Proper winterization and storage are a must to prevent costly repairs and ensure your boat is ready to go when spring arrives, but what’s the best way to protect your boat in the off-season? At Reets Boatworks, we offer a variety of professional boat storage and winterization services, and we’re happy to share our expert tips and advice with you.
Check out this step-by-step guide for protecting your boat in the off-season, and contact us for professional boat storage and winterization services on Great Sacandaga Lake.
Clean the Boat’s Exterior & Interior
A thorough cleaning – both inside and out – prevents corrosion, oxidation and mold and mildew buildup from developing over the winter months.
- Wash the boat’s exterior with a boat-safe cleaner to remove dirt, salt and algae.
- Apply a protective wax coat to the hull to prevent oxidation.
- Remove any perishables and personal items from the boat, and wipe down and vacuum the interior, including upholstery, carpets and storage compartments.
- Lubricate moving parts, like hinges, latches, steering components and control cables, and apply corrosion inhibitors to exposed metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Drain & Flush On-Board Water Systems
Water left inside any system during winter can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage to your boat.
- Drain all water from the bilge, live wells and freshwater tanks, as well as sinks, showers and toilets.
- If your boat has plumbing, flush the entire system with marine-grade, non-toxic antifreeze.
- Add a small amount of boat-safe antifreeze to the bilge to prevent ice from forming.
Winterize the Engine & Fuel System
It’s important to flush the engine and change the oil to eliminate salt and contaminants, and to protect fuel from degrading and clogging the engine.
- Drain and flush the engine with fresh water.
- Change the oil and replace the filter.
- Fill the gas tank to 75% and add a fuel stabilizer.
- For inboard engines, add non-toxic antifreeze to the engine cooling system.
- Run the engine for 10-15 minutes to circulate the stabilizer/antifreeze.
- Spray the engine’s cylinders with fogging oil.
Remove & Store Batteries
Boat batteries are sensitive to cold weather and can discharge if left unattended. Proper care ensures a longer lifespan.
- If possible, remove your boat’s batteries and store them in a cool, dry location.
- Use a trickle charger to maintain the battery charge level and prevent deterioration.
- If leaving batteries on board, ensure they are fully charged and disconnect them.
- Periodically check the on-board batteries and recharge them, if needed.
Cover & Store Your Boat Properly
While indoor boat storage is the best protection against the elements, outdoor storage with the right precautions can still protect your boat.
- If storing your boat outside, choose a dry, sheltered location and invest in a heavy-duty boat cover, or shrink-wrap your boat to protect it from the elements.
- If storing your boat inside, use a boat cover to keep out dust, debris and rodents, and consider using dryer sheets, cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or Irish Spring soap to deter pests.
Boat Winterization & Storage on Great Sacandaga Lake
If you’re looking for a place to winterize and store your boat during the off-season, Reets Boatworks has got you covered. We provide premium indoor boat storage on Great Sacandaga Lake, as well as convenient shrink and store winter storage. We also offer all the essential services you’d expect from a full-service marina, including haul-out, drain, fuel conditioner/stabilizer, and motor winterization. We can even provide boat transportation to and from our marina.
To inquire about availability and to request a quote for boat storage and winterization services on Great Sacandaga Lake, give us a call at (518) 332-3629, or send us a message.