Prepping Your Boat For Winter

As we put the warmer, brighter months behind us, it’s time to dive into winter weather. That means taking out your winter gear and putting away your summer toys, including your boat. But putting your boat into winter storage isn’t as easy as throwing it into your garage for a few months. There are some important steps to take to make sure the cold weather doesn’t damage your vessel.

Luckily for you, you’ve got Club Royale on your side! We’ve put together a few of our favorite tips for winterizing your boat. You’ll need to examine your boat a handful of times and make some small changes, but it’ll be well worth the effort. If you have questions we don’t answer below or need maintenance help, stop on by our store in Waterford, Michigan. Our friendly and experienced staff are ready and waiting to help you find what you need at the prices you want.

Location, Location, Location

Winter storage is a vital part of keeping your boat in one piece during the snowier season, so first figure out where it’ll be kept until the weather warms up. Your driveway is a feasible option if you’re short on time, funds, or otherwise couldn’t find a more secure location. After all, it’s free, and not all garages are big enough for the boats you might own. But driveways are short on protection from the elements or from thieves, and any other outdoor option bears those same risks. In a worst-case scenario, it might actually cost more to leave your boat out than to pay to have it stored!

If you need to leave it outside, you’ll need a waterproof cover for your boat. These can also be handy for boats in indoor storage to keep them from gathering dust, but they’re absolutely vital for outdoor storage. These can keep water, mud, snow, and other dirt and debris from collecting in and on your boat, potentially causing serious damage.

Garages are a great option, if you have one large enough. Just be sure to keep it out of the reach of rodents and other pests, and far away from any stored chemicals that could cause corrosion. Otherwise, we recommend a boat self-storage facility. These tend to look like large parking garages and can help protect your boat from the elements. Some facilities even provide light maintenance and monitored security to ensure your boat is safe from all potential hazards! Services will differ from place to place, so do your research beforehand if you can. 

Inspect, Clean, And Empty

Once you’ve got the storage location all sorted out, it’s time to prep the boat itself for long months without human use. You’ll want to get your boat as squeaky clean as possible and ensure you don’t leave any personal belongings behind before you put it away. Step one, as you might expect, is a thorough once-over. 

Check all systems for any leaking fluids, corroded cables, damaged fuses, and other obvious signs of wear and tear. Make sure all hoses and fuel lines are in good condition. If you store your boat without resolving potential maintenance issues, they might worsen considerably over time and lead to serious problems and service costs.

Dirt and grime buildup is potentially damaging for your boat, so don’t let them fester on your boat over winter. Give your vessel a thorough cleaning, including all hardware and trim. Wax the topsides to ensure they’re protected and safe. If you notice any blisters, get them taken care of immediately. Remove any items, supplies, and personal belongings you can and store them elsewhere. This includes dock lines, fire extinguishers, flares, life jackets, and anything else that isn’t nailed down. Stored these at room temperature indoors to keep them in one piece. Lastly, make sure your boat dries completely from your washing process before you put it away.

Oil Change

No matter how recently you changed your oil, it’s a good idea to freshen it up before storing your boat. Fresh oil at the recommended levels prevents condensation and corrosion. 

First, run your engine for one minute to lower the oil’s viscosity. Shut it down and change out both the oil and the filter at the same time, ensuring you’ve collected all the used oil to dispose of it properly. Rub some of it on your filter’s gasket to help it get seated. Then start your engine and run it for another minute to let the oil circulate and lubricate all the moving parts. Keep an eye out for leaks!

Flush Coolant

Drain your current coolant and refill it with fresh antifreeze—like with oil, fresh and full is better. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s dilution recommendations first. As the temperature drops, your coolant will help prevent all internal gears and tanks from freezing and causing damage.

Winterize Your Livewell

For any anglers out there, your livewell is as susceptible to freezing as the moisture in your coolant. Even if it’s empty, residual water or moisture can build up and lead to problems down the line. Pump some antifreeze through the livewells before packing your boat away.

We hope these tips helped you prep your boat for winter storage! If you find any maintenance concerns you can’t handle yourself, bring your boat on by Club Royale. We proudly serve the people of Waterford and Rochester, Michigan—let us serve you today!