All vehicles require proper maintenance, especially boats which typically spend the winter parked. Proper winter boat storage extends the life of your boat and minimizes future repairs and maintenance. North Water Marine can help you with all your boat winterization and service needs. Here are our pro tips to ensure that your aquatic vehicle is ready for the waters come spring.
Before you choose your preferred method for boat winter storage, it's a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning. Remove towels, life vests, and absorbent materials that can harbor mold and mildew. Dispose of accumulated debris. Scrub the decks and treat the seating and trim to block out moisture.
When water freezes, it expands and can damage its container. To avoid costly motor repairs, thoroughly drain your boat's motor and add marine antifreeze to fully protect it. You should also drain and refill the lubricant from the outboard motor. Don’t forget to disconnect your battery to help preserve its service life and its charge over the length of the storage period.
Over time, engine combustion byproducts build up in your boat's motor oil. If the engine isn't used for a long time, these byproducts can settle, causing rust and corrosion. A simple oil and filter change before winter storage can prevent these problems. Make sure to choose a dedicated environmentally safe marine motor oil made from Propylene glycol.
An empty fuel tank can build up moisture and hamper the optimal operation of your boat. Make sure to fuel up before storage, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from oxidizing during the winter.
Whether you choose indoor or outdoor storage, covering your boat is a must to keep pests, dust, and debris away. Tarps, tailored boat covers, and shrink wrap are the most reliable options. If you choose dedicated boat storage, North Water Marine can take care of all the prep work and give you peace of mind.
Several indoor and outdoor winter boat storage options are available, each with pros and cons.
Wet (Docked): If you live in a warm climate, you can simply dock your boat on the water all winter long. While convenient, this leaves your boat at risk of freak storms, theft, and vandalization.
Dry (Trailered): Trailer storage is an alternative outdoor storage option for colder climates, but comes with the same risks as water storage.
Home Garage Storage: Storing your boat in your garage eliminates the risks of outdoor storage. An attached garage will help keep your boat warm with residual heat from your home. While home storage is the most cost-effective option for indoor boat storage, it does carry a few downsides. If you have a larger boat and/or smaller garage, you may be left with little space for anything else. You'll have to park your car in your driveway and risk getting snowed in.
Dry Stacked Storage: Dry stacked storage at an indoor boat storage provider offers safety and peace of mind over do-it-yourself methods. At North Water Marine, we provide the following benefits:
Whether you need to store your boat for a few weeks or an entire season, we have you covered. Contact us online or call us at 603.366.4811 to schedule your professional boat storage service today.