Now that summer is over, you need to prepare your boat for winter storage. Spending months out of the water can put a boat at risk of damage. Taking some important steps now can help you prevent problems so your vessel will be ready to go next year.
How to Clean Your Boat’s Exterior and Interior
Clean the outside of your boat with a power washer to keep any contaminants on the surface from damaging the paint and to prevent oxidation, which can cause damage. Then cover the exterior with wax to keep the body from rusting.
Remove electronics and any fabrics that could be damaged by cold weather or moisture before you clean the interior. Vacuum the inside and clean interior surfaces with the appropriate products and tools for each material. Refer to the owner’s manual for cleaning recommendations.
Make sure the entire boat is completely dry before you put it into storage. If there is any moisture present when you put your boat away for the winter, it may be filled with mold when you take it out in the spring.
How to Prepare Mechanical Components for Winter Storage
You also need to clean some of the internal components of your boat to get it ready for storage. Water and contaminants in the oil can cause corrosion, which can make the engine fail when the boat is taken out of storage. These problems can be prevented by changing the oil and filter.
Cold temperatures can cause the engine to freeze. Before you store your boat for the winter, remove the coolant, flush with water, and fill the coolant system with antifreeze diluted as recommended by your boat’s manufacturer.
For an outbound engine, flush the engine with freshwater, spray fogging solution in the engine while it is running, and remove the fuel line. Then grease the propeller shaft and threads, change the gear oil in the engine’s lower unit, apply a light layer of lubricant or wax to the exterior of the engine, and wash the engine with soap and water.
Where to Store Your Boat in the Winter
Once you have cleaned your boat and checked to make sure it is completely dry, you can put it into winter storage. If you don’t want to pay to keep it in a boat storage unit or a dry stack storage facility, you can store it in your yard inside a portable storage shelter. This is a much less expensive option, and if you purchase a quality storage shelter that will last for many years, you can pay once, instead of paying storage facility fees each year.
Portable Garage Depot sells a variety of storage buildings in a wide range of sizes. Many of our shelters are large enough to accommodate boats. A shelter can protect your vessel from snow, wind, and extreme temperatures so it will be ready when you want to take it out on the water again next year. Order today!