Placing your boat in storage protects it from the elements. Before taking your vessel to the facility, however, there are some steps you can take to winterize it. This will ensure it’s ready to hit the water when you come back for it in the warm season. Here are a few ways to safeguard your boat.

5 Tips for Preparing Your Boat for Storage

1. Clean & Protect the Interior

Clean the entire cabin interior, including the refrigerator and all drawers. Unplug appliances you won’t be moving and remove all electronics, valuables, and flares. Add charcoal dehumidifiers to the cabin to reduce moisture. You can also leave a hatch open to promote air circulation. If you do, a wire screen will minimize the amount of dust that enters the space. Finally, apply a protective sealant to all vinyl cushions to keep them from cracking.

2. Prepare the Engine

Pour fuel stabilizer into your system and run the engine for about 10 minutes to eliminate damaging varnish deposits. Coat the inside of the engine with an aerosol fogging solution to protect it from corrosion. Drain the engine block to keep the part’s cooling chamber from freezing and cracking in the cold. Ensure the water pump hose drains completely to keep the liquid out of your engine.

3. Drain the Bilge & Plumbing System

Drain the bilge pump and remove oil deposits with soapy water and a stiff brush. Apply a lubricant once the pump is clean to dry out any moisture. Drain your fresh water tank and heater and use antifreeze in both. Turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze draining. Afterward, disconnect all drain lines.

4. Remove the Battery

Remove the battery or batteries from your boat, checking electrical connections as you go for corrosion and wear. If you spot rust on them, dispose of them in a recycling facility. If the batteries are in good shape, keep them in your home and charge them every month so they’re ready to use when necessary.

5. Power-Wash & Wax

Clean the bottom of your boat with a pressure washer to blast away grime before storage. Once the boat has dried, wax the entire outside to condition and protect it. Wax also helps the paint retain its luster. Protect the boat with a canvas or fitted cover to avoid dust accumulation.
 

Keep your boat at Galaxy Self-Storage. Based in La Crosse, WI, and with seven convenient locations throughout the state, this storage facility has units of varying sizes. For your convenience, all of their storage centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you need to store your car or a few belongings, they’ll have an option for you. Call (608) 526-9000 for a free quote or visit them online for location details.