Boat Storage Faqs

Frequently asked questions about boat storage

• Is it needed for a boat to be winterized, for winter storage, if it is on the inside and heated?
  Yes. You’ll probably want to drain the fuel or run it with some Sta-bil in it,but you don’t need to anti-freeze the system if there’s no chance of freezing temps. Your owner’s manual may have some tips for extended storage/warm climates such as flush cooling system with clean water, the lubrication of parts, etc.
• How do I keep moisture away from my boat while in storage?
  Damp Rid-It works. Like the salt, only better. Most hardware stores/home centers sell it. It will need to be check/refilled a couple times over the winter, but it should do great for keeping the moisture down, as long as the boat is covered tight to keep as much moisture out as possible.
• How do I prevent musty smells on a boat during Winter Storage?
  Keep plenty of open boxes of baking soda all over the boat. Or they sell desiccate bags at most marines. It stops mildew and smells and also keep bugs and mice out. But you need to ventilate the boat before going into it because it may cause your eyes to burn. These can be hung from the steering wheel or other places…Read the Directions
• Is it okay to leave my boat fuel tanks full of ethanol during five months of winter storage?
  No ethanol absorbs water out of the atmosphere and will cause rust in your tanks.
• How do I winterize my boat?
  This is very easy to do.
  1. First, get awinterizing kit from West Marine that includes a 5 gallon container with hose attachment, flush-out attachment for the lower unit, and a case of non-tox anti freeze. And then, get a can of engine fogging spray.
  2. Warm up the engine by hooking up the flush out attachment to the lower unit and a garden hose, let it run with the water on for 5 minutes. Do not start it until the garden hose is turned on.
  3. Hook up the 5 gallon container to the flush out attachment with the clear hose provided.
  4. Fill the container with the anti-freeze and place it on the transom.
  5. Put the flush out on the lower unit over the water intakes.
  6. Open the valve on the 5 gallon container so the anti-freeze flows, it will drip a lot until you start the engine. get the flame arrestor of the engine and start it up. It will take in that 5 gallons quickly, so act fast.
  7. Start shooting the fogging spray into the air intake after 1 gallon of anti-freeze is sucked in. Shoot the spray until the engine dies out if you can, or at least until it smokes a lot.
  8. Very important that you do not let the engine run out of the non-tox anti-freeze. It will have enough in it, so when you see the anti-freeze running out of the exhaust and it does not look diluted, shut the engine down, when that point as been reached. And then spray the engine down with silicone spray to keep it from corroding.
• Then you also have to winterize any system that has water in it: fresh water, head, salt water wash down, etc. You should also change the engine oil before you winterize the engine, and the lower unit oil. Don’t forget the engine and hull zincs. Put anti-freeze in the head, water system, and pump through all the faucets until you see the anti-freeze. Also, pump out the holding tank.