Storing a boat outside for Winter

[BurnMac42]

Alright guys as the season is winding down (at least for Ohio) I was curious what everyone recommends to do to keep their boat clean during the winter. Any tricks you guys do to keep critters out? I have an evolution cover that will be over the boat combined with a 20'x30' heavy duty tarp that will go up and over the tower and cover the entire boat.

I've heard dryer sheets keep bugs out?

Do you guys put the little water packs in the boat to try and keep moisture down?

Drain plugs in/out?

This will be the first year the boat is outside and I want to try and minimize any surprises come Spring

[Ewok]

Drain plug out, either winterize it yourself or get a shop to do it, then get it shrink wrapped. They will use wood supports to holde the shrink wrap up at an angle so the snow doesn't build up and cave in your cover. Shrink wrap is cheaper than a new evolution cover.

[BurnMac42]

Drain plug out, either winterize it yourself or get a shop to do it, then get it shrink wrapped. They will use wood supports to holde the shrink wrap up at an angle so the snow doesn't build up and cave in your cover. Shrink wrap is cheaper than a new evolution cover.

I'll be having a shop winterize the boat...I would love to do it myself however for $3 extra bucks on my insurance my engine is covered if it grenades over the winter as long as I can show paperwork that I had the engine winterized. The shrinkwrap might be the way I go because your ain't lying about it being cheaper than a new cover...

How much on average do guys pay for shrinkwrapping?

[Ewok]

It depends on the shop or marina but I've seen 200-500 for the shrink wrap service.

[Ewok]

I think of it also as cheap insurance to keep the interior nice as well. An evolution cover that collapsed in the snow will also let snow and water into the interior and it's going to be a big mess to clean up and also cause the interior vinyl to crack and wear out quicker.

[25cents]

How much on average do guys pay for shrinkwrapping?[/QUOTE]

I have seen some shops charge at the high end of $500 like ewok stated. I have a mobile guy that comes and winterizes and shrink wraps both for about $350. Check your local area to see if there is a mobile person even for the shrink wrapping and you could save a few hundred.

[007]

If I am storing a boat outside, I normally take everything I can out of the boat. That way if water gets in there is less of a chance of a moldy mess in the spring. Also, crack open the compartments you can for ventilation and put in a couple of Damp Rid buckets. I've done the dryer sheet thing, I don't know if it truly helps

[talltigeguy]

I love when people ask about pulling the plug or not, because then I get to show this picture.

Quite a few years back a guy came on the site here and asked how to best clean this mess. He left the plug in and rainwater filled the boat under the cover and as springtime came, the mold grew very well.

I think I have heard of one guy complaining that mice could get in through it, but I just ain't buying that.

[ericinmich]

You asked about critters, I get a few boxes of moth balls and put them in open plastic bags in every compartment and open area. I think it works, no critters in my boat I'm Michigan....

[IDBoating]

Stuff some stainless steel wool in the drain plug opening. No critters and water can still flow.

[BurnMac42]

I love when people ask about pulling the plug or not, because then I get to show this picture.

Quite a few years back a guy came on the site here and asked how to best clean this mess. He left the plug in and rainwater filled the boat under the cover and as springtime came, the mold grew very well.

I think I have heard of one guy complaining that mice could get in through it, but I just ain't buying that.

[Z3CO23]

I have our local dealer winterize and wrap our boat every winter because we store it outside. I leave the plug out and after three season of this same process, never had a drop of water or pests in the boat. Charge from dealer last year was $509 for winterization and wrap. I've never looked for a mobile guy service here.

[Wakeman22]

If I were you I would consider a storage unit. For the few months you will store it you may find it to be cost effective. If you are going to leave it outside and really care about your boat then the only way to go is shrink wrap. You may also consider one of the carports sold and installed ay very reasonable prices. This would not only help in the winter but also in the summer for protection against the sun and rain.

[M&M]

2000 20CI Ozarks, I agree with the Jedi, rent a storage unit. Keep it dry. M&M

[BurnMac42]

If I were you I would consider a storage unit. For the few months you will store it you may find it to be cost effective. If you are going to leave it outside and really care about your boat then the only way to go is shrink wrap. You may also consider one of the carports sold and installed ay very reasonable prices. This would not only help in the winter but also in the summer for protection against the sun and rain.

This will eventually be the case....we (my wife and I) decided to repair our fireplace/chimney this year vs building a carport off the side of the house however that will happen probably next year.