Prepare Your Boat for a Winter Storage Cover

Ok folks, summer is over. That means it’s time to get ready to store your boat. Often times we think, that’s easy, just park it in the backyard and that’s it. But let’s be realistic, there’s way more to it than that! Here’s a quick list of things you can do to help store your boat properly.

(Keep in mind there are probably several more things you can do to store your boat properly than what’s mentioned in this blog so contact your boat’s manufacturer for more information on how to completely and properly store your boat. What’s mentioned here are just the basics).

First of all, we have to remember, when it rains it pours and that means your boat is going to get wet. But why should you care? After all boats are meant to be in the water right? Well, the fact is that your boat’s surface, including all its furniture and Bimini top, need to be protected.

So where do we begin? For starters, make sure your boat is clean and dry and anything that’s broken or torn is fixed. Once you’re ready to haul your boat out of the water and into storage, you need to find a place to store it. Preferably you will want to store it where it won’t get hit by debris or damaged by random acts of craziness. This means choosing a place like your backyard – which should be free and clear of trees and branches – or a storage facility.

Now that you’ve got the storage place squared away, you will want to make sure that your boat is clean. Use fabric cleaners to clean your boat’s furniture. Spray it down and clear any debris or dirt. And remember to take out that bilge drain plug! Make sure the boat is completely dry when you’re ready to store it. That means you need to drain it of any excess water.

Next, you want to make sure your boat is stored off the ground. That means using jack stands or a trailer or any other type of stand for your boat. Jacking up your boat and supporting its engine, keel, and bulk heads will help ensure your boat is properly stored and keep it from getting distorted.

Also, here are some more simple tips for storing your boat:

• Fill up the gas tank and use a gas stabilizer; this will help keep condensation from building up.
• Make sure the interior is clean too; open the lockers and try putting some mildew odor control bags in there for the duration of the storage time.
• Check the engine and make sure it’s in good working order.
• Clear out your holding tanks.
• You can also take out the battery and store it separately in a dry area.
• Don’t leave any food in the refrigerators.
• Clean out the cabinets and drawers.
• Make sure the lavatory is clean as well!
• Take out any clothes or life vests and store them separately in a dry place.

Once you’ve got that all squared away, it’s time to think about how to cover your boat. Choosing the right winter storage cover is not as easy as you might think; it involves some research. After all, this is the one piece of material that’s going to protect your boat all winter long; you don’t want to use just anything, you’ll want something that’s going to help prevent mildew and mold from growing.

Choosing the right cove means you should know the following:

• Dimensions of your boat. You can also get a universal cover or have the cover custom made, it’s really up to your tastes.
• What kind of features do you want?
  • Mold and mildew resistance.
  • UV Ray resistance.
  • Water resistance.
  • Straps for tying down.
  • And more…
• What kind of material are you looking for? Winter boat covers come in a variety of specialty fabrics and include polyester and vinyl blends. Check out Herculite Inc.’s line of marine fabrics for more information on boat cover textiles at herculite.com/marine-fabrics
• What color are you looking for?

Once you have your choices made, you can call your local boat shop and find the right cover for your needs. Remember, a boat cover is the first line of defense against inclement conditions so choose it wisely! And be sure to store your boat properly!

Now that you know a little more about how to store your boat, let us know how we can help you with your next project. For more information about Herculite’s specialty fabrics visit us at http://www.herculite.com. Or feel free to call us if you would like more information about our products and services at 800-772-0036.