Owning a boat can bring immense joy and adventure during the warmer months, but when winter approaches, it’s essential to properly store your boat to protect it from the harsh weather conditions. Proper winter storage ensures that your boat remains in optimal condition and is ready for the next boating season.
In this blog, we will guide you through the best way to store a boat for winter, ensuring you get the most out of your vessel for years to come. For more information, advice, or equipment for your marine vehicles, visit the rest of our website or get in touch with our team.
Give us a call on 0418 497 029 or get in touch through our online form if you’re interested in boat accessories or more advice on how to store your boat for winter. We’re here to help!
Winter Boat Storage Solutions
Marina Storage Yard
Many marinas offer storage solutions in secured, fenced-in yards for boats during the winter (along with any other times of the year for reference). These yards often have security measures in place and may provide additional services such as shrink-wrapping or tarping to ensure your boat is kept safe from the elements.
Boat Covers
As mentioned, tarping is a great way to keep your boat safe from the winter air. Your best bet is investing in high quality, breathable boat covers, whilst ensuring you are selecting a cover that is designed specifically to fit your model of boat. Once you have a cover, always make sure it is secured and snug around the vessel, supporting it against wind, snow, and even rain. For added support, you can also use poles and tie-down straps to ensure it stays in place.
Shrink-Wrapping
The most popular and best way to store a boat for winter is shrink-wrapping. You may not have heard of this solution before, but it’s a method being used widely and proudly for outdoor storage, yes, including boats. A plastic shrink-wrap cover is a heated and sealed solution for your boat, providing a protective barrier against moisture, snow, and UV rays as well, ensuring the exterior and interior of your boat remains in top condition. If you’re considering this route, make sure you engage a professional to ensure the installation is carried out the right way the first time.
Properly Winterise the Engine
Winterising the engine is also a critical step in boat storage. Start by changing the oil and filter to remove any contaminants, and then treat the fuel system with a fuel stabiliser to prevent fuel deterioration and deposits. Next, flush the engine with fresh water to remove salt or mineral buildup – this is also imperative. It’s advisable to consult your boat’s manual or a professional mechanic to ensure you follow the correct winterisation process for your specific engine.
Protect the Battery
To prevent the battery from draining or freezing during storage, remove it from the boat and store it in a cool, dry place. Prior to storage, however, fully charge the battery and periodically recharge it during the winter to maintain its health. Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it in optimal condition during the cooler season.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Ensure that your boat has adequate ventilation during storage to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, debris, and musty odors. When it comes to the best way to store a boat for winter, ventilation is a major player. Open all compartments, hatches, and lockers to allow air circulation, especially if you live/store the boat in an area with high moisture content in the air. Consider using moisture-absorbing products like desiccant bags or dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels inside the boat when covered and stored.
Periodic Checks
Even when in storage, it’s important to periodically check on your boat for good measure. Inspect the cover for any signs of damage or warping and make any necessary adjustments as you see fit. Check the bilge area for water accumulation, as excessive moisture can cause costly damage. If storing outdoors, remove any accumulated snow from the cover to prevent excess weight, this one is extremely important for the above mentioned warping.
All in all, proper winter boat storage is essential for a vessels longevity and performance. By following these best practices, we ensure that your boat remains in optimal condition and is ready to hit the water when the warmer season comes back around. Remember to clean and inspect your boat periodically, protect the battery, secure the boat, and maintain proper ventilation for the best results in the long term. By investing time and effort into winter storage, you’ll enjoy years of boating adventures, it just takes a little effort for maximum outcomes.
Choose BCA Australia for all Your Boating Needs
Here at BCA Australia, we do our best to stock a wide range of boating accessories to make your adventures comfortable, convenient, and the most fun. From folding camper tables to boat gas bottle holder solutions, we have everything you need. If you do venture out during the cooler seasons, check out our marine hot water systems for complete comfortability. Looking for even more? Give us a call on 0418 497 029 now or reach out through our online form and we’ll be in touch.
