Before deciding where to store your boat for the off-season, it’s important to winterize it to protect it from damage while in storage. Below, we share the necessary steps for winterizing a boat.
Things You’ll Need
The first step in the boat winterization process is cleaning the inside of the boat. This prevents mold and mildew from developing on seats, floor mats, and other parts of your boat’s interior.
If your boat has freshwater plumbing for a sink or shower, those systems will need to be winterized to prevent damage from freezing water.
The biggest threats to a boat engine during the winter are freezing temperatures, fuel deterioration, and corrosion. Protect and prepare your boat’s engine for the cold with these easy steps.
The sterndrive (or inboard/outboard drive) is the jet-propulsion system that helps power the motor and move the boat. Located just outside the hull, the sterndrive is a crucial component of your boat and needs to be thoroughly winterized.
After you’ve finished the other boat winterization steps, you’ll need to take care of the fuel and battery and find a boat cover. These are highly recommended before you move your boat to storage for the winter.
To prepare your boat for short-term or long-term vehicle storage, make sure to treat your fuel systems. Depending on your boat type, some manufacturers may suggest draining the fuel tank, while others suggest filling it. Either way, make sure to add stabilizer and change the water separators and fuel filters. The cost for fuel treatment generally runs between $5-$10.
One of the most important steps before boat storage is taking care of the battery. It’s recommended that you keep the battery on a trickle charger to make sure it stays charged during the off-season.
Choosing the right cover will help protect your boat from damage while in vehicle storage. Plastic covers are the cheapest cover option, but they’ll only last a few seasons and are difficult to fit. Canvas covers are durable and slightly more expensive, but they’ll last considerably longer than plastic covers. Pre-fitted covers are the most expensive, but they’re available in all sizes and can be fit to your specific boat. If you would rather not cover your boat, shrink-wrapping is another option.
Looking for the best place to store a boat during the off-season? Depending on the region you live in and what kind of boat you have, you’ll need to consider either indoor or outdoor vehicle storage options!
Planning to store a jet ski for the off-season? Learn more about jet ski winterization!
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Need indoor, covered, or outdoor vehicle storage for your boat? Extra Space Storage has convenient storage facility locations throughout the U.S. Find affordable storage units near you!
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