10+ Tips on storing your boat for the winter

After a long summer of boating fun, it’s time to store away your vessel for the colder months ahead. Unlike your car, a boat has many more exposed parts that can corrode over time, which in turn affects performance and costs hundreds of dollars to repair. The harsh winter weather can further worsen these effects. Thus, it is essential to take care of your boat once you have finished using it in the summer so that you are not treated to the rude surprise of expensive repairs in the spring. Follow this winter boat storage checklist to make sure your boat is properly winterized for storage.

STORING YOUR BOAT OUTSIDE OR INSIDE.

Winter boat storage can be tedious and expensive if you don’t have indoor storage, so keeping it on the water or outdoors is tempting. Unfortunately, it can also be problematic. If you store outside in your yard, a boat cover is a must to prevent damage from winter conditions (see all tips below). You’ll want to take extra care if this is the option you choose, a less controlled environment can often bring more challenges.

Leaving your boat in the water is not recommended. The boat is exposed to winter conditions, has a greater possibility of sinking if you aren’t monitoring often, and is vulnerable to theft.

Other options for storing your boat in winter are boat storage units, dry stack storage, and indoor storage. These range in price, availability, and convenience.

But, whatever you choose, you’ll want to do a few things before you store your boat for winter inside or outside.

HOW TO STORE A BOAT FOR WINTER

1. Run your boat once more. Pay attention to any issues that may need repair or replacement over the winter, especially with regards to the engine. Look for cracks in the hull, which will worsen if left unrepaired.
2. Drain your boat. Remove the boat from the water and drain the bilge, water tanks, head, pipes and seacocks. Raise the bow to accelerate drainage if possible. If there is an electronic water heater, isolate it by removing the in and out lines and connecting the latter two together. Spray the bilge with a moisture-displacing lubricant. Add antifreeze into the bilge and water tanks to prevent freezing. (Do not drain the engine water intake until you winterize the engine.)
3. Clean your boat. Thoroughly scrub the entirety of the boat with soap and water, from the hull to the interior. Remove any plant life and barnacles that have attached to the hull. Open any lockers, drawers, refrigerators and freezers and clean as well. Once the boat is scrubbed, leave enough time so that the boat is completely dry. Repair any blistering if you have a fiberglass boat. Afterwards, apply a coat of wax onto both the hull and the superstructure and polish evenly.
4. Winterize the engine. Flush the engine (including the coolant system) with freshwater to remove salt, dirt and corrosion. Refill the coolant system with antifreeze. After briefly warming up the engine to loosen impurities, replace the oil and all filters while looking for any milky aspect to the old oil, since this indicates water intrusion. Apply fogging oil into the carburetor and spark plug holes. Remove and store away drive belts to avoid snapping due to tension. Finally, top off your engine with a full tank of gas mixed with stabilizer. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the additives reach fuel lines. (Be especially careful if your engine uses E-10 fuel, since it absorbs moisture 10 times more than typical gasoline.)
5. Lubricate moving parts. Grease the steering system and control mechanisms. Lightly apply moisture-displacing lubricant on all moving metal parts such as hinges, latches and linkages. Detach the propeller, inspect for fishing line and seal damage, lubricate, and return to its position.
6. Remove and charge the battery. Take out the battery and completely charge it. Clean the battery terminals and lightly coat them with grease. Do the same for the battery cable ends. Store the battery in a warm, dry place, noting that you will not place it back into the boat until the spring.
7. Remove sensitive materials. Anything and everything that does not form part of the vessel should be removed and stored away, including life jackets, fire extinguishers and flares. If the interior of the boat is fitted with organic materials such as fabric and leather, remove these as well to prevent mildew deposits. Also remove all electronics, since these are easily damaged with extreme cold, and wrap exposed cable ends with electric tape. Store electronics in a warm, dry place as with the battery.
8. Seal exhaust ports. If your boat employs exhaust ports, seal them with duct tape to prevent pests from entering and clogging these components.
9. Cover and store your boat. Protect your boat with a cover that can withstand even the most brutal weather episodes. For harsher environments, consider shrink-wrapping your boat to provide additional protection. Remove snow buildup on a regular basis. If possible, store your boat under a canopy or in a garage. Use a dehumidifier if you will store the boat indoors. Mount your boat on supports with the bow tilted slightly upwards to encourage drainage. Avoid placing the boat on a trailer, since its tires and bearings can wear down over time.
10. Check every few weeks. Repair any problem areas or components over the winter. Uncover and inspect your boat for new problems that might arise during storage. Check the battery to see if it is still charged. Remove any water that might have pooled in lower areas of the boat.
11. Change the boat oil: Water that has gotten into the oil can corrode the engine. By changing the boat oil before storing you can avoid any long-term damage while stored.
12. Freshen up to the Coolant System: Like the oil, draining and refreshing the coolant system with anti-freeze can prevent freezing and corrosion of the engine.
13. Protect with Fogging Oil: This pro tip will go further to protect your engine during the winter months. Turn over your engine without starting it and spray the fogging oil where your manual instructs.
14. Loosen or remove driving belts: This is a simple step that can save you stress and money. Remove or loosen drive belts before winter boat storage to prevent them from cracking under the stress.
15. Grease the steering: Another preventative measure to get your boat ready for when you take it back out. Grease the steering and control mechanisms well so everything runs smoothly when it’s time to steer again.
16. Maintain the battery: Prevention is the name of the game. Disconnecting the battery and charging it every once in a while throughout the winter can prevent the battery from draining and dying over the winter.
17. Fill that tank: This may seem counterintuitive, but condensation can build up in an empty tank causing corrosion and even worse damage if it freezes. Add some gas and fuel stabilizer to make sure your tank is good to go during winter boat storage.
18. Pay attention to the interior: Organic materials like canvas, leather, or other fabrics should be removed to avoid mold and mildew. And any electronics that could freeze should be removed to avoid damage.
19. Wax on, Wax off: This step is especially important for storing your boat outside during the winter. Cleaning your boat inside and out and finishing with wax will help prevent rust on your boat’s body.
20. Always use a cover: Finally, covering your boat will protect from elements like dirt, dust, and moisture.

As always, be sure to read the owner’s manual to learn about any particular needs your boat might have. If you are unsure about implementing these tips, don’t hesitate talk to us. With these precautions, you will be able to protect your boat for the long winter and prepare it for the gorgeous weather that awaits you and your boat afterward.

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Handy Tools to Have on Your Boat

Your boat may be in tip-top condition, but before you leave the dock it is always a good idea to have some basic tools on board.

Hopefully, nothing will go wrong, but like safety equipment, it’s always better to have the equipment on board than not. Some simple tools might make the difference between a fun day being over way too early.  This isn’t a complete list of tools designed to cover every possible problem, these tools will just cover the most common complications. Start off with a robust, waterproof toolbox so that your tools stay dry and are all in one place.

What to have in your toolbox…

1. A flashlight – invaluable for fixing things when it’s dark or finding out what’s going on in the bilge. Magnetic retrievers are perfect for getting screws or other metal items out of the bilge or other hard to reach places.
2. Mirror on a stick – how many times have you wondered what is going on in a hard to reach area? A small mirror in your toolbox could be very useful.
3. Pliers – if you have the room it could be handy to have more than one size.
4. Hacksaw – a small hacksaw could be invaluable for cutting metal, wood or even fibreglass.
5. Spare fuel filter – if your engine is spluttering the first thing you do is check there is fuel. After that, the next thing to do is change the oil filter.
6. Spray lubricant – the most well-known brand is WD40 and it can be used for everything from releasing corroded, locked fasteners to spraying a protective film of lubricant on the engine. It’s also good for protecting your tools from rust.
7. Sealant – a boating caulking compound is an easy and effective way to temporarily fix leaking deck fittings. There are some which will also cure underwater.
8. Multi-tool – invest in a good quality multi-tool.  Check for robust pliers, screwdrivers, knife and saw.
9. Range of cloths – keep some spare cloths on board that can be used for the messiest jobs. A few pairs of disposable gloves won’t go amiss.
10. Oil-absorbent pads – if you have an oil leak you’ll be glad you can stop any oil going into the bilge.
11. Wire strippers and crimping – you’ll be in a dire situation if you’re having to do a major re-wiring job out at sea, but for the occasional wiring problem, a set of wire cutters with a crimping tool and a few spare crimp connectors will suffice.
12. A range of wrenches – wrenches are used for gripping, fastening, turning, tightening and loosening things like pipes, fittings, nuts and bolts. At the very least have on board the wrench that came with the engine. An adjustable wrench can also be useful.
13. Hose clamps – it’s always a good idea to have a few spare and they take up very little room.
14. Heavy-duty adhesive tape e.g. duct tape. It’s amazing how useful a bit of tape can be!
15. Electricals – If you’re out at sea, your engine fails and all that’s needed is a new fuse you’re going to be having a bad day. Check your owners manual for the correctly sized fuses and always keep some spare. If you’ve got room then a basic multimeter will help you track down the electrical fault, tracing live circuits and testing the state of the battery.
16. Screwdrivers and nutdrivers – keep on board at least a small selection of what’s most likely to be useful.

Every boat has its own special requirements. If you’re not sure what to have on board simply think of what most often seems to go wrong and what tools make the difference.

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Boat Storage in Nanaimo, Vancouver – 17 Expert Tips

To help boats and yachts retain their value it’s important every owner knows the best practices in boat storage. Having a boat is a lot of work. We have compiled a list of expert-recommended tips for storing your boat.

BEST PRACTICES IN BOAT STORAGE

The right boat storage is a major factor in determining how long a boat will last. Below are 17 expert tips and best practices you should try when storing your boat: 

1. Clean your boat : Keeping your boat clean is one of the most basic rules of storage. Even when you are only storing it for a little while, it is imperative that you clean your boat to avoid the build-up of grime. Doing so will also help you avoid staining and moulds from growing.
2. Wax your boat : After cleaning the entirety of your boat, it is a good idea to add protection by covering its body with wax. This will help you avoid rust, especially if the boat will be stored outside.
3. Leave the keys with someone locally : To ensure the safety of your boat, make sure to lock it into the facility and leave the keys with someone you trust.
4. Protect your boat from vermin : Small animals like mice can cause a huge amount of damage to your boat, so it is best to keep them away. To do this, make sure that your boat’s storage facility cannot be easily accessed by these climbers. Never leave ladders, ramps, and other possible passages for these critters to climb onto. You may also want to put a repellent down.
5. Clean out the cabin : Even if it’s just for a short time, clean up the cabin, turn off the fridge and store everything away how you know it should be done.
6. Clean up on deck : Check the sails, mast, line, and fenders before putting your boat into storage. The sails should be dry and properly rolled before being stored inside the boat. The mast should be removed and secured inside the vessel or in a separate storage area. Fenders, lines, and other equipment should be cleaned and dried first before being stowed into storage where there isn’t any sunlight. Never forget to secure any other boating equipment that is to be left on deck.
7. Secure the engine : When securing the engine, empty the fuel tank by running the engine after closing the fuel outlet to prevent the substance from harming its injectors or carburettors. It is also recommended to fog the engine to avoid moisture build-up. The boat’s propellers and motors should also be secured. Remember to remove the propellers and outdrives.
8. Change the engine oil : To prevent engine corrosion, make sure to change the oil and oil filter. To do this, flush out remnants of the old substance with water. Then drain it entirely before adding new oil.
9. Flush the coolant system : The cooling system should be flushed with water. Make sure to replace the antifreeze solution with one that is diluted based on the chemical’s specification to prevent the boat’s engine from freezing and corroding during winter.
10. Use fogging oil : Spraying fogging oil onto the spark plug holes or carburettor can help protect the engine’s moving parts from freezing from extremely cold temperatures during winter. To do this, turn over the engine without starting it and spray the oil while it is still rotating. You may also refer to your manual for the proper use of fogging oil based on the boat engine specifications.
11. Take off the drive belts : Drive belts tend to crack from being kept under tension for extended periods, so make sure to loosen or remove them before you store your boat. This is best done for winter storage.
12. Check over the steering : Grease your steering so that when you want to use your boat the steering will work smoothly.
13. Disconnect the battery : This will prolong the life of your battery. If your storing your boat for long periods of time it is worth recharging it occasionally.
14. Check over your gas : Your tanks should either be completely full or empty. Stabilizers will ensure that you can use the fuel again once you decide to start bring your vessel out.
15. Plug up exhaust holes : Use duct tape to protect the boat from small animals.
16. Take home as much of the interior as possible! : We’re talking electronics and any soft furnishings. The less on the boat the fewer things get damaged from the cold.
17. Cover the boat : Boat covers should be used to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime, dust, and moisture.

Boat Storage and special offers - Vancouver Island

We have space in the boatyard for Winter Dry Boat Storage: we have space available in the boatyard for dry storage every Fall until the end of February. Call us at 250 716 9065 for more information, or simply fill in our online inquiry form and we’ll contact you to discuss your requirements.

Dry storage is normally storage inside a warehouse. It means your boat is secure and protected from the weather, it saves money on trailer maintenance and less expensive than having a marina berth, but there are some drawbacks. Drawbacks can be you may not be able to get to your boat when you want it and larger boats may not fit. 

 Before you store your boat make sure all valuables are removed from the boat, remove batteries and put them on trickle charge, empty fuel tanks (for fire prevention) and ideally keep your boat protected with a waterproof cover.

Some people like to store their boat at home. If you’ve got the room it means your boat is easily available, it’s free and you can do some maintenance through the winter. The drawbacks are that you are taking up space at home, you’ll need to take your boat to and from the water and protection from rodents and other pests isn’t guaranteed. Before you leave your boat fill and flush your boat with antifreeze, block any holes in your garage to avoid rodents, put the battery on trickle charge and cover your boat up. 

Come and talk to us about our storage options or  Get a Quote

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