Boat Storage Tips
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.
Living in a climate with frigid winters dictates that you take your boat out of the water for a number of months each year. Your first decision will likely be whether to find some space to store your boat indoors, or whether to brave the elements and stow 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 perfectly safe to store your boat out of doors during the cold months, even if you experience low temperatures and significant snowfall. However, if temperatures tend to fall in the minus zero range for long periods, it may be difficult to avoid damage.
Freezing can damage engines and other parts, resulting in costly repairs that must be taken care of in the spring. Thus, most of us can use outdoor boat storage, but owners living in extreme climates probably want to consider another solution.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations when winterizing for outdoor boat storage. If you have any questions, consult with your dealer. Make sure that any products you use in the winterizing process are manufacturer approved, as the use of other products may void your warranty.
Engines may need to be drained or winterized with special oils and coolants. Any sensitive or expensive equipment that can be easily removed from the boat should be stored indoors in a secure location. You will need to cover the boat completely with a durable tarp. Do not buy cheap plastic tarps for this purpose. Go with heavy-duty canvas, and make sure it is large enough to completely cover the boat with coverage on 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 manufacturer's instructions for outdoor boat storage, cover your craft with a high-quality tarp, and regularly check on the boat during the winter, you will have no problems and be on the water at the first sign of spring.
Living in a climate with frigid winters dictates that you take your boat out of the water for a number of months each year. Your first decision will likely be whether to find some space to store your boat indoors, or whether to brave the elements and stow 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 perfectly safe to store your boat out of doors during the cold months, even if you experience low temperatures and significant snowfall. However, if temperatures tend to fall in the minus zero range for long periods, it may be difficult to avoid damage.
Freezing can damage engines and other parts, resulting in costly repairs that must be taken care of in the spring. Thus, most of us can use outdoor boat storage, but owners living in extreme climates probably want to consider another solution.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations when winterizing for outdoor boat storage. If you have any questions, consult with your dealer. Make sure that any products you use in the winterizing process are manufacturer approved, as the use of other products may void your warranty.
Engines may need to be drained or winterized with special oils and coolants. Any sensitive or expensive equipment that can be easily removed from the boat should be stored indoors in a secure location. You will need to cover the boat completely with a durable tarp. Do not buy cheap plastic tarps for this purpose. Go with heavy-duty canvas, and make sure it is large enough to completely cover the boat with coverage on 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 manufacturer's instructions for outdoor boat storage, cover your craft with a high-quality tarp, and regularly check on the boat during the winter, you will have no problems and be on the water at the first sign of spring.