We’ve already discussed winter boat care in a previous blog. And if you haven’t called our Service Department yet to book your winterization appointment, do it now: (970) 663-6473.

We will take care of prepping your engine and other parts of winter boat care.

Once that part is accomplished (and a load taken off your mind!) there are still some things to think about concerning your boat during the long winter months here in Colorado.

Some of the best-practice tips for winter boat care:

  • 1. Clean your boat, inside and out.
    • A good exterior wash before storing your boat away for the winter is always a good idea. You can pressure wash if you want to remove dirt and residue. For bimini tops and vinyl surfaces, use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products. For interior spaces, a good vacuuming will help. And don’t forget to inspect and clean the interiors of drawers and cabinets and give a good wash to your upholstery and cushions.
  • 2. Remove the stuff. 
    • You’ll want to bring inside things like electronics, flares, fire extinguishers and any removable seat cushions. They should all be stored for the winter either in a dry garage or a temperature controlled room in the house. 
  • 3. Moisture control. 
    • Winter brings rain and snow here in Colorado, and that means lingering moisture which can in turn lead to mildew and mold. Having a well-fitted boat cover (see below) will help a lot, but moisture even has a way of sneaking inside covers!  If your boat is stored inside a garage, say, you can think about hooking up a dehumidifier. Otherwise, there are desiccating products like Damp-Aid that can be hung or placed inside your boat that will fight against moisture. If you can’t remove cushions for storage, set them on edge and open all upholstered storage areas for better airflow.
  • 4. Think about your batteries.
    • Cold and wet conditions can be enemies of your batteries, so you might want to take them out of the boat and store them safely in a dry, temperature controlled place. You can also hook them up to a trickle charger to keep them topped up and ready to go come the spring.
  • 5. Boat covers are always a good idea, even if you are storing your boat inside for the winter.
    • Throwing a tarp over your boat is better than nothing, but the material in most tarpaulins can be abrasive and cause exterior finish damage.  The best solution is a custom boat cover to fit your model, made from polyester fiber with a vinyl coating like Herculite’s marine fabrics. Check with your manufacturer which often sells OED boat covers, or can recommend a third-party supplier.

Doing all of that will usually help keep your boat ship-shape over the winter and you’ll be ready to throw off the cover and get the boat in the water come spring. But it’s always a good idea to check on your boat from time to time during the winter–look for signs of moisture getting in, or animal invasions (mice and chipmunks love to nest in hidden corners) or anything else that doesn’t look right.

And then you can toss another log on the fire, pour yourself your favorite libation and enjoy Colorado’s winter wonderland until spring comes back!