When winter arrives, it’s usually time to take a break from the captain’s seat and get your boat out of the water. But before you stow your vessel away for the offseason, there are a few tasks you’ll need to do to ensure it stays in good shape. To help streamline the process, consider these quick tips for winter boat storage.

How to Store Your Boat in the Winter

Winterize the Vessel

Before boat storage, there are a variety of maintenance tasks you’ll need to complete to ensure all mechanical components work properly in the spring and summer.

In addition to fixing any immediate repair needs, change the oil, flush the coolant, and grease the steering components. To protect against cold weather damage, remove the drive belts, apply fogging oil to the engine, and fill the gas tank. Disconnecting the battery and routinely charging the system will help prevent it from draining while not in use.   

Do a Deep Clean

Once your tuneup is complete, thoroughly scrub down the cabin interior and exterior. Apply wax to keep the exterior paint looking vibrant. After that, dry every nook and cranny to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. Additionally, remove all trash to prevent pests from sneaking aboard.

Cover It Up

Even if you’re keeping your vessel stored in an indoor space, covering it with an appropriate material is highly recommended. When a boat is left uncovered, snow, ice, and rain can cause severe corrosion to both the exterior and interior. Additionally, dirt accumulation may impair various components.

Avoid Docking

Although it may be easiest to leave your boat stationed at the dock you use during the summer, it’s not necessarily the safest option. In many cases, security at these facilities is lacking, which is appealing to those who may want to sneak aboard or steal parts from your vessel. Fortunately, if you don’t have ample garage space, there are many secure boat storage providers that can provide you with peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a reliable way to secure your vessel this winter, look no further than All Season’s Self Storage. Offering 24/7 security and expansive outdoor units, this trusted business is an ideal resource for safe and accessible boat storage in the Orange County area. Visit this Middletown, NY, storage facility online to learn more about their first-rate unit rentals. To inquire about outdoor storage availability or reserve a unit, call a friendly associate at (845) 342-5017 today.