Protecting Your Boat During Winter Storage
As boating season comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about storing your boat for the winter months. Protecting your boat during winter storage is a process that shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially if you want to avoid costly repairs and keep your boat in top condition for the next boating season.
So, how exactly can you do that? It’s not as simple as leaving your boat in a garage or storage unit and forgetting about it until spring. There are steps that you’d want to take to properly store your boat and keep it safe during the colder months.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll walk you through the necessary steps to protect your boat during winter storage so that you can enjoy a stress-free boating season next year.
Your Boat Storage Options for Winter
One important decision that you’ll need to make when it comes to storing your boat for winter is where you’ll be keeping it. Your decision here determines how much preparation is required and the level of protection your boat will receive during storage.
There are generally two options for storing your boat during winter: indoor or outdoor storage. While a third one does exist in the form of wet storage, this is only applicable to boats that can remain in the water all year round. For most boat owners, indoor and outdoor storage are the two main options.
Each option has pros and cons, so it’s crucial to weigh your decision carefully. Below is an overview of each option and what to expect from them.
Indoor Boat Storage
Indoor storage is the preferred option for many boat owners, and for good reason. Storing your boat indoors provides the most protection against harsh winter elements such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. It also eliminates the risk of vandalism, theft or any other damages that may occur when your boat is stored outdoors.
There are two main types of indoor storage: heated and unheated. Heated indoor storage is ideal if you live in an area with extremely cold winters, as it ensures that your boat remains at a constant temperature throughout its time in storage. Unheated indoor storage, on the other hand, is more affordable but still offers adequate protection for most boats.
Outdoor Boat Storage
Outdoor boat storage is the more affordable option, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The main advantage of outdoor storage is that it’s usually much cheaper than indoor storage options. However, your boat will be exposed to harsh winter elements, which means you’ll need to take extra precautions when preparing it for storage.
For example, you’ll need to shrink-wrap or cover your boat to protect it from snow and ice. You’ll also need to winterize all systems, including the engine, plumbing, and electronics.
Essential Pre-Storage Maintenance
Regardless of what storage option you choose, there are a few essential maintenance steps that you must take before storing your boat for winter. These maintenance checks will ensure your boat is in excellent condition before it goes into storage, and they also prevent any problems from arising when you take it out
Some essential pre-storage maintenance tasks include:
Thorough Boat Cleaning
Of course, your boat must be cleaned before being stored for winter. Give the exterior and interior of your boat a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, grime, or salt build-up that may cause corrosion during storage. Any leftover food or crumbs should also be removed to prevent attracting rodents and pests.
One area that you’d want to pay extra attention to is the bilge section of your boat. This area tends to accumulate a lot of dirt, grime, and water during the boating season and should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent mold growth or musty odors.
The cleaning process is also a good time to remove electronics, safety equipment, and any other valuables from your boat. According to a report by National Marine Underwriters (a boat & yacht insurance provider) electronics mounted outside the boat grab attention and increase the risk of theft. It’s always best to remove them and store them safely at home throughout the winter season.
Boat Inspection and Repairs
While it might be tempting to hold off on fixing any minor issues until the next boating season, it’s best to take care of them now before putting your boat into storage. Inspect your boat for any damages or wear and tear that may require immediate attention. Fixing these problems now can save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
For instance, small cracks in the hull or a minor leak may become bigger problems if left unattended during winter storage. This can be due to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes or other factors. Similarly, any electrical or mechanical issues should also be addressed before storage, as these can also worsen due to inactivity over the cold winter months.
Winterizing Your Boat
Your boat’s engine and plumbing system are particularly vulnerable to damage during winter. Any remaining water in these systems can freeze and expand, causing cracks or other damages. That’s why it’s essential to properly winterize your boat by draining all fluids and adding antifreeze where necessary.
If you’re opting for outdoor storage, it’s also a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to your boat’s fuel tank. This will prevent moisture from accumulating and damaging the engine during storage. You should also change the oil and filter before storage to prevent any build-up of contaminants in the engine.
According to a 2020 report published by BoatUS (a boating advocacy and insurance group), the lack of proper winterization — including the complete drainage of water from engines and cooling systems, leads to the most frequent and expensive types of boat damage claims. Don’t let this be the case for your boat; make sure to properly winterize it before storing it away for winter.
Protective Measures During Storage
Let’s say that you’ve completed all the necessary maintenance and winterizing tasks, and your boat is now in storage. That’s great, but there are still a few protective measures that you can take to ensure your boat remains in excellent condition during storage. After all, it’s going to be sitting idle for several months, and you will not be able to check on it regularly.
Shrink-wrapping
While not necessary for indoor storage, shrink wrapping is highly recommended for outdoor storage. As the name implies, this involves wrapping a plastic film around your boat, covering it completely to protect it from the elements. This is especially important if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or high winds during winter.
With that said, shrink-wrapping does take time and effort, so you may want to consider hiring a professional to do it for you. They will ensure that the shrink wrap is tight and properly secured to provide maximum protection for your boat.
Boat Covers and Tarps
If you’re going to store your boat indoors, investing in a good quality boat cover or tarp is highly recommended. This will provide an added layer of protection against dust, dirt, and any potential scratches that may occur during storage. Make sure to choose a cover or tarp specifically designed for boats, as they are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
For outdoor storage, you can also use a boat cover or tarp as an extra layer of protection along with shrink wrapping. This will provide added insulation and keep your boat dry and protected from any potential leaks in the shrink wrap.
Security and Insurance
Even with all these protective measures in place, proper security and insurance for your boat during storage are essential. Most reputable storage facilities have 24/7 surveillance and security measures to protect your boat from theft or vandalism.
Additionally, check with your insurance provider to ensure your boat is adequately covered during storage. They may also offer additional coverage options specifically for winter storage. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your valuable asset is protected while in storage.
Lastly, you’d want to make sure that you set aside time to do periodic checks on your boat throughout the winter. At the very least, check on it once a month to make sure that everything is in order and there are no signs of damage or potential issues. Periodic checks also make it possible to promptly report cases of theft or vandalism to the authorities and your insurance provider.
Protecting Your Boat During Winter
Proper winter storage and maintenance are essential to ensure your boat remains in excellent condition for years to come. By taking the time and effort to properly prepare, protect, and maintain your boat during its idle period, you’ll be able to enjoy it without any issues when boating season comes around again.
As the saying goes — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so don’t skip any necessary steps or cut corners when it comes to storing your boat for the winter. With these measures in mind, you can rest assured that your boat will be ready to hit the water once warmer weather returns.
Ensure your boat is safeguarded during the winter months by choosing the right storage solution tailored to your needs. For expert advice and top-notch storage options, check out Pharo Marine’s boat storage services today. Explore how our secure and comprehensive storage services can keep your vessel in pristine condition all season long.