{"id":149,"date":"2025-04-09T21:12:40","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T21:12:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/candlewoodlakelife.com\/blog\/?p=149"},"modified":"2025-04-09T22:11:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T22:11:26","slug":"preparing-your-boat-for-winter-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/candlewoodlakelife.com\/blog\/preparing-your-boat-for-winter-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The dreaded time is coming! The beautiful summer is over, and it’s time to pull your boat from Candlewood Lake and get it ready for storage. Winter proves to be the most challenging season for your vessel (cracked blocks, corrosion, etc.). Knowing how to prepare your boat for these months is crucial to ensure its integrity for springtime. If you think you are just going to get some professional help once spring rolls around, think again\u2014spring is the busiest time for the local Candlewood Lake marinas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So it pays to take care of any problems, and dealer-required maintenance, in the fall before winter’s icy grip clutches your craft. Here’s what you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hull Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winterizing is more than just sloshing in some fuel stabilizer, draining the engine, and adding antifreeze. Winterizing should be a systematic process running from bow to transom. Because boats and engines differ, start by consulting your owner’s manual in the winterizing\/storage sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiberglass is made to stand up to the ravages of the summer sun and saltwater, so a little snow should be a problem, right? Wrong. Ice accumulation can split open hatches and window tracks, causing leaks. So outside storage demands the proper boat cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll also want to scrutinize your hull, checking for stress cracks (often found around the bow eye<\/a>) and gelcoat blisters. Stress cracks can indicate structural damage, and anything serious should be looked at by a professional. To find a local professional, check out our page listing all the marinas on Candlewood Lake<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Gelcoat Blisters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Stress Cracks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Algae and any other unwelcome guests tagging along on your boat bottom should have their free-ride privileges terminated. A good pressure washing<\/a> will remove dirt and the dreaded algae on the bottom of your boat. You’ll make this job a lot easier in the future if you apply a product such as 3M’s Marine Restorer & Wax<\/a>. It’s a two-in-one product that removes oxidation and residue on your boat, revealing its true color and shine. With a nice coat of shiny wax, the crud stays on the surface where it can be easily removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inside Scoop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winter air can be humid or dry, and both conditions can bring grief to vinyl interiors. Vinyl cleaners<\/a> and protectants<\/a>, available on Amazon, can prevent your vinyl from drying out and cracking. Moisture is a catalyst for mildew. More than one boat owner has unzipped their boat in the spring to find the interior looking like a science project with mold and mildew growing everywhere! Venting your boat cover for good airflow to minimize trapped moisture will ensure no springtime science projects! Mildew sprays<\/a> are a big help, as are chemical dehumidifiers<\/a> that pull excess water from the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Moisture Mess!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along with causing havoc on your interior, moisture likes to do other nasty things, like corrode your on-board electronics and electrical system. If your wiring is of the non-marinized variety, it’s especially prone to corrosion that can cause shorts, blown fuses, and a big migraine\u2014with an extensive service bill to match. Remove any electronics that you can, and store them properly. Then, spray all exposed electrical connections with a moisture-displacing lubricant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is also the perfect time for a thorough cleaning. Giving your boat a proper cleaning in the fall will make fewer headaches in the spring! Start by cleaning all exposed metal and woodworking. Then move downward, with a vacuuming\/washing of the carpets and deck. If you own a boat with a removable head, clean and dry it before you store it. Built-in units, including sinks and showers, should be drained and pumped with antifreeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Boat Needs A Coat!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re storing your boat outdoors over the winter, a proper cover is needed. There are many do-it-yourself options, such as tarps and polyvinyl covers. While these options can be practical, shrink wrapping your boat will keep it better protected from the elements. You can shrink wrap your boat at home, but like anything with open flames, it’s one of those jobs that should be left to the professionals! Any of the local Candlewood Lake marinas will wrap your boat up nice for the winter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what type of covering you choose for your vessel, make sure they are used with a frame to distribute the weight of snow evenly and away from the boat’s weak areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Motor Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Engines are prone to freezing, corrosion, and fuel degradation during the winter. Properly inspecting and preparing your engine in the fall will ensure its integrity in the spring. The following steps should be taken when examining your engine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n