Marina Tips

Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. This will also let you discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. Inspect and clean any spills or messes, and dig into the areas that you may not check during the summer, like drains, bilges, and even the cabin refrigerator. Apply a rust inhibitor on your steering and control cables and on the metal hardware.

It’s best to handle anything that is broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.

All electronics should be removed at end-of-season and stored in a safe, dry and room temperature environment.

Store cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers in a dry location. Prop open lockers and drawers to air out, and empty the refrigerator. A dehumidifier can help increase the interior air temperature and prevent moisture, as it keeps the air circulating inside the boat. Place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.

Drain the fluid from your manifolds and engine blocks, water pumps and coolers. Drain and fill the gearcase with gearcase lubricants. Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank and hot water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, hot water heater and port-a-potty.

Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation and gas spoilage. Be sure to add fuel stabilizer to preserve the gas and prevent damage to the fuel system. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the gas in your fuel lines. Put antifreeze into the cooling system and the supply lines for the water faucets and shower.

Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change out the dirty oil filter for a fresh, clean one going into spring.

Sand the bottom of the boat and provide a fresh coat of antifouling paint to prevent rust and marine growth.

Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the terminal ends, wash the battery with a solution of water and baking soda and rinse it with distilled water. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.

Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plants or barnacles from the lower unit. For stern drives with rubber boots, be sure to check for cracks or holes. Make sure you grease all fittings and check your fluid levels.

Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing.

Cover your boat tightly before storing it, even if it is being stored indoors. Choose a cover that has good ventilation. Also, be certain there are no tears or damages to the cover.

Taking these precautions helps prevent bigger problems down the road. Take care of your vessel and your time on the water will be spent focused on the restorative atmosphere of the lake.

Be sure to spray your boat and slip with an insect repellant before leaving it in storage. It’s a good idea to spray every couple of months to ensure the insects and spiders don’t return.

A simple home remedy for fruit flies is to set out a few small bowls of apple vinegar with a couple drops of dish soap. It will draw any fruit flies and kill them.

Moisture-laden cardboard draws pests like roaches, who love this wet, dank environment. Clean out any empty boxes to vacate potential pest habitats.

Water depth at the slip is important. Ensure the depth is sufficient for your boat’s draft to avoid grounding.

Consider the location of the dock cleats to your boat. Knowing this will streamline the docking process.

Match the dock height to your boat so you don’t struggle entering or leaving your vehicle.