As the vibrant colours of autumn paint the landscape around the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, and the days grow shorter, boaters in Williamstown know that the season of cruising on the St. Lawrence is drawing to a close. While the memories of sunny days on the water are fresh, it's time to turn our attention to the critical task of winter boat storage. If you're not careful, the off-season can be more damaging to your vessel than a whole summer of fun. Here are seven silent killers that can wreak havoc on your boat while it’s in storage, and how to combat them.
In a region like ours with its warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters, moisture is your boat's number one enemy in storage. Trapped moisture from humidity or incomplete drying can lead to a nasty bloom of mold and mildew. This isn't just an unsightly mess; it can permanently stain and damage upholstery, carpets, and even wooden components. To combat this, ensure your boat is bone-dry before it goes into storage. Consider using moisture-absorbing desiccants or even a small, protected heater in a well-ventilated space. For those looking for a top-tier solution, climate-controlled storage at a facility like Williamstown Mini Storage at 19590 Glen Rd is an excellent way to keep the dampness at bay.
Your boat can look like a five-star hotel to mice, squirrels, and other critters seeking shelter from the cold. These unwelcome guests can chew through wiring, upholstery, and plastic lines, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Before you store your boat, give it a thorough cleaning to remove any food crumbs or other temptations. You can also use pest repellents, but be sure to choose ones that are safe for your boat's materials.
Leaving your fuel tank half-full or with untreated gasoline is a recipe for disaster. As fuel sits, it can degrade and form gummy deposits that clog fuel lines, filters, and even your engine's carburetors or injectors. To prevent this, either completely empty the tank or fill it to about 90% capacity and add a quality fuel stabilizer. Running the engine for a few minutes will circulate the stabilized fuel through the system.
A boat battery will slowly lose its charge over the winter, and if it completely drains, it may never hold a full charge again. Cold temperatures can also sap a battery's life. The best practice is to remove the battery, take it home, and connect it to a trickle charger to maintain its health throughout the off-season.
Even when your boat is out of the water, the sun's UV rays can still do a number on it. Over time, UV radiation can cause your boat's gel coat to oxidize and become chalky, fade and weaken upholstery, and degrade plastic and rubber components. A high-quality, breathable boat cover is your best defense against the sun's damaging rays.
Speaking of covers, choosing the wrong one can be just as bad as not having one at all. A cheap, non-breathable plastic tarp can trap moisture, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. A cover that's too loose can flap in the wind, causing chafing and wear on your boat's finish. Invest in a custom-fit or semi-custom cover made from a breathable, water-resistant material.
Given our continental climate, with its reliably cold and snowy winters, the risk of freeze damage is very real. Water left in your engine block, plumbing lines, or holding tanks can freeze, expand, and crack expensive components. This is perhaps the most catastrophic and costly of all the silent killers. Properly winterizing your boat's engine and water systems is not just recommended; it's absolutely essential in our part of the world.
From the historic beauty of the St. Raphael's Catholic Church Ruins to the Sir John Johnson House National Historic Site, Williamstown is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. By taking the right steps to protect your boat from these seven silent killers, you can ensure that your vessel will be ready to create new memories on the water for many seasons to come.
In addition to offering dedicated spaces to protect your vessel during the off-season, Williamstown Mini Storage also provides a variety of traditional self-storage units for your personal and household needs.
