Here is a detailed guide on how to store a Canadian fishing boat for the winter, focusing on the engine and protecting the boat from snow and moisture.
-
Water Removal: The first thing to remember is that when water freezes, it expands. So, think about all the places where water can accumulate in the boat: pipes, bilge, live wells, etc. If it expands enough, it can crack or break something. When you park the boat for the season, remove the drain plug, lift the trailer as high as possible, and let the water drain out. Don’t forget to lower the engine completely to drain any remaining water from the lower unit and propeller hub.
-
The Engine: Before taking the boat out of the water for the last time, add a fuel stabilizer. This allows the entire engine to receive treated fuel, which is important if it is to remain unused. This prevents fuel degradation and oxidation. If you have a four-stroke engine, now is a good time to change the engine oil. Regardless of the type of engine you have, you should change the gear oil. If you are going to store your boat for an extended period, you should also fog the cylinders. Remove the spark plugs and spray marine fogging oil directly into the cylinders. On direct fuel injection engines, use appropriate outboard engine oil instead of fogging oil, and inject it through the spark plug hole.
-
The Rest of the Boat: Battery maintenance is very important. If they are discharged too far, it can damage the battery. If the boat is to remain unused for a long time, remove the batteries from the boat and store them in the garage on a maintenance charger. Remember that you and your boat are not the only creatures hiding from the cold. All creatures, big and small, look for places to snuggle when it’s cold. That’s why many dealers who store pontoons outside wrap them. You can also tape over the engine’s exhaust housing to prevent anything from getting in there, including water in the lower unit.
-
Indoor or Outdoor Storage: Obviously, the best place to store the boat is in a closed, climate-controlled building. If that’s not possible, then some sort of enclosure or carport is the second-best option. If you have to keep your boat outside, make sure to take care of everything else. For example, the trailer tires suffer from the elements. Make sure not only that they are properly inflated but also that you treat them with some sort of protective coating to prevent them from cracking. Loosen the winch strap to remove tension from the hull. Lubricate anything that can and should be lubricated. While you’re at it, now is a good time to put a coat of wax on the top and sides of the boat.
-
Wrapping the Boat: To protect your boat from snow and moisture, get a quality, custom-fit cover, and tighten it well. Close all openings in the cover or consider putting a tarp over it. If it doesn’t “tent” naturally, find a way to make it do so. You can put a stick or even an inflated beach ball on the deck to keep precipitation away and make it flow down the sides. Of course, snow is remarkably heavy when it accumulates in volume, so if your boat must remain unattended, make sure you or someone else can get to it and sweep it off the cover.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your fishing boat will be ready to sail as soon as spring arrives.
