If you're like most boat owners, you're probably not looking forward to the cold winter months. But before you put your boat away for the season, there are a few things you need to do to make sure it's in good condition when you take it out again in the spring. This blog post will outline some of the most important steps to follow before storing your boat for the winter. So if you're ready to say goodbye to your boat until next year, read on!
Clean The Boat
One of the most important things to do before storing your boat is to give it a good cleaning. Wipe down all surfaces inside and out to remove dirt, grime, or salt buildup. Not only will this make your boat look better when you take it out next year, but it will also help to protect the surfaces from further damage. At Detail Doctors, we specialize in boat detailing, making us the #1 service in the Midwest. We will polish and prepare your boat for the winter months, making it last longer and look better than when you first bought it.
Remove all Personal Belongings
Before you put your boat away for the winter, be sure to remove all of your personal belongings from it. This includes life jackets, fishing gear, and other items you might have on board. Not only will this declutter your boat, but it will also help to prevent any damage or loss of these items over the winter.
Check The Engine
If your boat has an engine, it's important to inspect it thoroughly before putting it away for the winter. This means checking fluids, filters, and hoses to ensure they're in good condition. Then, run the engine for a few minutes and take it to a qualified mechanic before storing it for the winter.
Add Fuel Stabilizer
If your boat has an onboard fuel tank, you should add a fuel stabilizer to the gas before putting it away for the winter. This will help prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter and make it easier to start your engine next spring.
Cover The Boat
One of the best ways to protect your boat during the winter is to cover it with a tarp or other cover. This will help keep it clean and dry and protect it from any damage the elements could cause.
Check The Trailer
If you store your boat on a trailer, it's important to check it before putting it away for the winter. This means inspecting the tires, bearings, and lights to ensure they're in good condition. You should also lubricate the trailer's moving parts to prevent rust or corrosion.
Clean and Store The Batteries
If your boat has one or more batteries, clean and store them properly before putting the boat away for the winter. First, remove the batteries from the boat and clean them with a solution of baking soda and water. Then, store the batteries in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use them again next spring.
Drain The Water Systems
If your boat has any onboard water systems, such as a toilet or sink, it's important to drain them before putting the boat away for the winter. This will help to prevent any damage that freezing temperatures could cause.
Check The Hull
Finally, inspect your boat's hull before putting it away for the winter. This means looking for cracks, holes, or other damage that could cause problems when you take the boat out next spring. If you find any damage, be sure to have it repaired before storing the boat for the winter.
Disconnect all electrical wiring
To prevent any damage to your boat's electrical system, it's important to disconnect all wiring before storing the boat for the winter. This includes things like the bilge pump, navigation lights, and other accessories. Once everything is disconnected, label all the wires, so you know where they go when you're ready to reconnect them next spring.
Fill up the gas tank to prevent corrosion
If your boat has an onboard fuel tank, fill it up before putting the boat away for the winter. This will help to prevent any corrosion that could occur over the winter months. And if you're not comfortable doing this yourself, be sure to take it to a qualified mechanic before storing it for the winter.
Store it in a dry, covered area
One of the best ways to protect your boat during the winter is to store it in a dry, covered area. This could be a garage, shed, or even a storage unit. Just make sure that the area is large enough to accommodate your boat and that it will stay dry throughout the winter.
Bonus Tip: Ceramic Coating For Your Boat Is A Must-Have!
We recommend opting for a ceramic coating if you want to protect your boat this winter. This added layer of protection will help keep your boat looking great and make it easier to clean next spring. Not to mention, it will also help to protect the hull from any further damage.
For a reliable ceramic coating service, Detail Doctors is Milwaukee's best auto detailer that specalizes in boats too. Detail Doctors offers a wide range of boat detailing services, from simple washes and waxes to full ceramic coatings that protect your boat all winter long. Our team has over 20 years of ceramic coating experience. Your boat will last much longer and look new all season. Don’t let the change of seasons damage your boat.
You guys do a great job on BOTH cars and boats. Most companies are not that great!!! Detail Doctors for the win!
I always accidentally forget to remove the life jackets I keep in the bottom of my boat. smh
Ceramic coating boats is a great idea. Need to get this done
Perfect article for a checklist when winter arrives
There are very few companies that talk about boat repair and cleaning so I am thankful I stumbled upon this article