Thursday, October 19, 2017

How Do You Store Your Boat During Winter?

The weather is still beautiful, but whether we want to believe it or not, the boating season is slowly coming to an end. There are a few weeks left that you can spend out on the water, but many people have started to get their boats ready for the winter season. If you have recently purchased a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, you may be wondering how to store it, and what the process is like during the off-season. Iguana Boat Sales is here to answer all of your questions! The best boat dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks takes a look boat storage options, both on land and in the water for you.

Covers


Any boat that is being stored outside, whether it is on land or in water, should have a cover to protect the boat against any sort of weather. There are several different types of covers boat owners can use:

Canvas - This is a traditional method of protecting boats in the winter season. Canvas is ideal for covering boats, as it is a breathable fabric. This allows excess moisture, which could cause mildew, to escape. 

Shrink Wrap - This is a more modern technique, but has become quite popular for covering boats. Webbing is put over the boat to support a thin film of plastic. Heat from a propane gun causes the plastic to shrink tightly around the boat. Although shrink wrap is very efficient in protecting boats, they cannot be reused. Once the season is over, the film is cut off the boat. 

Plastic TarpsUsing a plastic tarp and a few pieces of wood, owners can build a temporary tent to protect their boat. The covering is kept in place by tying it to the boat. Plastic tarps allow good airflow, which can help prevent mildew. However, they are not very durable and can only last one season before needing to be replaced. In addition, the tarp or cords used to tie it down could rub against the hull causing the gel coat to chaff.

Land Storage


Dry storage - This is a great option for several types of boats such as runabouts, performance boats, pontoons, and cruisers. There are a couple of options. If it makes sense for you financially, you can opt for dry rack storage while sometimes the more economical choice is keeping it on a trailer.

Dry Rack - Most dry rack buildings are capable of storing boats up to 26'; however, some marinas have the equipment to lift and store larger boats as long as they meet the height requirements. Storage fees incur during the months your boat is stored. Many rack storage facilities offer a variety of services, such as boat wash-downs, along with winterization and shrink wrapping at the end of the year. Make sure to inquire about additional costs!

Trailer - If you're a do-it-yourself-er and storing your boat on your own property is possible, loading and storing your boat on a trailer is less expensive than paying the fees to have it stored at a marina. However, several marinas do offer on or off-site storage locations for boats on trailers and, for a monthly fee you can utilize their services. Keep in mind, when your boat is stored outside it is at the mercy of the weather.

Water Storage


There are two ways to store your boat at the dock. In or above the water. And the advantage to water storage is the early start on the spring boating season! You may have a boat lift to utilize during the offseason or in some cases, your boat might stay in the water year-round.

Boat-lifts - This option offers you the ability to store your boat high and dry yet ready for use in minutes, helping you stretch the boating season as long as possible. The disadvantage to storing on a lift at the Lake of the Ozarks is the unpredictability of our winters. Heavy snow or ice can damage the lift so it is important to make sure the lift is well maintained and used correctly.

In water - If you plan to leave your boat in the water year-round, it is recommended that you inspect your boat once a week throughout the coldest time of the year. If you store your boat at a marina there may be a de-icing system in place to ensure ice does not accumulate on your boat. With proper winterization and a cover, this is an option.

Iguana Boat Sales knows how important boats are and we want to help protect your investment through the winter. As the best boat dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks, we carry one of the largest selections of new and used boats for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks. Stop by and let us help you find the perfect boat for you and your family. 


573-355-5027
Check out our Website:



4363 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO

2 comments:

  1. Store Space is certain to supply storage near you since we have many locations around Philadelphia. Find more interesting information about Storage Rooms here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Self Storage Facilities is generally run by independent operators. The operator's job is to keep the building, grounds, and belongings of the Self Storage Facility in good condition. The entire business of running a Self Storage Facility is supervised by an independent operator. Get more interesting details about steele $ co on this web.

    ReplyDelete