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With winter just around the corner, many boat owners are searching for safe, secure places to store their watercraft. While selecting the right boat dockage is crucial, the steps you take to prepare the boat are equally important. Cleaning and maintaining the vessel before putting it in storage prevents unnecessary damage and ensures it'll be ready for the water when spring arrives. Here are a few steps you can take before reserving boat dockage.

How Do You Winterize a Boat?

1. Safeguard the Engine

Harsh winter weather can damage your engine if you're not careful. Be sure to change the oil and filter before storage, as old oil will turn to sludge that'll clog engine components. Additionally, draining the engine is problematic, as moisture may accumulate inside. Finally, check other engine components, such as wires and hoses, and have them repaired or replaced now if they're damaged.

2. Prep the Hull

boat dockagePreserving your hull requires having any existing imperfections, such as cracks, repaired. These can grow worse during cold months, which is why they should be addressed beforehand. Also, make sure the hull is properly cleaned before storage, including barnacle scraping. Barnacles left on the surface before storage can cause expensive damage that might make your boat unusable come spring.

3. Shrink-Wrap the Boat

Once the exterior of your watercraft is clean, consider coverage options. Boat covers prevent mold and mildew from developing during storage, while also safeguarding the surface from the elements. Having the boat shrink-wrapped is the best way to protect it, as you can rest assured that dust, dirt, and moisture won't be able to infiltrate the covering.

 

If you need safe, reliable boat dockage in Ontario County, NY, contact Sutter's Canandaigua Marina. They provide indoor and outdoor storage for boats in the summer and winter months. Additionally, they offer shrink-wrapping services and will clean the bottom of your boat while it’s being stored. Learn more about their storage options online, or call (585) 394-0918 to discuss availability today.

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