The days are getting colder, and you’re storing your boat away for the winter. But that doesn’t mean you just put it away and forget about it for a few months. Your boat also needs care and attention during the off-season months to ensure that it stays shipshape all year and is ready for you to get back on the water once warmer weather returns.
If you’re new to boat ownership, you might be at a loss for how to best care for your boat during the winter. So we’ve put together these tips to help you protect your boat from winter damage.
Keep All Parts in Working Order
Be sure to check your boat before storing it to make sure there aren’t any broken parts or problems that will only be exacerbated over the coming months. Also make sure to lubricate any moving parts so they don’t get permanently stuck in place.
Even though you won’t be taking your boat out on the water for a while, you still want to keep everything in good working order. If you don’t, you’ll end up spending unnecessary time and money on bigger repairs later down the road.
Winter is also the perfect time to expand your knowledge base by learning skills and techniques that will make your boating season more enjoyable and easier. Check out our Yamaha 100 Hour Service training for a great beginner maintenance DIY that will not only keep your boat running smoothly, but will also help you gain a better understanding of how it works and more confidence in taking care of it yourself.
Clean the Boat & Remove Perishable Items
Before you store your boat, drain it of all water and clean it thoroughly, inside and out. Get rid of any moisture that could mold, along with electric equipment and batteries that could corrode. If you’ve kept any personal items on your boat during the summer — water sports equipment, coolers, games, etc. — now is a good time to remove them and make sure they’re still in good working condition for next year, too.
Check Over and Stabilize the Fuel System
Batteries aren’t the only thing that can corrode during the winter — storing your boat without stabilizing the fuel can damage the system as well. As your boat sits idle with fuel in it, the ethanol separates and absorbs water. To keep this from happening and prolong the life of your fuel, you’ll need a fuel additive.
Yamaha’s Outboard Ring Free Plus Fuel Additive combats corrosion and clears buildup from your engine, keeping your boat safe from damage while waiting through the winter. Get it in a 12-oz or 32-oz size.
Protect Your Boat from the Elements
Whether you store your boat indoors or outdoors, you’ll want to make sure it’s well-protected from any elements. Invest in a quality boat cover and secure all moving parts. Also make sure your boat itself is secured in case of severe weather.
Winter Care Leads to Summer Fun
The last thing you want come summer is to realize you have to make a ton of repairs before you can kick off your boating season. Put in the work now to take care of your boat in the off-season, and you’ll have peace of mind on top of a boat in top shape. By storing your boat well, stabilizing the fuel, and keeping your boat in good working condition all year long, you’ll be ready to take on the summer in no time.
