We wish that we were fishing 12 months out of the year, but in most parts of the world, that is not feasible. And, unfortunately, it is that time of year, again. Learn how to store your fishing boat now, and for years to come, it will be like second nature.

From bow to stern, from top to bottom, your boat needs a few things before winter, and neglecting to do so could end up damaging your beloved boat. Most boat storage is done over the winter months, yet these suggestions can be applied to long term, non-winter storage, as well.

How to Store Your Fishing Boat

Whether you are a new boat owner or are unfamiliar with how storing for the winter works, you’ll appreciate how easy this guide is to follow. Storing your boat for the season is not difficult once you get the hang of the process. Neglecting to

Are you just reading up on how to winterize and store a boat in hopes of buying one in the near future? The nice thing about online shopping is that you can take your time, and there is no pressure from salespeople.

Decide on Dry or Wet Storage

One major decision you will have to make regarding your boat’s winter storage is between wet and dry storage. This may depend on what is most convenient for you, and what is closest to home.

If you have both available, the pros and cons can help you decide. You may already be familiar with the differences between wet and dry boat storage. If you are, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.

Wet storage is having your fishing boat in a boat slip all winter. It is debatable whether or not this is the best way to store a fishing boat for the entire winter, especially in saltwater.

Dry boat storage pertains either to having your boat stored on a rack in a marina or storage yard, indoors or under an awning or covering of some sort. Boat and RV storage companies are perfect because they understand how to best store your pride and joy.

Look up “boat storage near me” to get a list of local wet and dry boat storage facilities.

Home Storage For Boats

If you have the space in your garage or yard to store your boat, go for it! There is nothing that a boatyard, or wet slip can offer you that you can’t get for free right in your own backyard!

Storing it with a boat cover on it is fine. If you live in an area that gets a ton of snow in the winter, you may want to go out and brush it off at least once a week.

Storing your boat on a trailer for the winter? Don’t forget to pump up the tires, and repair any damaged areas that might have happened throughout the fishing season so that you don’t come home to a collapsed trailer over the winter.

Winterizing

What is winterizing? Getting a boat ready for several cold months of storage can because thousands of dollars in damage if not done properly, or not done at all. Once you realize how quick and easy it is to winterize your boat, you’ll be glad that you did.

The idea behind this process is to protect your fishing boat from freezing temperatures, and it takes only one quick winter freeze to do major damage. The order of this list is important!

• Add stabilizer & top off the fuel
• Drain all the water
• Winterize block by flushing with antifreeze (marine/RV antifreeze -100)
• Winterize outboards-fog the motor (spray a mist of oil into the engine)
• Hook up freshwater hose to raw water intake
• Start the engine to circulate water and fuel stabilizer
• With the engine off, hook up the winterizing kit to motor flusher and remove flame arrester from carburetor.
• Start engine and open antifreeze tank
• Spray fogging oil into carburetor and intake
• Change the oil

As long as you haven’t had a hard freeze in your area yet, it is not too late to winterize. If you’ve had a hard freeze, winterize asap, and you may want to get your boat checked out.

It is important to consult your boat owner’s manual before performing any maintenance or winterizing, as not all boats are the same. If you can’t seem to find the time to perform the winterizing yourself, reach out to the professionals in your area to make an appointment.

Do Not Drain Fuel

You may see misleading information out there telling you to drain the fuel from your boat for one reason or another. This is false and outdated.

Keeping a full tank (or 3/4 full) of fuel in your boat is smart because it will protect the tank from condensation, which can lead to rusting. Instead of draining the fuel, be sure to treat it with a stabilizing treatment to prevent the fuel from going bad.

Give it an Oil Change

Purge the old oil before contaminated oil corrodes the motor with acids. Changing the oil now versus in the spring means that it will be easier to get in and go when the seasons change. Do your future self a favour, and take the time to change it before storing it for winter.

If you do not plan on doing an oil change before storage, West Marine suggests adding a crankcase stabilizer before winterizing the block.

Repairs

You don’t want to wait until the spring to fix things that need to be repaired. Damages inevitably happen whether you are extremely careful or you are reckless with your boat.

Minor issues can grow into big expensive problems if left for several months, especially the coldest months of the year. Scratches in the paint can develop rust over the winter. And, little rattles in the engine may end up getting out of control if ignored.

Battery Basics

A common mistake when storing a fishing boat or any other type of boat is neglecting to take care of the batteries before long months of non-use.

Your batteries should be put on a device that maintains the battery’s charge. Allowing the battery to die down over the winter can be damaging, or worse, render the battery unusable next season. Batteries are not a cheap purchase, but a battery tender is.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning inside gives you the opportunity to get your boat into tip-top shape and ready to be stored away. If you clean it inside and out, it will be fresh for spring.

Cleaning inside doesn’t really need a detailed explanation. It is similar to your home. Wipe surfaces, vacuum, clean any windows, and empty random belongings that got left behind from your many (hopefully) fishing trips.

When it comes to cleaning the outside, however, it will be more detailed and thorough. This is where you’ll find potential leftovers from baiting hooks, cleaning fish, and bird droppings. Wash off all of the sides and bottom of the boat and remove salty and dirty water.

Emptying Cabinets

Nobody wants to walk into mouldy food in the cabinets or fridge in the spring. Avoid growing science projects on your boat by removing all perishable items before storing your boat.

Removing food will also help ward off hungry critters that may come looking for food and shelter. While you are at it, set a few traps, just in case they find their way onto the boat.

Covering Your Boat

If your boat didn’t come with a cover, then you’ll have to purchase one separately. Check with your dealer to see if they offer one at a discount for customers, and chances are they do.

The next best bet is searching online for a good deal or even a gently used cover. And, don’t forget to treat your boat cover with a waterproofing spray. Surprisingly, a lot of covers are not as waterproof as you might think. Protection from rain and snow requires an additional application of a waterproof product.

Shrink Wrapping

For those looking for the ultimate in seasonal boat covering, there is always the option of shrink wrapping. Shrinkwrapping blocks out moisture, sunlight, and wind. This is more common with new boats, but shrink wrapping is appropriate for any age of the boat and any size.

Shrinkwrapping is a quick, easy job for a professional but can be done at home. If you intend on doing it year after year, your money will not be wasted on the tools required for the job.

Conducting a Checkup

If you can visit your boat in storage, it is recommended that you take it. It is not necessary, but a once over halfway through the winter never hurts.

This will also give you a chance to check out mouse traps, your boat cover, battery levels, etc.

See You in the Spring

Get your boat safely into storage, and get your winter coat out! Share your new knowledge on how to store your fishing boat with all of your boating friends. For all of your boating needs, including storage, winterization, and more, contact Westshore Marine, or give them a call at 877-951-1984.