Home Improvement

How to Prepare Your Boat for Winter Storage

Summer has ended, fun days on the lake attended to an end and it’s back to cooler weather. So where would you store your boat during those long cold winter season or when you just can’t find the time to take it out on the water?

Storing your boat at a marina can be convenient, only when you’re willing to pay the high cost that comes with it. Taking your boat home can be considered a hassle and potentially leave it subjected to the elements.

Forty percent of insurance claims for damages actually occur through the off-season, if you aren’t properly storing your boat, you could be vulnerable to expensive damages.

Read on to learn our top 5 reasons you ought to be storing your boat at a storage facility.

  1. Consider the Climate

The very first thing to think about when storing your boat is the neighborhood climate. In the event that you reside in a northern region where seasons are definite and predictable, you’ll know exactly when your boat must leave water to be put in dry storage.

However, if you are in a warmer climate where seasons are sporadic and winters can be unpredictable, you may consider moving your boat to dry storage when the weather commences to carefully turn. Even one over-night freeze can cause serious damage to both interior and exterior of your boat.

  1. Summer Storage

While the weather is warm, there are various types of storage that enable quick access to your boat and water. Most storage facilities that provide boat storage have many other accommodations so that it is a very affordable, convenient option. They are able to store anything from a small vessel to a large pontoon boat.

Boat storage facilities can offer amenities like extra wide driveways making maneuvering in and out super easy, compressed air stations, wash stations and RV parking.

You also have the choice between enclosed, and open air storage for your boat. Which you will need just will depend on how large of an water craft you are attempting to store, your finances and exactly how often you want to access it.

  1. Winter Storage

Regardless of the regional climate, maintaining your boat in dry storage through the cold winter season is paramount

With regards to the elements locally you should decide whether inside or outside storage is enough enough to keep you boat safe from any damages. Just make sure if you select outdoor storage through the winter that additionally you consider buying a fabric cover, tarp or shrink wrap.

  1. Types of Boat Covers

If you decide to store your boat, a cover is crucial. Luckily, there are all types of covers for each budget.

The cheapest and most convenient cover is a plastic tarp. These are inexpensive, semi-formfitting, and allow for ventilation to prevent mildew and mold. However, due to the low priced, they typically only last one winter and can have to be replaced yearly.

A more durable option would be shrink wrap. These are extremely popular, and each is formed around your boat to fit it perfectly. While they are really air-tight, vents can be installed at a supplementary cost to provide ventilation.

Your final option, a canvas and frame, is the best option for long-term owners. A wooden frame is made around the very best of the boat, and the canvas is then tightly strapped across the frame. While frames are primarily expensive to generate, this system can last 10 or even more years.

  1. Regular Spot Checks

You achieved it! You’ve found a storage method that works flawlessly for your household!

However, because your boat is safely out of the water and tucked away doesn’t mean you can ignore it for your winter. Always remember to execute regular maintenance checks to make sure it’s in the same condition it was in when you initially stored it. If something breaks or mildew starts to grow, it’s better to know immediately to make quick repairs.

If you’re maintaining your boat in dry storage, luckily most boat storage properties offer 24/7 access and that means you are always more than welcome to avoid by to check on the health of your boat.

Enjoy Smooth Sailing

There are a number of storage options available for boat owners. While each has its advantages, there’s no contest that a boat storage near me, provides more protection from the elements when compared to outdoor storage. Consult a storage professional if this is your first storing season to ensure your boat receives proper care.