Five DIY Winter Boat Storage Tips

Winter is coming again, like it always does. As any experienced boat owner knows, failing to properly winterize your craft will result in costly repairs and frustrations that will take away your boating fun. Boat owners have two options: either pay a professional to do it for you, or do it yourself. If the latter option is the more affordable choice then do it right.

Five DIY Winter boat storage tips: Water removal
Remove any water off of the deck, or inside of boat compartments to prevent damage from freezing. Empty all hoses, cooling system, and pumps of water, too. Once these hoses are removed, clean them, and store them in the boat for easy replacement next Spring.

Five DIY Winter boat storage tips: Engine preparation/fluids
Remove the battery and store it in a safe place. Do not set the battery on a concrete surface for the Winter, or anywhere it will be exposed to freezing temperatures. Remove newer spark plugs from the engine, and replace them with old spark plugs as space fillers. If the spark plugs are already old, they can wait to be changed next Spring. Change the boat's oil and oil filter. Either remove all the fuel from the tank, or top fuel off, and add a fuel additive. Your favorite boating supply store will recommend the latest brands/best recommendations. The transmission fluid will also need to be changed.

Five DIY Winter boat storage tips: Land storage is best.
If your boat can be trailered and taken out of the water, do it. Boating storage units are available for rental over the winter months, but if there's enough room on your property, then store it yourself. Some sort of shelter should be provided for your vessel, simply to prevent exposure to the elements. Even an unheated shed is better than letting the snow and wind assault your investment. If you're not able to get your toy out of the water, you'll still want to do the other winterization steps from the water-line up. For those who have land, but no shelter for their boat, there are portable storage units available.

Five DIY Winter boat storage tips: Cleaning/waxing
Washing and waxing the boat's hull, and a good, thorough cleaning of all surfaces on your boat will prove to be more affordable than, even the smallest of repairs. Not only will this help you fight corrosion, it makes Spring clean-up easier, and that means more play-time. Mold and mildew bags are available at your favorite boating supply store, and they're a reasonable investment. Now is also a great time to do any painting, priming, and sealing of all painted surfaces.

Five DIY Winter boat storage tips: Covers
Most boat owners I know recommend going with the upper-end price range for boat covers. Good, quality covers will protect the vessel from damage from the elements, keep pests and vermin out, and still allow enough airflow to prevent mold and mildew. Prices for boat covers can run from $100 to $2,000, and they're worth every penny.

Sources:

Doityourself.com
MetroDenverSelfStorage.com
Hot-Springs-AR.info
portable storage units