A Lake Erie boating season ends fast, and the first hard freeze can arrive before your boat is put away. Water trapped in an engine block, a lower unit, or onboard plumbing expands as it freezes and can crack castings, split hoses, and ruin pumps. Stale fuel, dead batteries, and mildew cause most of the other spring surprises.
Our facility is heated to stay above freezing, but we still recommend winterizing your boat before storage. It sits unused for months, it may face freezing temperatures on the trailer ride to and from storage, and your manufacturer or insurer may expect it. Use this checklist alongside your engine and boat owner's manuals, and ask a marine mechanic to handle any step you're not comfortable with.
1. Fuel system
- Add a marine fuel stabilizer, then fill the tank most of the way (leave room for expansion) to limit condensation.
- Run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes so stabilized fuel reaches the lines, injectors, or carburetor.
- Replace the fuel-water separator filter, or drain it and check for water.
2. Engine and drive
- Change the engine oil and filter while the engine is warm. Used oil contains acids that sit on engine parts all winter.
- Fog the cylinders with fogging oil according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Outboards: flush the cooling system with fresh water, then tilt the motor down so every drop drains out.
- Inboards and sterndrives: drain the raw-water cooling system (block, manifolds, and hoses), or fill it with non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze.
- Change the lower unit or sterndrive gear oil. Milky oil means water got in, so have the seals checked before spring.
- Grease fittings, steering, and throttle linkages, and inspect the impeller if it's due for replacement.
3. Plumbing and onboard water
- Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, put the water heater in bypass, and pump non-toxic antifreeze through every faucet and shower.
- Drain and dry livewells, baitwells, and washdown pumps, or run antifreeze through them.
- Pump out the holding tank, flush the head, and add antifreeze to the head and its lines.
- Pump out and dry the bilge so there's no standing water left aboard, and fix any fluid leaks before drop-off.
4. Batteries and electronics
- Fully charge the batteries, then turn off the battery switch and disconnect them, or take them home on a maintainer.
- At our facility: batteries can stay installed. Battery chargers and tenders can't be connected in storage, except during the 48 hours before your scheduled pickup.
- Take removable electronics, chartplotters, and handheld radios home.
5. Hull, deck, and interior
- Wash the hull and deck, and remove any growth or scum line while it's still soft.
- Clean and dry the interior, cushions, and canvas so mildew has nothing to grow on.
- Prop open lockers, hatches, and the refrigerator, and place moisture absorbers in closed spaces.
- Remove all food, plus valuables, documents, and safety gear you want to inspect or replace over the winter.
- Remove loose equipment and tools from the boat before drop-off.
6. Trailer, stands, and covers
- Check trailer tire pressure, grease the wheel bearings, and test the lights before the drive to storage.
- Boats don't have to be on a trailer. Stands and cradles are welcome when there's a safe, practical way to move the boat; any stands, cradles, or equipment leave with the boat. Call us to measure and price a boat that isn't on a trailer.
- Shrink-wrap is optional. The warehouse is relatively dust-free, but wrapping gives the most protection.
7. Before drop-off
- Measure your boat from the front of the trailer tongue to the back of the propeller or swim platform. That length sets your storage rate.
- Make sure it fits: our doors are 14' wide by 14' high, and we store boats up to 75 feet long.
- Take photos of the hull, engine, and interior for your records.
- Call or text (440) 946-4767 to schedule your drop-off. Access is by appointment with 24 hours' notice.
Drop-off day checklist
- Confirm your appointment time by calling or texting (440) 946-4767. Drop-offs are scheduled with 24 hours' notice. Arrive at your scheduled time, and our crew will guide you into the warehouse.
- Bring proof of insurance if it isn't already on file. It must be on file before your vehicle enters the facility, and no registration is required.
- Bring the vehicle at the same total length you were quoted, with any racks or carriers you measured still attached.
- Turn any propane tanks off at the valve. This is required for storage.
- Remove loose equipment and tools from the boat before drop-off.
- Remove food, valuables, and anything that could leak or attract pests. Fix or report any fluid leaks first; vehicles that leak fluids are subject to a cleanup fee of up to $500.
- Leave the keys with the vehicle. Keys stay with the vehicle so our staff can move it safely if needed.
- Have payment ready: seasonal storage (October through May) is paid upfront, and monthly storage is paid monthly. Seasonal storage that starts after October is prorated by month. Early removals aren't prorated or refunded.
In the spring: getting ready to launch
Schedule your pickup with 24 hours' notice (72 hours' notice if it's before the end of your storage term). Battery chargers can go on during the 48 hours before pickup. Before launch, reinstall and charge the batteries, flush antifreeze from the water systems, check the impeller, belts, hoses, and fluid levels, put the drain plug back in if you removed it, and test the bilge pump and navigation lights.