The Ins & Outs of Boat Winterization
For those who prefer to boat in sunny, warm weather, the cold temperatures mean that it’s time to put their boats in storage over the winter. However, you can’t just throw a tarp on your boat and walk away! There are several steps you must take to properly winterize your boat and prepare it for long-term storage, and the failure to take these precautions could lead to corrosion, weather damage, pest infestation or even theft.
Collins Marine, located in Tonawanda, is your New York boat dealership. Here are our tips for winterizing and storing your boat so that you can take the headache out of the process.
1. Clean Your Boat
Your first step is to thoroughly clean your boat inside and out. Go through your boat and remove gear, personal items, food and trash. You don’t want to leave wet towels and valuable GPS units on board during storage, so take everything into your house and leave only the bare essentials on your boat. Wipe down vinyl seats and check for any mildew that needs addressing. Sweep the ck and mop. Clean the console and all high-touch areas. Remove any traces of food to keep pests away. Scrub the hull and remove as much build-up as you can.
2. Attend to Your Engine
Your boat’s engine needs some tender loving care in order to keep it functional. Reading your owner’s manual will tell you exactly what you need to do and how to do it for your particular make and model.
In general, though, for an outboard motor, you’ll need to drain old fuel from the engine and replace it with fresh, clean fuel to which you’ve added a fuel stabilizer. Run your engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilized fuel to coat the engine surface and apply fogging oil to the cylinders to prevent corrosion.
You should also take this time to change out the oil and the oil filter unless you’ve done this very recently; sludgy, old oil sitting in your engine for months is likely to become corrosive due to the acids contained within it.
3. Invest in a Cover
A good, sturdy, waterproof cover is essential for keeping your boat protected from the elements, as well as helping to prevent pest infestation and theft. You’ll want a cover for your boat even if you store it indoors. Look for a snug-fitting cover that has waterproofing and make sure to examine your cover for holes or rips that need to be mended. Replace your cover once it becomes too worn to protect your boat.
4. Locate Secure Storage
Now that you’ve got a clean boat that’s ready for storage, you’ll need a place to store it. Some people opt to keep their boats trailered and covered in their garage, barn or other indoor on-site storage while others opt for off-site storage at a facility near the water. You can also rent marina slips to store your boat outdoors, although this leaves your boat more vulnerable to weather damage, theft and pests. The best place to store your boat is indoors if you can manage it.
If you’re looking for professional winterization or winter storage services, get in touch with us via our website to discuss cleaning and storage options. We offer a variety of winterization services and different types of boat storage depending on your needs.
Seeking a new boat instead? Check out our website to see the vast inventory of new and used boats for sale at our Tonawanda, NY, dealership location. Collins Marine proudly serves the city of Buffalo, NY, and the boaters who love to cruise Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.