How to Properly Store Your Boat During the Winter Season

Winter is just around the corner, which means that you probably won’t need your boat again until the spring. But you don't want to simply put your boat in storage and call it a day, leaving your craft vulnerable to theft, weather damage, or pest infestation. Properly storing your boat for the winter will keep it safe for months until the weather becomes warmer and you can take it out again. We have put together this guide to help you winterize your boat, but if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to stop by Specialty Recreation & Marine in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Cleaning and Inspecting the Boat

Before you put your boat in storage, the first thing you’ll want to do is to give it a good cleaning. Remove all the gear, like fishing equipment, lifejackets, food and personal items from the boat. Clean up any spills or crumbs to prevent pest infestation. Wipe down vinyl seating. Rinse and wash your hull, applying wax or polish as desired.

The next step is to thoroughly inspect your vessel. This will give you an opportunity to spot any problem areas that need immediate attention. Check the battery, engine, oil, signals, and lights to make sure they’re all in good condition and working fine. If you find any issues, get the repairs done now rather than allowing them to fester over winter. This is especially important if you see signs of mold, mildew, rust, or corrosion. If you need some professional assistance, the parts and service department at Specialty Recreation & Marine is always here to help you!

Boat Winterization

There are a few maintenance steps that need to be taken before you store your boat. Start by flushing out the cooling system with fresh antifreeze to prevent the internal components of your engine from freezing up. This is even more important if you live in an area where the weather hits freezing temperatures. Next, clean your livewell and baitwell and flush them with antifreeze to make sure they’re ready for the spring.

Lubricants and oils don’t circulate when your boat sits idle for months. As a result, you’ll need to spray fogging oil into the fuel compartments, carburetors, and cylinders to protect your engine’s moving parts during the winter season. Change the oil and add a stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent water separation and corrosion. This will also ensure that your fuel is ready to use when you take your boat out of storage.

Finding Storage

Now you’ll want to figure out where you’d like to put your craft for the winter. If you store your boat on its trailer in your driveway, there are chances of pest infestation or damage caused by hail. Storing your craft in an outdoor marina also leaves it vulnerable to weather and pests, as well as theft.

Ideally, you should use an enclosed barn or garage, or even just a covered area. However, this isn’t exactly practical for everyone. Renting a secure indoor boat storage space is an option because you won’t have to worry about thieves, animals, pests, or weather damage.

Keeping Your Craft Covered

Wherever you’re planning to store your boat, a snug cover is a wise investment. A durable cover will shield your boat from damage, prevent pest infestation, and keep everything clean and tidy for spring. Covering your craft when it’s not in use will help extend its life and reduce the number of repairs you’ll need in the future.

Following these boat winterization tips should help you to prepare and properly store your craft. In the market for a new vessel? Visit Specialty Recreation & Marine in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to check out our stock of boats for sale. Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve those in Spokane, Washington.