Boat Winter Storage: The Right Way to Do It
It’s always tough to see the end of boating season and know that you have to put away one of your favorite parts of summer. But take a few steps while putting your boat away for the winter that will make it even easier to get it back out next season!
Here are some of our recommendations for boat storage over winter that will keep not only your boat secure and better maintained but also your accessories, like your autobimini top.
Boat Storage Basics
Whether you plan to store your boat in a climate-controlled storage facility or keep it outdoors all winter, there are some basic steps you have to take to protect your investment and all the add-on features that make your boat uniquely yours.
Remove Personal & Important Items
No matter where you’re planning to store your boat over the winter, it’s always a good idea to do a once-over and make sure all your personal belongings are out of every compartment.
You may need these items over the winter, and some water toys, fishing gear, or other boating necessities might increase the risk of moisture damage if left in your boat for months.
Clean Before You Store
Cleaning is always an important part of owning and ensuring a long-lasting boat, and it is all the more critical before putting your boat in storage.
Fully clean the inside, outside, trim, hardware, and accessories, and let your boat dry completely before covering it. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth while storing it.
For detailed care instructions for maintaining your autobimini or autobimini lite, see our complete care guide.
After your boat is clean and dry, take the time to give it a fresh wax, too. This will help keep your boat more resistant to the elements.
While cleaning, make sure to check for cracks, dents, blisters, and other damage and have those issues repaired as soon as possible.
Disconnect the Battery
This goes for the boat battery as well as your autobimini battery. The last thing you want is your battery continually drawing power when you aren’t around to use it, and it dies by the time you’re ready to prep your boat for the water again.
Change the Oil & Filters
Replacing your boat’s oil and oil filters prior to storing it prevents acid corrosion in the engine and helps you establish a routine that keeps your boat’s oil fresh and the engine more well-protected.
Be sure to use the right oil for your boat, and while conducting an oil change, remember to change filters on the outboards, inboard engine, and stern drive, too.
Rinse the Cooling System
Use clear, fresh water to flush out dirt, debris, and particulates in your cooling system, which guards against corrosion.
Then run antifreeze through the lines to protect against ice if you’re storing your boat in a colder climate.
Winterize the Fuel System
Eliminate all chances for condensation to build up by examining your fuel tank, topping it off, changing the fuel filter, and even adding a fuel stabilizer, which lowers the risk of engine damage during winter boat storage.
Lubricate Mechanisms
Your gears, washers, pistons, and mechanisms should be lubricated before storing your boat as a protection against cooler weather and moisture.
Decide on Indoor or Outdoor Storage & Take Precautions
With your boat winterized, now decide on where you want to store it: indoors or out.
Both sites can be ideal for your boat but come with their own sets of pros and cons.
Indoor Boat Storage
Storing your boat in a garage or off-site storage location eliminates the worry of protecting your boat from the winter elements. Plus, if you’re eco-conscious, it allows you to protect your boat without the wasteful shrink-wrapping of some outdoor storage options.
Though it can be a pricey option, especially if you opt for a climate-controlled facility and you do have to figure out transportation to the storage unit, indoor storage usually houses a safe and temperature-specific environment for boats.
Depending on the storage facility, we recommend you take the precaution of covering your boat with a well-fitted boat cover to help protect it from critters and pests that can make their way into garages for the winter. Mice, birds, and other critters will sometimes nest in these spaces, and your uncovered boat can seem a safe spot for them.
Make sure your boat cover is still a breathable material, though, to avoid moisture buildup.
Outdoor Boat Storage
Some marinas allow you to keep your boat by the water on a dock lift, making for a more convenient storage option and a quicker turnaround when the weather warms up and boating season starts up again.
If you do leave your boat outside, whether at a marina or in your own yard, take extra time to winterize your boat and definitely invest in either shrink-wrapping your boat or purchasing a custom-fitted winter boat cover.
Either covering should protect against snow, ice, and other winter precipitation, while also ensuring your interior stays dry and free of mold growth.
autobimini Pontoon Accessories for Life
Our autobimini products fit right into your boating lifestyle. Once installed, enjoy their added luxury while on the water and treat them like another convenient part of your boat. When it’s time to store your boat for the winter, just make sure your autobimini is clean and dry, tuck it into the boot, and you’re all set for next year!
Make autobimini or autobimini lite your boat accessory for life! Order one anytime, install it on your own time, and enjoy it every time you’re on the water.