When temperatures hit the 100-degree mark, the best and most refreshing way to spend a day is on a boat on one of the many lakes around Utah. With it being late summer, it is hard to imagine those blistering hot summer days of boating season will soon come to an end as the crisp air of fall settles in the mountains and valleys. Soon it will be time to tuck that boat away for the cooler months. But how you handle off-season boat storage makes a big difference. Proper prep and storage are necessary to prevent corrosion, mildew, and other buildup or damage.
We have composed some helpful tips to provide boat owners with peace of mind as you consider your potential winter boat storage solutions to keep your vessel in good condition year-round.
Winterize Your Boat Properly in Utah
Nothing ruins a boater’s fun summer plans like finding your vessel in disrepair at the end in the spring. One way to ensure a fun boat season with minimal downtime is to properly prepare and store your boat in the off season.
Step 1: Drain All Water Lines
The below-freezing temperatures cause the water to expand. If there is any water remaining this could cause your tubes, water line, plumbing systems, and engine cooling systems to expand and potentially break. To avoid this be sure to drain all the water lines in each of these systems to avoid this issue.
Step 2: Replace All Fluids and Oils
Depending on the make and model of your specific type of boat, we suggest referencing your user manual to ensure proper care.
- Fill / Replace Fluids: Replace oils and fluids to ensure that they do not begin to disintegrate the boat’s engine or other parts of your boat, as many of these things can cause damage if left sitting for too long. A fresh change will alleviate that worry of the damage old oils can cause.
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: Using a fuel stabilizer in your off-season storage prep can prevent varnish buildup, corrosion, and gumming caused by fuel breaking down and oxidizing. Be sure to add your fuel stabilizers before putting your boat into storage. Fill the tank to around 90 or 95% of its capacity and run the engine for several minutes afterward so your boat’s carburetor is filled with the newly stabilized fuel.
- Antifreeze & Fogging Oil: The next step in properly prepping your boat for the cold is applying antifreeze and fogging oil. Using an environmentally safe antifreeze (propylene glycol) is just one method for water-cooled engines (another is fully draining the system and leaving it dry), so always consult with the owner’s manual for your specific model first.
Step 3: Wax & Clean
Be sure to give your boat a good scrub down and finish with a wax before storing.
During your cleaning, be sure to hit the following:
- Fix or take note of any existing damage
- Remove all valuables
- Remove all food items
Step 4: Shrink Wrap or Cover
Select the best option for you. If you are storing outside in the elements, it is good practice to shrink wrap the boat to fully protect it. You can do this on your own or hire a team of boat storage experts to assist you. Remember to hold onto your cover, which can be reused year after year to save some money.
Storage Options
Once you have ensured that your boat is ready for storage in the off season you are ready to decide how to store your boat.
Marina or Boat Yard
If you use a marina, you may be able to store your boat in the boatyard. This will keep it on location of your favorite boating spot and alleviate the need to transport the boat to a different place. If you have a large boat that’s difficult to move via trailer, ask your marina if they offer boat lift storage.
Outdoor Boat Storage
If you have a large yard or decide to rent a plot to store your boat at a storage yard you are able to store the boat outdoors. While uncovered boat storage is less expensive, covered parking spaces with canopy-like covers will better protect your boat from exposure. If you choose uncovered storage – especially in a potentially snowy area, it is important to properly shrink-wrap your boat and use a weather cover to ensure your boat can avoid being exposed to the elements.
Indoor Storage Facility
You are able to rent a storage unit or use a large garage to store your boat indoors. Utah Storage Center has various size options and locations in Northern Utah that can store your boat in the winter months. Indoor storage option at a boat storage facility also has the added bonus of security features that your garage or home may not have. Contact your local Utah Storage Center location for more information on our self-storage facility, storage tips, and boat storage options to meet your needs
Before it gets too cold, you know how to properly store your boat. There are many options for where to store your boat this winter season, but we hope you choose us at Utah Storage Center to keep your boat secure and ready for the next season.
