• Unless you are a mechanic or you have much experience working with boat engines, you may want to research taking it to a service shop or sending an email on our “Ask the Tech” service so that you will be confident your motor will be fully prepped and serviced for the upcoming months.

• The Ethanol Debate!! Yes, it is a hot topic in the boating world now-a-days because in the past, it was almost always acceptable to store your gas tank full and with the appropriate amount of stabilizer in it, and that would ensure a safe storage and start-up for the next season. Well, since our friend Ethanol has jumped into the mix, many have found that its ability to attract moisture will cause start-up issues the next time you try to get the engine running. What has been found to be best is to completely drain your tank, and then bring them to be cleaned appropriately before you put your boat back in the water next. 

• Take your battery out. Do not leave the battery in as it can get corroded and that would put a damper on opening day next season. When storing the battery, make sure you keep it in your garage or basement where it is going to be average room temperature, have a full charge on it, and keep it up off the ground, using some old wood, milk crate or, heck, even hockey pucks.

• Only use the nontoxic “pink” antifreeze when you are treating the live well systems and fresh water lines on your rig. We all love the lakes, rivers and ponds we spend time on with our boat, so you should be aware that if you use the “green stuff” that you have an extra bottle of in your pick-up truck (ethylene glycol), you may be doing harm to the body of water you boat out of.

• Check your bilge for oil and make sure you have thoroughly cleaned and removed as much oil as you can. They have absorbing pads and other accessories that you can place inside the bilge to actively absorb any excess oil that could build up over the off season.

• If you have any “extras” – such as fish-finders, GPS, heaters, refrigeration systems, etc.- check with the owners manuals or local technician regarding how to properly store them as well. Some may require that you remove and store separately in your home rather than on board, while some are fine where they are but should be “shut down” correctly before a few months of inactivity.

• Clean your boat before you put it away for the winter. Wash it down, give it some wax, vacuum or shampoo the carpeting and take out any life jackets, padding, cushions or any items that could get moldy. This will prevent any growth or rot that could occur otherwise.

• For those with sailboats, make sure you take care of your sails as if they are your best suit. You should wash them down first and properly hang them or fold them, dry and keep indoors at room temperature.

• If you do not have garage space, you may want to use tarps and other coverings that will prevent rust, cracking, moss, and other adverse consequences that will result if it is left open to the elements.

I hope that this information, even if previously known, will serve as a reminder checklist and help when it comes time to call it a season. Don’t forget to use our “Ask the Tech” feature, or review our database of marinas and service shops to call on if you need some assistance.

-Guy

For those with larger boats or who just want to drop it off, wave and say, “See ya next season!”, a reliable option is always the marina route. Winter storage and service packages allow you to let your boat head on in for some much deserved R&R, as their techs will check out anything and everything you ask. While this option does require you to fork over some dough, you can be confident that the proper care and maintenance will prep your boat for another great season come spring.

Moving on from the big guys with their 32′ Cabin Cruisers, you may be the owner of a smaller vessel, like a fishing boat or nice size bow rider, and want to take on the storage process yourself. And to you I say go for it! This is by far the least expensive way to keep your boat cared for and stored effectively if the size is manageable and you have the space. Also, in New England you never know what you are going to get weather-wise, so should there be a few warm days popping up in November or winter ends early, you will be able to access your boat right away by grabbing it out of the side yard or pulling it out of the garage and getting on your way.

If choosing the self-storage route, and you haven’t had prior experience with winterizing your engine, you can search the Burlington Boatyard Marina & Service sections to contact a local shop that could help guide you in the process. Also, check out our free “Ask The Tech” service, where your questions will be answered by Jeff DePaul of Jeff’s Boat Repair in Williston.

While there’s still some time left before calling it quits, properly storing your vessel is a vital part of its maintenance and I hope whichever method you chose makes for a convenient and relaxing off season for you and your boat.

Feel free to comment on this piece below, or use our forum to ask your own questions or help out others that may need some insight on other boating issues.

-Guy