Hopefully your boat is stored away this winter, safely covered with a quality boat cover or shrink wrapped. As a boat owner, you want your boat to be in solid condition before the start of the boating season. Even when your boat is stored, there are steps you can take to be sure it's in good condition when its time to unwrap. We at Mr. Shrink Wrap are happy to share some mid-winter checkup tips for boat owners looking to keep their boat in tip top shape, even during the winter season.
1. Check for Water
If you notice water in your boat while it is stored be sure to first, use a sponge to absorb the pooled water and second, find where there water is getting in. Don't forget to check boat covers if they have holes that are allowing the water to enter inside. It's also a good idea to double check that the drain plugs are out as they should have been at winter layup.
2. Check Your Boat Cover
Boat covers will protect your boat from harsh weather conditions. Be sure to check your boat cover for holes and repair them with tape. Also look for any vents that may have come loose. A correctly fitted cover can safeguard your boat from debris, dust, and moisture. It also keeps unwanted rodents out of your boat so make sure there are no openings and that your cover is nice and tight.
3. Maintain Your Battery
Maintaining your batteries throughout the winter season is an important step towards getting your boating season started in the right direction. Fortunately, you have a few options. Remove your boat's batteries and keep them in storage. Connect them to a battery charger, which will give them a strong initial charge before switching to a float/trickle charge to maintain your batteries.
4. Check That All Sensitive Items Are Removed
Everything that is not a component of the boat should have already been removed and stowed, including fire extinguishers, life jackets, and flares. Check for any organic materials from the boat's interior, such as leather, to avoid fungus buildup. Check that all electronics have been removed, as they are prone to damage by intense weather.
5. Use Moisture Absorbent Bags
Moisture-absorbing desiccant bags weigh 196 grams are designed for use in boats. They can supply up to 90 days of protection from moisture when used as directed helping you avoid costly repairs to your boat due to unwanted moisture while it is stored. Desiccant Bags are easy to use - simply place in your boat with the number of packs dependent on boat size.
6. Secure Your Boat
For safety and insurance purposes, keeping your boat on your lawn, a shed, or a secure storage facility is the best option. Avoid keeping your boat under trees since falling branches might rip your cover. Installing a hitch lock can deter thieves away from your boat.
In a nutshell, it's critical to inspect your boat during the off-season to avoid water damage, rodents and theft. Mr. ShrinkWrap is proud to offer the best value boat wrapping covers that will protect your boat from extreme weather. We also specialize in shrink wrapping services for extra peace of mind. You can get in touch with us via our online form or simply call us at 800-847-5290.