All summer long, you have enjoyed going out on the water in your boat. But, with winter quickly approaching, its time to prepare your boat for storage until next summer. Preparing your boat for winter storage involves a lot more than pulling it out of the water and putting in your backyard. Any boat with a motorized engine needs protection so that it can survive the temperature and be ready to use again. Total Storage’s boat storage facility comes in quite handy when storing your boat during the offseason. However, there are steps you should take before you put your boat away for the next few months. Follow the tips below to ensure your boat is ready to be stored this winter.
Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Oil and Coolant System
The first steps are to change your oil and refresh the coolant. Water or acids that may have gotten into the oil can corrode the engine when the boat is not in use. Change the filter and flush the system to ensure no water remains, adding new oil before the boat is placed in storage.
For the coolant system, drain out the coolant currently inside and flush with water. Use fresh anti-freeze, making sure you dilute it as needed. By completing these simple changes, you’re ensuring that portions of your engine will not freeze and be protected from corrosion.
Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Protect your Battery
When you’re ready to put your boat into storage, remove the battery from your boat. This will prevent your battery from freezing – as once the battery freezes, it’s usually non-recoverable. Take your battery and store it in a warm, dry place within your home – or if you rent a climate controlled storage unit, store it there.
Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Engine and Steering
There are steps that also need to be taken to ensure the engine and steering system will work properly when you get the boat back out in the summer months. The engine needs to be sprayed with fogging oil within the carburetor and the spark plug holes. The manual or a trained engine mechanic should be consulted for this process. Moving parts of the engine need to be protected during the cold winter months.
The mechanisms involving the control and steering of the boat also need to be considered. By greasing these components, they stay at the ready, moving with ease once the boat is back out on the open water.
Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Quality Storage
One of the smartest decisions you can make is by storing your boat in a safe and quality environment. At Total Storage, there is plenty of room for boats to be stored. We have limited temperature controlled storage units, so make sure you call and reserve your unit asap. Having the benefit of a climate controlled storage unit will give you the best chance your boat remains in good condition during the harsh winter season. Next year, you’ll just have to pick up your boat when summer arrives to get out on the water quickly!
In addition to our climate controlled storage unit options, we have outdoor parking options. This allows you more space on your property and driveway during the winter.
For more information on our storage unit options – contact us at 204-832-8181. Alternatively, visit our website to learn more about the storage unit options which can fit your needs.