opt for outdoor dry storage, shrink wrapping your boat is the last step. Shrink wrap protects the interior from harsh winter weather that can cause mildew and moisture damage. Your storage facility likely offers shrink-wrapping services to save you the hassle of tackling this cumbersome task. Even if you’re storing your boat inside, covering it with a tarp can prevent dust from damaging your marine-grade vinyl and ward off the potential of rodents moving in to stay warm.
We Can Fix That!
We know maximizing your time on the water is a priority. Rely on CCI to help get your boat ready for winter storage. Request a quote and one of our mobile service technicians can come to you to make repairs.
