Like every fall, the off-season for boating approaches. If you plan to winterize your marine outboard, keep reading this post by Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut for tips on how to store your boat correctly.

If you love boating, this off-season may not be your favorite part of the year. And it's no wonder since cold, snowy days are not ideal for boating. Even if you won't be able to take boating trips until next spring, the off-season comes with a few silver linings. You can use these fall and winter months to check and repair your boat. Likewise, you can make the best use of this time to clean and wax your boat. That said, this post has put together the main maintenance tasks you need to store your boat properly. Keep reading to find out more.

Find the best oil formulas for your marine engine at Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Call them at (203) 592-7113 and talk to their oil pros about the benefits of using the top products. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to explore the full line of top-shelf products for your boat.

How to Store Your Boat

Take Your Boat Out of the Water

The first step in storing your boat is to remove it from the water for towing. As you may know, this maneuver is not easy. Being careless while putting your boat onto the trailer could cause dents or dings to its hull. Thus, we recommend you review the towing instructions and checklist in your owner's manual. On that note, here are some aspects you must consider for towing your boat safely:

• Ideally, your trailer should be part of your boat's standard equipment. If not, check the certification label on the trailer you are using to verify that its load capacity matches the size and weight of your boat.
• You must also check the size of the trailer hitch ball. Does its diameter match the hitch socket? Verifying that these items fit will prevent the trailer from detaching from your vehicle.
• Finally, place a safety chain between your vehicle and the trailer to reinforce their coupling.

Flush the Cooling System

Flushing your boat's cooling system is crucial as it can help you avoid corrosion. As you might know, marine engines collect water from the outside to dissipate their heat. Both saltwater and freshwater contain chemicals that can harm your boat. If not flushed, salt, sand, or dirt particles can form calcium and corrosion within the motor. For such reasons, it is vital to wash the cooling circuits. Doing so is very simple and does not take much time. Still, be sure to follow your owner's manual instructions to perform this step effectively.

Change Oil

Replacing your marine engine oil is crucial, even if it sits idle for the entire off-season. Although your stored boat may not need protection against mechanical friction or heat, it will need protection against corrosion. That is why it's crucial to winterize your boat with fresh oil. Moreover, don't forget that used oil often gets contaminated during boating season. Things like water, combustion gases, and other chemicals picked up by oil can cause corrosion on the internal surfaces of the engine. That said, always remember to replace your marine engine oil at the end of each boating season.

Rely on top-quality formulas like AMSOIL 25W-40 Synthetic-Blend Marine Engine Oil to keep your boat in mint shape for longer. Call Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut at (203) 592-7113 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the top-performing synthetic oil in Wolcott.

Clean the Boat

Don't skip cleaning and waxing your boat during storage. Doing so will not only help improve its appearance but will also help keep your boat free of mold and corrosion. You can start by drying the boat's upholstery, life jackets, towels, and anything else that may keep moisture. Then, clean and dry containers, tanks, and bags inside the boat. Remove all drain plugs so that the pipes drain all the remaining water. Finally, clean and wax the boat's hull to remove any water spots on the surface. If you can store your boat in your garage, we suggest leaving it uncovered and ventilated, so it does not harbor moisture.

Store the Battery

Storing the battery during winter will help keep it in perfect condition. To do so:

1. Uninstall it from its compartment and store it in a dark, dry space in your garage.
2. Check its charge once a month using a voltmeter. If the charge becomes too low, recharge it with a battery charger.
3. Clean the terminals to prevent corrosion from forming around them. To do this safely, follow the instructions as described in your owner's manual.

Make Sure the Fuel Tank is Full

Our last recommendation is to fill your fuel tank before storing your boat. Doing so is crucial to prevent moisture or condensation from building up inside the tank. Also, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to keep the fluid in good condition throughout the winter.

Store your boat correctly by giving it the most reliable synthetic oil change. Call Oilrich in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut at (203) 592-7113 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to find the best formulas and products for your marine engine.