{"id":7417,"date":"2021-04-13T08:23:39","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T15:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=7417"},"modified":"2024-01-29T17:24:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T00:24:16","slug":"how-to-dewinterize-a-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-dewinterize-a-boat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to De-Winterize a Boat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many boat owners dream of that first spring launch on Memorial Day—the day seemingly every boat owner in the US comes out to play on their favorite lake, river, or bay.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it would be a <\/span>huge<\/span><\/i> mistake to roll your dusty vessel down to the marina and launch it.  While <\/span>winterizing your boat for winter is essential, it’s just as important to <\/em><\/strong><\/span>de-winterize<\/em><\/strong> your boat. <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

De-winterizing demands a comprehensive inspection of your boat.  Beyond checking<\/span> cables and hoses<\/b>, you’ll need to perform a top-to-bottom inspection of e<\/span>very part of your boat, down to its trailer’s tires (Pro tip: In times of doubt, always reference the owner’s manual). An inspection is not only a critical safety measure<\/strong>, but it will also extend the life of your vessel.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re already overwhelmed by the de-winterizing process ahead, don’t be! We’ve assembled a <\/span>de-winterization<\/b> checklist<\/b> to help you get your boat out of storage and onto the water safely and efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, What Does It Mean to De-Winterize a Motor Boat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The <\/span>process of de-winterization<\/span><\/a> involves taking your boat out of storage after the winter months and assessing any maintenance needs your vessel requires for the upcoming season. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

De-winterization may take a bit of time and money but is an essential form of <\/span>preventative maintenance<\/b> that protects your investment in the long term (and protects you from getting stranded out on the lake in the short term!).  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neighbor<\/a>’s Complete Boat De-Winterizing Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you have a Whaler<\/a> or a houseboat, you’ll want to follow each of the relevant de-winterizing steps from our checklist.  These steps require a vigilant and thorough visual inspection. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: <\/em><\/strong>An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of fun on the water.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect the Trailer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your boat is only as good as the trailer that gets you to the marina.  Boats are a lot safer on water than on an ill-maintained trailer barreling 55mph down the highway.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a good chance the <\/span>trailer tires<\/b> will need some air.  Check to make sure that you have your pin and safety chain, and oil the hitch lock.  If you see signs of corrosion, make a mental note to fix those before next winter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plug in the four-way electrical plug and test your boat’s <\/span>turn signals <\/b>for driving.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later – once you’ve completed this checklist and your boat is on the water – check the <\/span>trailer bunk boards<\/b> to make sure they are secure and properly carpet-padded. Also, make sure the <\/span>bow guide<\/b> is secure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inspect the Props<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Take a quick look at your<\/span> propellers <\/b>to inspect for snarls, dings, rust, or other wear.  It’s a lot easier — and safer — to inspect the props <\/span>before<\/span><\/i> she <\/span>takes a dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check for Pests and Critters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Covering your vessel with a good quality <\/span>boat cover<\/b> is undeniably important. However, critters have an uncanny ability to sneak through the gaps in your boat’s coverage—even when everything is lashed down.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When boating season winds to a close, storing your boat in an enclosed storage space may protect your vessel from the elements or lurking thieves. However, a space-constrained storage space presents an attractive winter habitat for little critters – everything from spiders to mice to raccoons.   <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, you’ll need to look for spiderwebs, chewed components, droppings, and other signs of unwanted hitchhikers <\/strong><\/em>during your visual inspection.<\/span> Be thorough (but incredibly careful) anytime you de-winterize a boat, as some of these critters can be dangerous.  You don’t want a brown recluse spider joining you on your next boating excursion. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secure the Boat Cover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve stored your boat outside, your boat cover will probably need to be thoroughly washed.  Beyond the inevitable layer of dirt, there can be mold, plant seedlings, and other hangers-on that need to be removed.  If you plan to store your boat outdoors in the off-season, a thorough cleaning and drying are <\/span>a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to avoid the headache of outdoor boat storage (wet or dry storage) but are struggling to find affordable indoor boat storage, consider peer-to-peer storage services like<\/span> Neighbor<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Who said enclosed boat storage had to come with a tidal wave of additional storage costs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t

How Neighbor is changing boat storage<\/h2>\r\n\t\t <\/header>\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t \r\n\t\t <\/path>\r\n\t\t <\/svg>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

Transparent monthly savings<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

Renters save 30-50% on boat storage, on average. No rate hikes.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

Keep your boat nearby<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

With locations in every state, the perfect boat spot is already near you.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

\r\n\t\t
\r\n\t\t \r\n\t\t <\/path>\r\n\t\t <\/svg>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

Storage made simple<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/section>\r\n\t\t