{"id":7920,"date":"2021-09-14T13:22:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T13:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/301webdemo.com\/oegema\/?p=7920"},"modified":"2026-02-06T04:57:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T04:57:54","slug":"16-tips-on-storing-your-boat-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/blog\/16-tips-on-storing-your-boat-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Tips on Storing Your Boat for Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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As the boating season winds down, it\u2019s time to start thinking about boat storage. If this is your\u00a0first boat<\/a>, then it\u2019s important to make sure you understand all the necessary steps needed to avoid damage to it over the winter months. Storing your boat goes beyond finding a storage facility. You also need to protect it, so it is in top condition when the warm weather rolls around again. Here are 16 tips on storing your boat to keep it safe and sound this winter.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. Choose your mode of storage<\/h2>\n

First, you have to decide where you\u2019ll be storing your boat. If your property allows it, this is the most affordable option. You can simply park it in your driveway or garage until the spring.\u00a0 Just keep in mind that keeping it on the trailer can bear down on the wheels and cause damage over a prolonged amount of time. The next option is an outdoor storage facility. There are hundreds of choices available both near where you use your vessel as well as closer to home. The only issue with outdoor storage of any kind in Ottawa is that the winters tend to be quite harsh. So, you need to take extra care to prepare your boat. That leaves indoor facilities. If you can afford this option, it is by far the best choice to\u00a0protect your boat\u00a0not only from the elements, but also from vandals and thieves.<\/p>\n

2. Take a final test run<\/h2>\n

Take your boat on the water for a short trip to look for signs of possible issues. If anything sounds off or the boat isn\u2019t running properly, then have it looked at before putting it into storage.<\/p>\n

3. Inspect the hull<\/h2>\n

Remove your boat from the water and do a thorough check of the hull. Cracks and damage to the hull will worsen over the winter if you don\u2019t repair them now. If you have a fiberglass boat, then look for blistering and be sure to repair those spots as well.<\/p>\n

4. Drain the fluids<\/h2>\n

Your boat has several types of fluids as well as areas that will carry liquid with them when lifted from the water. Everything has to be drained to avoid freezing issues that will cause serious damage, including:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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