Storing Your Boat For Winter
Winter is here in Minnesota, so most boaters have ceased their activities for the season and will be keeping their boats stored until the ice melts and the temperatures rise again. If you’re one of them, then you’ll need to make sure that your boat has been properly winterized and that you locate some secure storage for it. A boat that is in disrepair is one that can develop some serious issues over months of disuse and if you don’t store it properly, then it could sustain even more damage.
Nisswa Marine is your Minnesota boat dealer and we offer boat storage options as well. Here are some of our best tips for properly preparing and storing your boat over the long winter.
Find Secure Storage
Your first task is to locate a safe space to store your craft for the winter. Some people may just trailer their boats and leave them in the driveway, but this leaves your boat vulnerable to the elements and to theft. If you have a locking garage or shed on your property, this is a much better place to store your boat. Otherwise, you could store your boat at a rented marina slip at a nearby lake. You can also look into boat storage options like the choices we have here at Nisswa Marine. Both dry storage and marina storage at a secure facility are better choices if you can’t store your boat safely at home.
Empty, Clean, Inspect, Repair
Your next step is to get your boat ready for storage. First, empty out all of the unnecessary items. Bag up trash and recycling, remove all food items, take out wet towels and bathing suits, transfer watersports equipment and fishing gear to your garage or shed. If your boat has any valuables on board like binoculars or a GPS unit, take these out and store them in your home until you resume using your boat.
Clean the boat thoroughly, inside and out. The hull needs to be rinsed and scrubbed thoroughly, and you can also apply a protective wax or polish over it. Flush out livewells and baitwells and make sure that any bait odors and food spills are cleaned up to avoid pests.
As you clean, inspect your boat for signs of disrepair, including water damage, bad oil, mold and mildew. Make sure that you address any repairs that need to be performed now, rather than waiting until spring, when rust and mold have done months of damage. You can always contact the service department here at Nisswa Marine if you need professional assistance!
Keep Your Boat Covered
Whether you store your boat in a garage, at a marina or in a dry storage facility, it’s smart to keep it covered whenever it isn’t actively being used. A snug-fitting and water-resistant boat cover will protect your boat from dust, debris and the elements so that it doesn’t sustain damage from sun, wind or precipitation. A cover can also help to protect your boat from pest infestation and make it less vulnerable to theft, since it’s going to be hard for anyone to get underneath it.
Remember, you can always talk to the staff here at Nisswa Marine if you would like to make use of our boat storage options! Still searching for the perfect boat? Visit our dealership in Nisswa to check out our wide selection of new and used boats for sale. You can also talk to our staff about financing options for your purchase. Nisswa Marine welcomes all of our Minnesota customers coming from the cities of St. Cloud and Minneapolis.