Winter Boat Storage
Andersen Boat, serving Burnt Hills, is your New York boat dealer. Read on to learn more about how to properly store your boat for winter so that it’s ready for you when spring finally arrives!
Determine a Storage Location
You have a few different options for boat storage, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each one before you commit. Some people may be accustomed to keeping their trailered boat in their driveway over winter, but this leaves the craft vulnerable to pest infestation, weather damage and even theft. If you have a locking garage or shed with enough space for your vessel, this can be a safer option.
Another option is to rent a marina slip at a local harbor, but this option presents the same issues as above, since pests, weather and thieves can all still access your boat. Some harbors may have a regular patrol or security cameras, which can be helpful, but if severe weather crops up, then your vessel is likely going to take the brunt of it in the water.
The best option if you don’t plan to use your craft over the winter is to dry-store it in a secure indoor facility. If you invest in shrinkwrapping and our winterization process here at Andersen Boat, we can provide you with free boat storage for the winter season! Rest easy knowing that your vessel is secure and safe with us until the weather warms up again.
Clean & Empty Your Craft
Next, you’ll need to get your boat ready for storage. Go through and pick up all the trash, food, recycling and personal items that don’t need to remain on the vessel. You’ll want to take in wet towels, watersports equipment, emergency supplies, life jackets and fishing gear. Leaving expensive items on your boat like binoculars or a GPS unit could be a temptation to thieves if you store your boat someplace where they can see inside of it, so take all of these things out now.
Then it’s time to rinse off your boat, clean the hull, wax it and do a clean sweep of the interior. You can check out our article on cleaning your boat for more detailed instructions on this. Cleaning your boat allows you to inspect it as you go for any signs of damage that may need to be repaired before storage, too.
Keep It Covered
Regardless of whether you’re storing your vessel inside or outside, you should invest in a good-quality cover for it. Keeping your boat covered will prevent debris, leaves, dust and dirt from filtering onto it over the winter, and it can also help prevent pest infestation from occurring. You’ll want a cover made from a sturdy material like canvas that fits snugly around the hull. If you’re storing your boat out of doors, you’ll probably want something thicker and more waterproof.
Storing your boat properly doesn’t need to be a difficult or time-consuming endeavor. Remember that you can get free boat storage if you purchase our shrinkwrap and winterization services here at Andersen Boat, which will save you time and effort while ensuring that your craft is safe for the entire season and ready to go in the spring.
Still don’t have a boat? Come to our location in Burnt Hills, New York, to take a tour of our selection of new and used boats for sale. We provide financing options to help you get the craft you need. We also have a proshop with marine supplies that you’ll want to check out, too. Andersen Boat proudly serves Schenectady and Saratoga Springs in New York State.