Boat winter storage guide
Careful preparation protects your boat from moisture, mold and frost damage over the winter. Go through this checklist before the boat is laid up for the season.
1. Cleaning and drying
- Clean surfaces: Wash the boat’s interior (cabinets, surfaces) with mild soapy water or diluted vinegar water.
- Remove moisture: Ventilate the boat thoroughly. Make sure there is no water left in hoses, the fridge, or other recesses.
- Dry thoroughly: Let all surfaces dry completely, as moisture promotes mold growth.
- Use moisture absorbers, e.g. an Absodry dehumidifier from Motonet.
2. Engine and fuel
- Fill the tank: Keep the fuel tank full to prevent condensation.
- Protect the engine: Use antifreeze (glycol) or another freeze protection product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Service: Change oils and filters, and empty or replace the water separator filter.
3. Gear and accessories
- Remove moisture-sensitive items: Take out textiles, tools, electronics and other loose items.
- Store batteries properly: Disconnect the batteries and store them in a dry, warm place for the winter.
4. Storage and protection
- Wash ropes: Rinse ropes with fresh water and dry them well before storage.
- Shrink-wrap the boat: A made-to-measure shrink wrap cover protects the boat from dirt, rain, ice and sea salt. See shrink wrap covers →
- Ensure ventilation: Leave hatches and doors slightly open, and make sure there are ventilation openings in the shrink wrap.
5. Safety and other notes
- Empty the bilge: Open the drain plug and check that no water remains in the bilge. If needed, remove the rest with a wet vacuum. Also check that the bilge pump works.
- Drain water systems: Drain the fresh water system and pour antifreeze into the toilet bowl.
- Your boat is now ready for spring — you can safely start planning the routes for the next season ☺
Need help with winter storage for your boat?
We make a made-to-measure shrink wrap cover for your boat, shrink wrap it on site in the Helsinki Capital Region and can also take care of winter service.