Winter Boat Storage: 5 Steps to Keep Your Boat Snug as a Bug

Autumn is a strange time for a boat owner.

The water still retains the heat of summer. But the chill in the air reminds us that the opportunities for boat parties and waterskiing are dwindling as quickly as the daylight hours.

For me, this is a great time to toss a few hay bales into the back of the boat and create a really cool hayride along a river. It's time to check out the fall foliage while boating along the banks. 

Trying to find enjoyment in boating in the fall is a kind of personal bribe. Really, I'm just steeling myself to get serious about protecting my lady from the harshness of cold winds, ice and snow.

Also, there's a little procrastination mixed in there. Who really wants to think about winter boat storage, boat covers and new expenses?

Boats seem to look so right in the water and so wrong on land (they look ungainly and almost uncomfortable). Maybe my impression is because they're more fun in their natural habitat.

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Winterizing & Engine Flush Kit

Bundles the engine care tools and cleaners you need before storage or after salt water runs.

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Even so, I know that proper winter storage is as important as anything else I do for my boat, including regular waxing or a good inspection come spring.

That's why, when the time comes, I take some very specific steps to keep my boat safe and sound all winter long.

Better Boat's dehumidifier bags absorb moisture and odors to help keep enclosed spaces dry and fresh. They work great in cabins, closets, bathrooms and more. Simply discard the plastic wrapper, unfold and hang it. 

Editor's Choice: Winterizing & Engine Flush Kit

Bundling the motor muffs, de-salt concentrate, wash sprayer, and engine flush kit into one package means you can run a complete flush and winterize the outboard in a single session rather than scrambling for separate tools. This matters most during fall storage prep when skipping or shortcutting the flush is exactly what leads to corroded passages and a costly spring repair bill.

See the Winterizing & Engine Flush Kit at betterboat.com

1. Pick the Right Spot

Storing a boat starts with where instead of how. I usually keep my boat in the marina because it offers winter storage on land in the parking lot, which is free of cars during cold months.

That's the easiest solution because I don't have a trailer and can save on the cost of hiring a hauler. If you maintain your own boat trailer or are willing to hire a professional with the right equipment, you can consider options such as your own backyard or a rental unit in a storage facility.

But keeping your boat in your driveway is far from ideal, as the elements and thieves are still a threat to your vessel. If your garage is spacious enough, it's best to store your boat there.

The alternative is to rent a self-storage facility. Many of these offer round-the-clock monitoring, as well as regular maintenance during the time your vessel stays there.

2. Keep the Boat Dry

Cold in and of itself isn't as dangerous for a boat, but your boat could be in real trouble when temps below 32° Fahrenheit combine with water.

Ice forming in a harbor can do nasty things to a hull, so if you're like me and live in an area that gets to freezing temperatures, it's best to haul the boat out of the water. Once the boat's hull is protected, the next area of concern is her decks.

There are so many little nooks and crannies on a boat that you may not even notice the small vulnerabilities that Mother Nature can use to literally split the boat apart.

Water expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws, so something as seemingly innocent as a scupper can easily become a serious problem if water accumulates there because a stray autumnal leaf plugged up the drain.

The trick here is to cover the boat well and prevent water from settling where it would otherwise do damage. A good winter boat cover will do the job nicely, and it will protect the deck from dirt mixed in with rainwater and snow and prevent damage from ice pellets. You should also check for openings that critters could use to find protection from a harsh winter.

As soon as you take your vessel from the water, drain the water tanks, bilge and pipes, and clean the bilge, head and seacocks. Try raising the bow to accelerate drainage.

Spray the boat's bilge with a moisture-displacing lubricant. Next, add suitable antifreeze to prevent freezing during the cold months.

Don't drain the boat's engine water intake for now. Wait until you've winterized the engine to do so.

Another essential winter boat storage tip is to thoroughly clean your water vessel. Scrub the entire boat thoroughly using the best boat cleaners. Clean the boat from the hull to the craft's interior.

Wash off all the dirt, grime, debris, and water spots. These substances can easily create the ideal conditions for rust formation while your boat is in storage during the winter.

Open all the drawers, lockers, freezers, and refrigerators and thoroughly clean them.

As soon as the entire boat is thoroughly scrubbed, give it ample time to dry completely. If you own a fiberglass boat, repair any blistering. Then, apply a protective coat of wax onto the boat's hull and superstructure before polishing the vessel evenly.

Flush your boat's engine and coolant system. Use freshwater to get rid of any salt, corrosion, and dirt. We recommend our engine flush kit and our De-Salt solution. Once you've finished flushing the engine, refill the coolant system using antifreeze.

A good set of motor muffs makes that freshwater flush straightforward right at the dock.

Better Boat pick

Outboard Motor Water Muffs, Ear Muffs for Boat Motor Flushing

Flush, test, cool, warm, idle, or winterize compatible outboard and I/O engines with a hose connection.

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Warm the engine briefly to loosen any impurities. Next, change the oil and the filters. Pay attention to any milky appearance of the old oil, which might indicate water intrusion.

Winterize the carburetor and spark plug holes by applying fogging oil into them. Remove the drive belts and store them away to avert snapping as a result of tension.

The last step is to fill the fuel tank with gas that's been mixed with a high-quality stabilizer. Run the boat's engine for roughly 15 minutes so the additives reach the fuel lines.

3. Shelter the Boat from the Wind

No cover will do its job unless it stays in place. I arrived at the marina to check on the boat, only to find the tarp blown to the ground.

Not only was I short-changing myself, but I was being rude to other boaters nearby, creating something of a nuisance and a bit of a hazard since that blue plastic became a sail with every breeze.

Shrink wrap is an attractive option but can be prohibitively expensive if you hire someone to install the covering.

It can also be a potential fire hazard if you don't know what you're doing in a do-it-yourself scenario. Do a real evaluation of your needs, and you'll likely find that a simple cover will meet your needs so long as it stays where you put it.

Make sure it's tied down with cover straps and anchored with something like sandbags, or maybe just tied well with a few milk jugs refilled with water to serve as anchors against high winds.

Consider the ability of other boats to break down winds and, if possible, request a storage spot that has some shelter if you're leaving the boat in the water at the marina.

If you store your boat on your own property, consider parking the trailer next to your house or purchasing a temporary structure to cover her. Of course, you should make a quick trip to town hall and check to make sure there are no prohibitions against temporary storage, especially if you're part of a homeowner's association.

To paraphrase an old saying, check twice, store once. Then again, you can save money on a cover and put it toward a secure storage unit that keeps all weather at bay. If you're willing to do a little more homework, you can find a local group that has the space you need.

For example, some state fairs convert animal barns and event spaces into winter storage facilities and provide a valuable service to the community.

The best time to make repairs is when you're not actively using it. Better Boat's repair tape adheres to vinyl, canvas, tarp, leather, plastic and more. Use on Bimini tops, tents, umbrellas, boat covers, awnings and sails. It's waterproof, strong and flexible.

4. Remove What You Can

If you can find (and afford) heated storage for your boat, good for you, I'm envious. However, odds are, you'll leave her in the cold.

In this case, you should protect the more portable items in the boat by removing them and taking them to your garage, basement or attic. Soft items like cushions fight a battle with mold, wear and tear, but storing them in a dry and relatively even temperature space will be better than leaving them to the mercy of Mother Nature.

You can wash dock lines in a washing machine. Just avoid putting any metal parts in the machine. Again, store these in a dry place.

Get the electronics like fish finders out of the cockpit. In fact, I bought a good photographer's bag. I nestle the expensive pieces of equipment in there each time I leave the boat, even during the summer, to avoid tempting anyone with light fingers.

Check your emergency supplies. Look at the date on your flares and on the medicines in the first aid kit. Check the condition of life jackets, etc. My local fire department was happy to get expired but still usable flares for their training sessions. I asked Santa for some new ones.

Start with such components as fire extinguishers, flares and life jackets. If the boat's interior is fitted with leather, fabric and other organic materials, you may want to remove them to reduce moisture exposure and the chance of mold and mildew stains while the boat is in storage.

Remove any electronics on the boat, as they can get damaged in icy conditions.

Stick a couple of dehumidifiers in the boat to prevent moisture from building up over the winter. We have many options, which you can view here.

5. Be Proactive

Winter storage for your boat is not set it and forget it. Things change while you're away, so don't be gone for too long. Ask someone to help you keep an eye on your baby. That might be the employees at your marina or a fellow boater who stores his vessel near yours. 

Check on her to make sure her cover stays on, the critters stay away, and she's ready to go come spring. I make an event of these little trips, extending a visit to a winter boat show to include my own vessel so I can enjoy those new ideas straight from the pros and start planning on how my next summer will be even better.

I also check out my favorite weather site and plan a Sunday drive in a warm car to check on the boat and, when it works out, grab a bite to eat with other fellow boaters who can't wish summer to arrive fast enough. There's a kind of warm and snuggly feeling that can come from bedding down your boat.

I like to think that she deserves a good, long winter nap to get ready for the next round of summer fun. I can feel proud that taking steps to store her just right will mean she's all the more ready to go for a great time when the winds of March die down and the brave flowers of April appear.

As soon as you've finished using your boat in the summer, give it one final run to see whether it's working before you store it away. The goal is to avoid the rude shock of expensive repairs when spring arrives.

Pay close attention to any issues that may warrant immediate repair before long-term storage. Even seemingly minor problems, such as cracks in the hull, can worsen during the winter, so you want to address them immediately.

Check the fuel lines and hose connections carefully. Look for signs of corrosion on the cables, fluid leaks or damaged fuses.

Resolve these issues promptly before they cause more significant problems. Ask a qualified repair shop to inspect the damage and provide an estimate that accounts for both materials and labor. Delaying repairs can increase the work and materials required.

Your vessel has many moving parts, many of which you need to grease so they stay lubricated while your boat is in storage. Start with the boat's steering system and control mechanisms. Apply moisture-displacing lubricant to other moving parts, including the latches, hinges, and linkages.

Don't forget about the propeller. Detach it and inspect for any fishing line or seal damage. If satisfied with its condition, lubricate it and return it to its position.

Keep reading

How to Winterize and Store a Boat TrailerHow to Winterize an Inboard Outboard Motor: Easy Steps to Protect Your BoatA DIY Guide to Shrink Wrap a Boat for Winter