Boat Winterization & Storage

Now that the summer has sadly come to a close, many of you are looking into shutting your boats down and putting them away for fall and winter. If you’re new to this process, then it’s important that you know everything you need to do in order to securely and safely winterize and store your boat for the season so that it’s in good shape when you pull it back out come spring.

The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) is located in Branson, Missouri, and we’re proud to be your Table Rock Lake boat dealer with our three marinas. Here are the steps we suggest you take for winterizing and then storing your craft.

Clean, Wash & Inspect

First, you need to get your boat in shape. This means going through the vessel and removing trash, food and recycling, as well as any items that don’t need to stay on the boat, like watersports equipment or fishing gear. You’ll want to remove wet towels and tarps to prevent mold and mildew growth. Stow your life jackets securely after inspecting them to make sure they’re still in good shape. Take out any expensive items like your GPS unit, fish finder, binoculars or compass.

Then, clean the boat. Sweep and mop the deck, wipe down vinyl, wash any glass and clean the console thoroughly. Doing this now will save you effort in spring and can also help cut down on mold or mildew growth. You’ll also want to wash the exterior and apply a polish or wax to your hull for protection.

Check The Engine

Make sure your motor is suitably maintained before winter. This includes draining the gasoline, refilling the tank and adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent corrosion. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow all parts to be lubricated by the stabilized fuel. Check your oil and, if it’s sludgy, change it. This is a good time to take care of any repairs that may need doing, and if you can’t tend to them yourself at home, contact the service department here at the Harbor for assistance.

Determine a Storage Space

Now it’s time to figure out where to store your boat. Some choose to store their crafts trailered in their backyard or driveway, although this leaves them vulnerable to weather damage, theft and pest infestation. If you have a locking garage or shed, this is a much better option.

You can also opt to store your boat at a dry storage facility, which will keep your craft safe and help you to get it going again in the spring. Or you can go with marina storage like we have here at the Harbor, where a covered slip can keep your boat safe from weather damage.

Keep It Covered

Regardless of whether you store your craft indoors or outdoors, it’s smart to invest in a well-fitting cover for your boat. Keeping your boat covered will prevent dirt, leaves and dust from settling on it, and it also reduces the risks of theft and pest infestation. Make sure the cover is snug and made of sturdy material. Waterproofing is useful for outdoor storage.

Seeking assistance with boat winterization in Missouri? Come talk to our staff at our Branson location to learn more about how to winterize and store your boat safely and securely. You can also take a tour of our current stock of new and used boats for sale. We also offer covered slip rentals on Table Rock Lake with lots of amenities, so be sure to talk to our staff about our slip rental options. The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) proudly serves the cities of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri.