How to Store a Boat During the Off-Season

To store a boat for the off-season or the winter, begin with boat winterization. Take the following steps for winterizing a boat before placing it in off-season boat storage:

• Clean the boat inside and out, removing all food from storage compartments.

• Drain all freshwater plumbing systems and add non-toxic antifreeze to protect pipes from freezing.

• Winterize your inboard or outboard engine according to manufacturer instructions.

• Properly winterize the sterndrive.

• Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer.

• Charge and remove the boat's battery to store it in a cool, dry place.

• Use a breathable boat cover to protect the exterior.

• Park the vehicle in secure indoor, covered, or outdoor boat storage.

Where to Store a Boat for the Winter

One of the best places to store a boat for the winter is in a secure self storage facility that offers indoor, outdoor, or covered boat storage solutions. Self storage facilities combine convenient access with reliable security measures for hassle-free winter boat storage. Depending on your situation, you can also store your boat at home in a driveway or garage—or, in milder climates, you can consider wet storage at a marina.

Find Boat Storage in 43 States!

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