How to Care for Your Boat Before Storing It This Fall

Unfortunately, the arrival of fall means it's time to start thinking about storing your boat until the spring. Syntex Lubricants in Kyle can help you get started with these tips.

Why Is It Important to Take Care of Maintenance Before Storage?

If the weather hasn't gotten too bad in your area, you can continue boating through the beginning of the season. However, taking care of maintenance and preparing your boat for storage before the inclement winter weather arrives is vital. By starting early on maintenance you can be sure you will have enough time to fix any issues you may come across before storage is an absolute must. For example, if you find water in the oil or other areas, you have enough time to take care of it before it has a chance to freeze and cause serious issues. Not only will  performing maintenance tasks before storage help keep your boat in good shape, it will also help ensure your boat is ready to go in the spring.

Choose a Storage Space

Before you get started on maintenance, you will have to decide where you will store your boat during the off season. Your options will depend on the size and type of boat you have. Fiberglass, aluminum, and steel boats will be better off stored out of the water while wooden boats with an epoxy coating will be fine in the water. If your boat is relatively small, the cheapest solution is to store it in your driveway or yard. Boat storage units and indoor storage units may cost a bit more but can also guarantee better protection. If you plan to keep your boat in the marina, do remember to check on it even though it's not in use. It's important that you understand your responsibilities and the marina's responsibilities before signing a storage contract.

Carefully Haul Your Boat

Once you've decided on the best storage solution for your boat, figure out the best way to transport it. If your boat is staying in the marina, you're in luck because hauling likely won't be necessary. Whether you're transporting it yourself or have hired help, be extra careful, especially since this process can often cause damage to boats. Once your boat has been hauled, wash the bottom of your vessel and scrub off any marine growth it has developed. The sooner you do it, the easier it will be to remove.

Contact Syntex Lubricants at (512) 848- 8240 to find the perfect oil for all of your engines. Their experts can help you find the best AMSOIL Oil products for all of your engines. Stop by their online shop for a full range of products.

Support While in Storage

Once again, no matter where your boat is being stored, it is important that you ensure it has the proper support. Your boat's keel will need to be properly supported and your boat's weight will need to be evenly distributed to prevent issues. This is especially important if you plan to store your boat on soft ground where it may start to sink if not properly supported.

Clean and Cover Your Boat

Once your boat has been hauled and has the proper support, you will need to clean the inside of outside of it. Washing and waxing the outside will help remove corrosive buildup and add a layer of protection while it's in storage. Don't forget to also clean the interior and leave it ready for the spring. If your boat is being stored outdoors, remove electronic devices and organic materials that can suffer damages through the winter. Finally, cover your boat with a fitted cover that will protect it from the elements. Although your cover should be fitted, it should also allow proper ventilation.

Get a Synthetic  Oil Change

It's not uncommon for water and acids to make their way into a boat's oil during the season. Although it's not uncommon, it's also not a good thing. Before storing your boat, change the oil filter and flush your boat's old oil. Leaving the old oil in during the months your boat is in storage can cause corrosion in your engine. Replace the oil with a new synthetic oil for best results. A synthetic oil like an AMSOIL Synthetic Marine Oil can keep your engine protected through the winter and have your boat ready for use in the spring.

Give Your Boat a Synthetic Oil Change in Kyle

A synthetic oil change before storing your boat for the winter can make all the difference in the spring. Contact Syntex Lubricants for help finding the right synthetic oil for your all of your engines. Call them at (512) 848- 8240 to find out more about their products or to place an order.