Winterize Your Boat in 4 Easy Steps
Hot summer days out on the lake are where some of the best memories are made. Waking up at the crack of dawn to get out to the best fishing spot in the area or packing the cooler full of beer and drinks to prepare for a long day of tubing, jet skis, and relaxation. Those summer days at the lake always fly by way faster than we think sadly. After Labor Day weekend, it’s time to start thinking about when you will winterize your boat. This process is very important and without proper care, can result in significant damages to your boat and leave you a very unhappy boat owner.
The following are 4 easy boating tips to winterize your boat for long term winter storage:
How To Winterize Your Boat
Go Back Out on the Water
The first thing you need to do is go back out on the water. There will surely be another nice day after the labor day weekend to take a final joy cruise before it is time to store your boat for winter. This is also a great time to inspect the boat on the cruise for any issues that can be looked at over the winter season. This will ensure that your boat is ready for next spring!
Cleaning Time
The second step to winterize your boating is to clean it! We recommend gathering the entire family for this activity to make it more enjoyable.
How To Clean Your Boat
Rinse The Exterior of the Boat with a Hose
First, you need to rinse your boat with fresh water to get all of the algae and minerals off your boat. Give your boat a nice rinse and let it sit out for about 5 minutes.
Apply a Boat Cleaner Solution
After you apply a good rinse to the vessel, it is time to apply boat wash and get to scrubbing. We recommend the long handle boat scrubber for this task. Then, rinse your boat with freshwater, again.
Wipe Down Boat With a Towel
Once you’ve scrubbed the exterior of your boat, use a microfiber towel and wipe your boat down by hand. Take your time on this step to make everywhere is wiped clean. This is also a great time to clean any windows you may have on your boat.
Also, check all compartments around the exterior of the boat and interior and to check for any additional collections of water. If you find any, drain the water accordingly.
Let It Dry
Once the boat is wiped clean, let it sit for a period of time so the boat can fully dry. This is a great time to take a break from cleaning to go grab a bite to eat with the family.
Wax On, Wax Off
Give your boat a nice waxing to give it that shiny look. We recommend Meguiars Flagship Premium Marine Wax, it is available on Amazon for around $20. Applying this will improve the color of your boat, remove light oxidation and scratches, protect your boat from UV damage.
Meguairs Flagship Premium Marine Wax// Amazon $20
Use the Boat Storage Checklist
Finally, check out our boat storage checklist to make sure you finished winterizing your boat:
- Change Your Filter to avoid water from corroding your engine and Change Your Oil.
- Fill up your gas tank to about ¾ full
- Treat Your Engine with Fuel Stabilizer
- Remove Any Batteries, and store away in a safe place
- Remove any food or drinks left in the vessel
- Cover Your Boat.
- Come By and check your boat periodically to make sure it is still in good condition.
Need Boat Storage?
Local laws and ordinances may prohibit you from storing your boat on your own property. If you are in need of boating storage, Beyond Self Storage provides outdoor boat storage options at our Sterling Heights, MI, Lenexa, KS, and Chesterfield, MO locations. Our outdoor storage provides outdoor parking that is covered to protect help protect from the elements of winter for a perfect space to winterize your boat.
Beyond Self Storage offers unique security features at its storage facilities such as 24/7 DVR video surveillance, well-lit facility lots with controlled access systems, and keypad access from 6 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year to ensure your boat and recreation vehicles are safe.
Our facilities offer self-storage units as well that accommodate residential, commercial and business storage. All of our storage units are climate-controlled to make sure your items are properly protected in storage. Our premier storage facilities and exceptional customer service will ensure that your storage experience is Beyond Your Expectations.