{"id":22130,"date":"2023-09-23T20:11:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T00:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=22130"},"modified":"2024-04-19T15:25:51","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T19:25:51","slug":"how-to-store-a-boat-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.cubesmart.dev\/blog\/your-life\/how-to-store-a-boat-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store a Boat for Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Boat<\/a>
With winter around the corner, it’s time to think about boat storage.
Free Image via Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Proper boat storage during the winter is crucial to keeping your vessel\nin tip-top shape. Depending on where you live, you might get away with locking\nthe boat in the shed or garage. However, if you live in a place with severe winters,\nit\u2019s crucial to winterize your boat to protect it from the elements. Failing to\ndo so can cause some serious damage to your boat that often result in costly\nrepairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From engine cracks and electrical systems faults to ruined upholstery or\nflooring, not taking the steps to winterize a boat can lead to a range of issues. To avoid the\nworst, it\u2019s best to winterize\nyour boat and learn\nhow to store it properly during the cold months. These measures will make spring\nrelaunching easier and faster while extending the life of your boat. That means\nmore time on the water and less time worrying about things going wrong. Learn how to store your boat for the winter with these\nfive top tips from CubeSmart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Clean and Tidy Up Your Boat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To prepare your boat for winter storage, start by giving it a deep clean<\/a> inside and out. If you\u2019ve kept your boat clean through the season, this task will be less time-consuming \u2013 but don\u2019t worry, now\u2019s always a good time to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning\nthe Boat Exterior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On\nthe outside, you can spray a solution and wipe it with a microfiber towel. This\nwill get rid of all the dirt and hard water spots, maintaining the gel coat\nlonger. More than likely, your boat will have bugs on the tower, racks, and\ntower speakers, so make sure that those are cleaned thoroughly. Don\u2019t forget to\nclean underneath! If your boat has scum lines and you find it hard to get them\noff, take it to a dealer for a complete scrub. Usually, boat owners opt for a\nwax coat to prevent scum build-up. You also want to keep the trailer looking\ngood. Take off all the grime from the frame, crossbars, axles, tires, and wheels\nbut beware of the brake pads if using any chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning the Boat Interior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moving\non to the interior of the boat, you have to fully dry everything. Remove all gear\nand wet things like suits and towels. Open up all compartments and air them out,\ndetach any removable cushions and wipe the fiberglass portions under them. Stains\ncan be rubbed off with a cleaning product that\u2019s suitable for your boat\u2019s interior\nmaterial. Last but not least, vacuum and degrease the floor. To keep the\ninterior dry in the storage, as an extra measure, you can place some dry bags or\nbuckets that absorb moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Winterize Your Boat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boat<\/a>
Why winterize your boat? Preventing freeze damage is the start.
Free Image via Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winterizing your boat is necessary before temperatures drop below freezing, whether you put it away in winter storage or use it through the cold season. It\u2019s recommended to begin the process during fall, or as soon as it gets chilly. You need to take care of all the systems in your boat to prevent freeze damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps to winterize a boat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Drain the engine from all water and other fluids, including stern drive and inboard engines \u2013 on the side of your engine, you\u2019ll find a valve called a petcock that allows you to clear it out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Fog the engine \u2013 fogging oil keeps the rust away and protects the engine\u2019s components. Check the engine owner\u2019s manual to find which oil to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine \u2013 fuel treatment keeps the fuel fresh, works as a lubricant, and cleans the engine, injectors, and possible carbon deposits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Add antifreeze \u2013 used for the inboard engine\u2019s cooling system, or any other systems that hold water or have pipes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Drain freshwater plumbing systems and additional water systems \u2013 any sinks, tanks, live wells, raw water washdowns, bilge pumps, etc. need to be drained.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Remove drain plugs \u2013 this helps empty out all the water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Take care of the batteries \u2013 this step is important when you\u2019re not going to use your boat for long periods. Simply disconnect the batteries, top them up to 70-80%, and put them away in a designated place. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Some boat owners take extra actions as part of winterizing<\/a>, like checking the prop shaft for fishing line or lubricating grease points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\ndon\u2019t need to winterize\nyour boat if you\u2019re lucky enough to live in a warmer place with mild\nwinters that don\u2019t have temperatures below freezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Change the Oil and Fill Up the Tank<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Boat<\/a>
    Don’t forget to manage fuel and oil before you store.
    Free Image via     Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Generally,\nan oil change is part of the 100-hour maintenance cycle for gasoline engines\nand 50 hours for diesel engines. If your boat has been on the water for less\nthan that time in a year, you should still change the oil to be safe. Leaving\ndirty oil idle can damage the engine\u2019s internal surfaces. Mechanics often advise\nchanging both the engine oil and filter at least once a year, if possible\nbefore winter. Filling the engine with fresh, clean oil prevents breakdowns, and\ncorrosion, and reduces the build-up of moisture during storage by reducing the\nroom in the tank for condensation to form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can change the oil and oil filter yourself, however, it\u2019s a messy job that requires a lot of space. Ensure you have the right tools to access the oil drain plug or to get it out through the dipstick tube if the plug is inaccessible. To change the oil<\/a> and oil filter, you will need: <\/p>\n\n\n\n