Winterizing your boat should be seen as a way to protect your investment and make it easier to get back on the water in the spring! Proper maintenance and storage means a faster and more enjoyable return to the water! Also, if your boat needs some repairs, this is the ideal time to do them. In the spring, dealers are often overwhelmed and your already short season could be reduced.
Winterizing your Boat
Note that your insurer will not compensate you for damage resulting from lack of maintenance or caused by freezing, so it is important to store your boat before winter. You have two options:
Storing the Boat yourself:
If the boat is stored outside, the traditional protective tarp commonly called "Shrink" will be required.
If you do the maintenance yourself, you will find specialized blogs on the Internet that will provide you with lists of necessary and essential tasks to perform in order to proceed with a safe winterization according to the type of boat and motor you have. It is important not to neglect anything and to think about emptying pumps and other fluid lines that are likely to freeze.
Québec Yachting
Entrepot Marine Mart
BL yacht
Aqua Services
Discover Boating
Consulting your boat's owner's manual can be a great help.
Finally, ask your experienced boating friends for help, as they can offer valuable advice.
Storage of the Boat by a Professional:
By far the most effective and safe solution. There are many advantages to hiring a professional to winterize your boat. First, they are experienced and specialized in boat storage. Secondly, if there is a fault or a breakdown related to the maintenance of your boat, the insurer will compensate you and can subrogate the professional at fault.
Do I Get a Discount if my Boat is Properly Stored?
Unfortunately, there is no specific discount for boat storage. The period of navigation allowed by many insurers is from April 1st to November 30th. Outside of these dates, your contract often includes a lay-up clause, i.e. a period out of the water. Check your boat insurance contract carefully.
In summary, proper winterization of your boat will allow you to take stock of your boat and protect it from winter damage. Don't hesitate to ask your boat insurance broker for advice on good storage practices.
