5 Tips for Properly Storing Your Boat

🇬🇧 English — Making your boat ready for winter
Winter is here, and that means many boats are going into storage. Properly winterizing your boat ensures that you can get back on the water worry-free in spring. Here are five important tips to safely and correctly store your boat:

Add stabilizer to your fuel
If you plan not to use your boat for an extended period (more than three months), it’s important to add stabilizer to the remaining fuel in the tank. This prevents the fuel from degrading. It’s a simple but very important step! We always have stabilizer in stock — feel free to ask us and we’ll gladly send it your way.

Make sure the battery doesn’t drain
Don’t forget to turn off the battery master switch to avoid parasitic drain from devices like the bilge pump, GPS, or lights. Deep discharge can damage the battery. Ideally, leave the battery on a trickle charger throughout the winter to keep it in top condition and maintain its full capacity.

Keep your engine in a vertical position
A commonly forgotten but crucial tip: store your engine in a vertical position. This prevents water from staying in the exhaust. If water remains and freezes, it could expand and crack the lower unit. By positioning the engine vertically, all water can drain out, avoiding this risk entirely.

Have maintenance performed
It’s always a good idea to service your engine before long-term storage. This helps prevent damage from residual water in oils, for example. It also allows any potential issues to be spotted early and fixed in time for the new season.

Clean your boat and engine
A thorough cleaning is essential before winter storage. Salt, dirt, and buildup can cause damage if left untreated all winter. Use a dedicated boat cleaner and make sure all surfaces are dry. Don’t forget to inspect the hull, engine, and other key areas for damage.

Conclusion
By following these five simple steps, you’ll keep your boat in top shape during the winter and ensure it’s ready for the next boating season.

Do you have questions about winterizing your boat? Contact us — we’re happy to help!