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As temperatures get colder, the day must come when you need to come up with some ideas to store your boat for the season.

 

Whether it’s your first time storing your boat or if you’re an experienced boat owner, you’ve probably asked yourself these questions before: 

Where do I store my boat? What options are available? Will it be safe? Will it be weather-controlled?

There are plenty of options available, but before you store your boat it’s a good idea to do your homework and make sure your boat is ready to be stored.

Before You Store Your Boat

We’ve mentioned many of these points in our article on boat maintenance, but here are a few key tasks to take care of when preparing your boat for the winter.

1. Take One Last Trip

Your last trip of the season should be one to enjoy, at the same time you should also take advantage of the opportunity observe your boat while it’s in motion to see if anything could stand to be repaired or replaced before you commit to your boat to winter storage.

Even if a problem seems small, cold winter temperatures can exacerbate many small problems and make them worse by winter. Getting necessary repairs done before you place your boat or Jet Ski into storage is important.

2. Spit and Polish

Once you have hauled your boat out of the water for the season, make sure that you give it a thorough cleaning.

While every boat has different needs, the following are some good first steps:

• Remove your boat's bilge drain plug.

• Scrub your decks and hull to remove slime, grime, barnacles and other gunk that has built up over the season.
• Clean the strainers and thru-hulls
• Drain your boat's seacocks
• Give your boat a thorough internal cleaning, and check your refrigerators, nobody wants to start the season with the smell of something that has spoiled over several months.

3. Keep Your Boat is Covered in Storage

No matter how you prepare your boat or where you choose to store it. One of the most important things you can do to store your boat for the winter is to  keep it covered with a high-quality boat cover.

 

Whether you’re looking for a  standard boat, pontoon boat cover or bass boat cover, if you’re storing your boat outdoors, make sure that your cover is strong enough to protect it from all the elements. This doesn’t just include wind and rain but also fading from the sun and exposure to environmental pollutants such as pollen, tree sap, leaves, bird droppings and more. Ideally having a cover that can keep out insects, rodents and other pests is also a plus.

Covers should also be designed so that the inner layer doesn’t scratch or damage your boat’s finish. They should also be designed to promote air flow to keep moisture from accumulating. This can help prevent the build-up of mold and mildew and also prevent rust and corrosion.

Of course, a cover is only effective if it stays securely connected to your boat. Having a cover with tie down straps, grommets for cables and/or an elastic hem can keep your cover in place even in the windiest conditions.

Even if you store your boat in a garage or indoor storage facility, putting on an indoor cover can help protect your boat from grit, dust and other pollutants that can build-up in closed spaces.

In addition to covering the boat, consider separate covers for your outboard motors and even for your seats. Every bit of coverage contributes to a boat that will be ready for you when it’s time to take your boat out again.

4. Go High and Dry

Once your boat is clean, you need to get it as dry as possible before it can be stored. This means draining all water away from the boat. To do this, raise the bow to drain out all the water.

Once that’s been done, allow time for any additional moisture to evaporate before you put your boat into storage. Otherwise, you run the risk of mold and mildew.

5. Wax On

Once you have finished all the above steps, give your boat thorough waxing. It will protect your finish and also help prevent rust and corrosion.

Ready, Set, Store Your Boat

Once your boat is ready there are many options available, both for outdoor boat storage and inside boat storage. In either case, options will vary based on location.

1. Park your boat in the Driveway

The most cost-effective place to store your boat is your own driveway. Before you settle for this option, check to see if there are any neighborhood restrictions that may result in fees or fines.

Once you’ve parked your boat, you’ll need to make sure it stays protected from the elements and from environmental pollutants such as pollen, tree sap, dust and leaves.

 

2. Store your boat in the garage

If you have a garage that is large enough to fit your boat, that’s obviously a great low-cost solution. While you won’t have to worry about protecting your boat from the elements, there is still a risk of your boat getting scratched or damaged by insects, rodents, dust or other potential hazards in the garage. It also means less room to store your car.

3. Dock your boat for the winter

 

This may only be an option in warmer climates, but if you can keep your boat in the water year round, then you can access it at any time without going to the trouble of transferring it from dry land to water.

On the other hand, boat owners should factor in docking fees and security into their decision. Also, having a boat in the water means that, in addition to sun, weather and environmental pollutants, boat owners need to remember that long-term exposure to water can erode their paint and contribute to rust and corrosion. It can also cause blistering and warping of the hull. Of course, your boat will also be susceptible to barnacles, slime and everything else in the water that can stick to your hull.

4. Dry Rack Boat Storage

 

Another popular option in coastal areas are dry rack storage facilities. These indoor and outdoor facilities use forklifts to stack multiple boats on top of enormous racks.

The benefits are that by keeping your boat off the ground, you can protect it from the elements and by keeping in near the water you have easy access. In addition, there is added security in the fact that it’s harder to steal a boat from these facilities without a forklift.

However, boat winter storage costs can equal hundreds of dollars a month and demand for spaces can make it hard to find. It’s also important to remember that if you want to retrieve your boat, you’re at the mercy of the storage staff.

Also, every boat is different, so before you store your boat make sure the available racks can support the weight and shape of your boat.

5. Self-Storage

If rack storage isn’t available in your area, there are many self-storage facilities that can accommodate boats as well as other large vehicles.

One of the big questions to ask at a self-storage facility is the level of security. Does the facility offer gated entry? What kind of onsite management and security coverage can the facility offer? Are alarms or other security measures in place?

Like a rack storage facility, you also need to make sure that your boat rack can handle the weight and shape of your boat, especially when the weather changes.

Keep Your Boat Protected with these Winter Storage Tips

The winter can be tough on your boat, but by preparing and storing it properly, you can ensure that your boat will be ship shape and ready to enjoy when the weather gets warmer.

Owning a boat can be wonderful. It gives you the ability to get on the water, spend time with family and just get away from it all.

However, many first-time boat owners may not be aware of the maintenance necessities that come with owning a boat.

One important first step is to put together a boat maintenance checklist. This will provide you with guidance and accountability when you’re performing regular and seasonal boat maintenance.

To get you started, the following are some key items to consider when building your boat safety checklist. We’ll go into each in greater detail below, but before we get started, let’s just go down the list.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

This is a good general list to get started, but your checklist should develop over time. You can try our templated version or make your boating maintenance a little more custom depending on your needs.

Here’s the list:

1. Give it a good cleaning

One of the easiest boat maintenance tasks is to clean your boat.

If you boat in salt water, rinse with fresh water after every excursion. Not only will salt will corrode metal, fasteners and hardware, but it will also eat away at your boat’s gelcoat.

Even if you sail in fresh water, giving your boat a regular cleaning will make it look good and extend its life.

Ideally, you should use a soft-bristle boat brush and Marine Boatwash. In a pinch, car wash soap is a good back up option, followed by laundry soap.

2. Check your fuel system

A simple rule of boating is that your boat can’t go if it isn’t getting any fuel, and when you’re on the water you can’t walk to the nearest service station.

Inspect your fuel system for leaks or damage. Today’s small leak can be a big problem if left unattended. Also be sure to pay attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces, check for corrosion and look for evidence of softness, brittleness or cracking.

Don’t be shy about replacing these parts when necessary and then double-check to make sure all fittings and clamps have been properly secured.

Another piece of advice is to keep the tank nearly full when you’re on land. As temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, moist air can seep into an empty tank. Keeping your tank full keeps this moist air out. This helps preserve your fuel mix and keeps contaminants from building up in your fuel tank.

3. Cover and store properly

When you’re not on the water, one of the easiest ways to maintain your boat is to put a cover on it. Whether it’s a motorboat, pontoon boat or bass boat, a well-designed cover doesn’t just protect your boat from the elements, it can also prevent condensation from building up and contaminating your boat’s engines.

Having a cover that can be secured to your boat while trailering is an added bonus. This provides an extra level of protection that can keep your boat running longer and with fewer maintenance issues.

4. Maintain belts, cables and hoses

When the temperature drops, belts, cables and hoses can become brittle and crack or swell. Cracks or swells on the outer jacket of the throttle, shift and steering control cables may be a sign of internal corrosion and an indicator of imminent failure. This can cause a vital system to fail when your boat is in motion.

Also, check to make sure that belts are tight around pulleys so that they don’t slip. A good way to look for black residue near the pulley. This is often the sign of friction caused by a loose, worn or misaligned belt.

5. Evaluate your electrical system

It’s a basic rule of science that water (especially salt water) metal and electricity don’t mix.

That’s why it’s important to perform regular checks on your boat’s electrical systems. Take the time to inspect all electrical connections to ensure that they’re clean, tight and corrosion free. If you find a corroded terminal, remove them and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends.

In our winter car maintenance article, we talked about the importance of keeping your car battery charged. This is even more important for your boat. Remember to charge your battery and have it tested regularly to ensure it can hold a charge.

Even if you’re comfortable with routine maintenance, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional. An inspection by a qualified technician can help identify problems that you might have missed otherwise.

6. Check all fluid levels

We already talked about keeping your gas tank full, but it’s also a good idea to regularly check all of your fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant.

Lower than expected levels may also indicate a leak in the system. Performing regular oil changes can also help keep contaminants out of your system and allow your engine to run cleaner.

7. Replace damaged propellers and hull

Boat maintenance is an inside and outside proposition, so it’s important to perform regular checks on your propellers. Look for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Chipped paint is okay, but damage to your propeller can affect performance and reduce your fuel efficiency. In addition, a damaged propeller can vibrate which puts stress on the bearings and seals, leading to additional damage.

During the season, it’s a good idea to check your propeller as a part of your pre-launch routine. Also, remove your propeller and inspect it several times during the season. This gives you an opportunity to put waterproof grease on the shaft to prevent corrosion from “freezing” the shaft. It also provides you with the opportunity to re-tighten the assembly so that it performs with maximum efficiency.

Also, make sure that your propeller shaft isn’t wrapped up by any fishing lines, they can cause gear case leaks that will need to be repaired by a professional.

8. Perform outboard motor maintenance

If your boat has an outboard motor, don’t forget that it needs the same level of maintenance as every other part of your boat.

In particular, it’s important to flush out your outboard motor after every excursion, whether it’s on salt water or fresh water.

To do this, simply start up the engine and the water pump will do the rest

While you're doing this, check the water pump to make sure it has good water flow. Outflowing water should be warm, not hot.

If the water output is not strong, there may be debris stuck in the outflow tube. To remedy this, shut down the engine, insert a small piece of wire into the flow tube, then work it back and forth to clear the pipe. Then start the engine again and check the output. If that doesn't solve the problem, consider a new water pump.

Once you’ve flushed the engine, you should also do the following:

• Disconnect the fuel line and allow the engine to burn all the fuel in the carburetor.
• Take the engine cowling off and check for fuel or water leaks. If you find leaks, consult your boating mechanic.
• Wipe down all metal contact points and spray with an anti-corrosive like WD 40 or Quick-lube.
• Lubricate all the moving parts, such as the shift, throttle cables and carburetor valves.
• Replace the cowling and wipe it down.

At the end of the season, it’s a good idea to drain your tanks. Then take the fuel to the proper recycling authority.

It’s also a good idea to keep your outboard motor covered between trips. This prevents condensation and debris from accumulating and keeps your outboard motor cleaner.

9. Review and update your boat safety checklist

Before and after every trip, there are a number of steps that are advised by the U.S. Coast Guard.

These safety checklists cover a wide range of topics including:

• Equipment requirements
• Operating procedures
• Law enforcement procedures
• Safety checks
• Safety and survival tips
• Float plans
• Emergency notification

Make sure that you have an updated guide, and make it a part of your overall boat maintenance checklist.

Check Your List and Stay Safe

Creating a checklist and using it consistently is an important part of any water safety plan. While this list can get you started, continually building and maintaining your boat.

School: Universal Alcorn Charter School, Philadelphia, PA

Teacher: Ms. Jane Graham, 5^th Grade ELA Teacher

Project: Upgrading classroom library and giving students books that will foster their love for reading for life!

For our first Empire Gives project, we selected Universal Alcorn Charter School, which serves low-income students right here in the Philadelphia area.

Here’s the Project Request:

My Students

I recently moved into 4th/5th grade ELA position with 65 students. My students are incredibly passionate about school and their learning! They love every chance they get to read, especially during free time. I moved from a 1st grade position and do not have books for them to read on their levels. They would absolutely love a classroom library with books on their grade level.

Many of my students live in a high-need community where many come from at-risk homes.

With students living in these conditions, school does not come as a first priority. Therefore, I want to do everything I can to make a positive impact on student achievement and help them be successful.

My Project

The books and book bins that I have requested already have a "home." I have a bookshelf in my classroom waiting to be filled with genuine literature for my students to ready. I have included classic books that I enjoyed reading as a child and books that are popular now. Both, of which, I know that all of my students will enjoy.

The donations to this project will help to improve my students' fluency and comprehension abilities in reading, as well as their love for literature in general.

My students already love to read and are always asking for books to read. By donating to this project, you will be able to give them the books and more. My English Language Arts classroom will finally be complete with a classroom library full of authentic literature.

After finding this project, we decided to make this our first fundraising effort in our home state of Pennsylvania and donated the full amount requested. This allowed DonorsChoose.org to provide Ms. Graham’s classroom with copies of the following well-loved books:

• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

• Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

• Holes by Louis Sachar

…and 26 other titles.

We are excited to hear that Ms. Graham’s students will have access to these great books and are thrilled that we will be helping to foster their love of reading.

Cars and trucks get dirty. No matter how much we try to keep our cars clean, they’re never as clean as we’d like them to be, both inside and out.

 

That’s a shame because you spend a lot of time in your car and when you have a clean car, you feel better about yourself. In fact, studies have shown that living in a clean environment can improve your mood by 50%.

 

More than that, keeping your car clean can increase the resale value of your car by several hundred dollars.

 

Also, not keeping your car clean can have a cumulative effect:

 

• Tree sap, pollen, bird droppings, and other environmental pollutants can damage your paint
• Dust can clog vents and air filters
• Dirt and grit can wear down your upholstery
• Sunlight can fade your finish

 

The good news is that a little care and a few car washing hacks can help you keep your car looking like new for years to come.

 

Detailing Works, But May Not Be Right For You

 

While an exterior car wash can help, a simple pass through the self-serve car-wash can’t deal with everything that is affecting your car, and high-powered brushes that aren’t replaced or maintained can actually scratch your finish.

 

Unless you can afford professional detailing on a regular basis you’re not just dealing with a dirtier car, you’re also decreasing the value of your car. At the same time, professional detailing can cost between $50 and $150.

 

If you’re planning to use a do it yourself car wash to save money on detailing, or simply looking for tips on how to clean your car exterior, here are a few sensible and unexpected car detailing hacks for you.

 

DIY Car Cleaning Tips

 

We’ll go into each of these in more detail, if you’re considering going do-it-yourself with you car wash regimen, the following things can go a long way.

 

• Choose your cleaners wisely
• Use microfiber cloths
• Put a cover on it
• Don’t spin your wheels
• Prevent bugs from sticking around
• Use a makeup brush
• Consider using toothpaste
• Use the right window cleaner

 

That’s the shortlist, but read on to find out the secret behind each of these tips and tricks.

 

1. Be careful with cleaners

 

You wouldn’t use laundry detergent in the shower. Why? Because it would likely irritate your skin. All too often, car owners don’t apply the same wisdom to their car care. In fact, using liquid detergent or dish cleaner can damage the paint and strip away wax.

 

Instead, use a car washing soap, and read the label to make sure you’re properly applying the cleaner to the surface of your car. Otherwise, you may find that your car cleaner will simply add another unwanted layer of contamination to your car.

 

2. Use microfiber cloths

 

When cleaning your car, invest in microfiber rags. Microfiber cloths are made from a synthetic material made from tiny strands that are 1% the diameter of a human hair. These strands are made from extremely strong fibers like nylon, Kevlar or polyester. This makes them durable.

 

Because the fibers are so fine, more dust and dirt get pulled away from the surface of the car. When you use other types of cloth, you run the risk of dirt not being absorbed, but simply re-distributed across the surface of your car. When you’ve washed your car, use microfiber cloths to dry as well.

 

Remember to rinse and wring out the cloths regularly. They’re tough, they can take it.

 

3. Put a cover on It

 

There’s another way to keep your car protected year-round. Use a car cover or truck cover.

 

Whether you store your car in a private garage, a parking lot, the street or a driveway your car is at risk from exposure to the elements. Putting the right cover on your car can keep it safe from:

 

• Rain
• Snow
• Ice
• Dirt
• Tree sap
• Pollen

 

4. Don’t spin your wheels

 

Another important DIY car hack is to make sure you’re using the right cleaner for your wheels. The same cleaner that works on your aluminum or chrome wheels can eat away at your coated, painted or anodized wheels.

 

If you don't know what type of wheels you have, then go with an acid-free cleaner. If you find it’s still not working, you can always upgrade to something stronger.

 

Keep in mind that tires get dirty, and not just from road dust. If you haven’t cleaned your car in a while, you may also want to look for a cleaner that can remove dust from your brakes.

 

5. Prevent bugs from sticking around

 

This car life hack may seem a little strange, but if your car is covered with bugs, use dryer sheets to wipe them away and the bugs come right off. Not only that, dryer sheets are a natural bug repellent.

 

Some suspect it may be because of the linalool and beta-citronellol that are found in these sheets, ingredients that seem to repel insects.

 

6. Apply your makeup (brush)

 

Looking for a way to get dust out of cracks and air filters? Use a makeup brush and vacuum. The makeup brush can reach into the smallest cracks and loosen the dust and finer particles. Then the vacuum can suction them up before they have a chance to resettle.

 

7. Consider using toothpaste

 

Over time, your headlights can get cloudy as dirt and grime build-up on polycarbonate or plastic lenses.

 

To buff these contaminants from your headlights:

 

1. Wash your headlights with soap and water
2. Put masking tape around the areas surrounding your headlight
3. Put a generous amount of toothpaste on a soft cloth and rub in small circles.
4. Rinse with water and let air dry

 

The mild abrasive in the toothpaste will buff the surface and remove the dirt and grime.

 

Don’t forget your toothbrush, when you’re cleaning the interior, it’s great for getting into all kinds of cracks and crevices without scratching the upholstery.

 

8. Windows on the world

 

When cleaning your car windows, stay away from Windex and other glass cleaners that contain ammonia, it can damage your window tint. Instead look for a cleaner that is designed specifically for car windows.

 

When cleaning your windshield wipers, rub them down with rubbing alcohol, this will prevent the wipers from leaving smears on your windshield.

 

DIY Your Way to a Cleaner Car

 

Keeping your car clean without paying for professional detailing can take a little bit of work and a little bit of planning, but the results will be a safer car that you’ll be happier to spend time in and boost in your resale value down the road.  

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day we thought we'd share a few limericks that are near and dear to our heart.