Winterizing Your Boat

Winter boating isn’t for everyone. Lots of boat owners choose to store their vessels for the winter. However, a boat that isn’t properly prepared for winter storage can suffer serious damage and deterioration. That’s why L&M Marine has created this guide to winterizing your boat. 

Where to Store Your Boat

Start by selecting a place to store your boat for the winter. While storing a boat in your driveway is easy and cheap, it doesn’t offer the vessel much protection against the elements. Another option is to store your boat in your garage, which offers more protection but can take up a lot of space. If you’re lucky enough to own a boat lift, you can store your boat there for the winter. Finally, if you don’t have a suitable place to store your boat, you can rent space in a storage facility. This option offers a lot of protection but tends to cost a little more. Both indoor and outdoor storage is available. 

Inspect, Clean, and Empty Your Boat

Any maintenance problems your boat has when you put it into storage will still be present when you take it out again, and in most cases, things will actually get worse. That’s why it's important that you take the time to inspect and clean your vessel before putting it into storage. You should also remove any personal belongings along with any dock lines, fire extinguishers, flares, and life jackets. Don’t forget that many types of gear need to be stored at room temperature. 

Change the Oil

Changing your boat’s oil before storing it for the winter will prevent condensation from forming. If you’re not familiar with the process, you start by running your engine for a full minute to lower oil viscosity. Then shut the engine down again so that you can replace the oil and the filter. Run your engine for another minute to get the oil where it needs to go, and you’re done!

Cover

If you don’t currently own a good boat cover, invest in one immediately. A boat cover will help protect your vessel whether you store it inside or outside, so don’t forget to put it on before you put your boat away. 

For more information about winterization or to view our selection of new and pre-owned boats, visit L&M Marine in Stapleton, Alabama. We also offer parts ordering, financing, trade-ins, marina services, and boat maintenance. We are proud to serve communities like Mobile, Alabama, as well as Pensacola, Florida.