Wally’s Workshop

As the cold off-season months approach, boat owners must decide how they are going to store their craft. In addition to deciding where to store your boat, you also have to know how to properly winterize your boat.

If the places where you live have a climate with frigid winters then you must keep your boat away from water for a number of months every year. You have to decide whether to store your craft indoors, or to brave the factors and pack it outside.

Clearly if you use an outboard motor with your boat, you can store the motor indoors and the boat itself outdoors. This might be a fairly simple solution. However, if you are thinking about outdoor boat storage and your craft has an inboard engine, there are additional factors to consider with your decision.

It is completely safe to keep your boat outside during winter, even if you have low temperatures and considerable snowfall. But if temperatures do fall below minus zero or in that range for a long time then storing your craft outdoor may cause damage to the boat.

Sub-zero can harm engines and other parts, which might result in costly repairs. Thus outside boat storage can be adopted by most of us but those who live in extreme climates should find another solution.

Study the manufacturer’s advice on how to properly ready your boat for winter outdoors. If you have any additional concerns, ask the boat dealer you purchased your product from. Make sure that all accessories used for preparation are approved by the manufacturer, because any other products could be seen as a void of your warranty.

Engines will have to be drained with special oils and coolants. Any susceptible or costly tool which is detachable should be detached and stored indoors. Cover the boat fully with a hard-wearing tarp. Do not use cheap plastic covers for this purpose. Get heavy-duty canvas and also big ones which might cover boat fully and from all sides.

When warmer weather arrives, promptly uncover your boat and fully inspect it for any damage. Pay particular attention to any signs of rot or animal intrusion, and cracks due to the cold. Have any damage repaired as soon as possible, and certainly before putting the boat into the water.

If you follow the company’s guidelines for winter storage and make sure it is covered in a quality tarp and constantly check for damages, you will have a beautiful boat in the spring.

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