With boating season coming to a close, it's time to start thinking about storing your vessel for the winter. Whether you opt to keep your boat on a trailer in your yard or in the marina until next spring, completing a few essential tasks beforehand will prevent damage and mechanical malfunctions. Using the following checklist ensures your boat is safe and secure while it's not in use. 

How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage 

1. Remove the Battery

Leaving the battery connected while a boat is in storage drains its charge. Instead, it's best to disconnect and remove it, topping it off with distilled water. Investing in a trickle charger from the marina lets you keep the battery charged over the winter to protect your boat even further.

2. Clean

To prevent deterioration from dirt, salt, and other contaminants over the winter, spend some time cleaning your boat inside and out before putting it in storage. This is an excellent time to inspect the entire vessel for cracks, dings, or other damage that could worsen or spread over the winter. If you make repairs now, you won't need to worry about them before putting the boat in the water next spring.

3. Prep the Fuel System 

Depending on where you plan to store your boat, you may need to drain or fill the fuel tank. If you are keeping your boat at the marina, their policies may require that you empty the tank for fire protection. If you are storing your boat outdoors in your yard, though, it's better to fill the tank to prevent condensation that could corrode the fuel lines. In either case, it's best to change the fuel filter at the end of the season, so it's ready for next year. 

4. Change the Oil

The end of the boating season is a good time to change the engine oil and replace the oil filters on the stern drive and inboard and outboard motors. It's also a good idea to flush the cooling system with fresh water to remove any salt, dirt, and debris that built up. Both of these tasks prevent corrosion in the boat's engine. 

5. Cover It 

Once the boat is prepped, cover it to protect it from the elements. A fitted boat cover is the best option if you're keeping your boat in dry, stacked storage at the marina. If you keep the boat on a trailer, shrink wrap will keep it safe from moisture and mildew, while a tarp provides sufficient coverage if you plan to keep the boat inside your garage.

Get the supplies and advice you need to store your boat for the winter at Dewey's Cook Inlet. For over five decades, this Anchorage-based marina has been a one-stop-shop for everything boaters need to enjoy their time on the water, including new and used boats, parts, accessories, and fishing gear. Visit their website to learn more about what they carry, or call (907) 344-5092 to speak with a team member.