Leaving boat in water during winter

Having some version of boat wrapping is a very good idea for cold weather boat lovers whether your boat is in the water or not. In the winter the air pressure may not be enough to keep frozen water expands when frozen from squeezing and possibly puncturing the pontoons.

But there are many others who prefer to leave their boat in the water tied to the dock all winter long.

Leaving boat in water during winter. If youre toying with the idea of leaving your boat in the water all winter long plan on checking her at least once a week every week through the whole season. Most big problems on boats in the winter start as small ones that could have been fixed early had the boat owner just looked in regularly. Leaving outboard in water in winter Sounds like its going to do a whole lot more sittin that runnin.

Put some stabilizer in the gas. Id drop it in the water only when the forecast made it necessary. Leave it in the water and you could get water in it that otherwise wouldnt get in there.

Better yet trailer it long enough to change the gearlube. Lots of people leave their boats in the water during the winter months but there are some precautions that need to be taken especially if you are not going to be visiting the boat on a weekly basis. Under cover boats in the water can provide an escape from daily shoreside lifeeven in the offseason.

A lot of house boats leave the lower unit in the water all winter. They may use a block heater I dont know. I used to have an inboard that I would use into the winter.

I used a block heater and a 100 watt light bulb to protect from freezing. Still I would fully winterize it after December draining block lower unit powersterering cooler etc. Winterizing a boat means different things to different people.

For many boaters the annual winterization process entails having their boat hauled out and covered or shrink-wrapped to protect it from the cold sleet and snow. But there are many others who prefer to leave their boat in the water tied to the dock all winter long. But only where there is no water movement.

At our lake on channels that see no water flow people leave their docks and lifts in over the winter and some do leave their boats on the lift. However on properties that are lakefront they are required to pull their docks and lifts due to potential damage to waterice movement. The best thing we did this winter was shrink-wrap the boat.

Having some version of boat wrapping is a very good idea for cold weather boat lovers whether your boat is in the water or not. Wrapping it protects the boat from moisture damage and keeps it warmer inside. Not everyone wraps their boats but it can expose boats especially unattended ones to more.

Although we do not recommend leaving any dock in the water over winter there are some shorelines that make it almost impossible to bring a floating dock out of the water. You may be able to keep your floating dock in the water over the winter if the floating dock is located in a protected bay and the fingers are properly disconnected and secured. In the winter the air pressure may not be enough to keep frozen water expands when frozen from squeezing and possibly puncturing the pontoons.

I would remove it from the lake rather than taking a chance and finding it 30 down in the spring. There are pontoon boat web sites which could also be a help. Last winter was a particularly easy one here in the Northeast leading many to consider leaving their boats in the water this winter.

There can be some real advantages to wintering your boat at a marina that invites in-water winter storage. Many people choose to leave hydraulic boat lifts in over the winter. This is possible in areas where ice flows arent a concern.

However it is only possible so long as you properly flush the lines to ensure there is no moisture and verify that the hydraulic fluid is formulated for winter weather conditions. A lot of folks will leave their boats in the water during the winter and if the water will freeze they often use a Bubbler System or a Dock De-Icer to move and aerate the surrounding water around the boats hull this way the water wont freeze. The problem with leaving a tank mostly empty is that it increases the tanks lung capacity to breath in moist air water through the tanks vent.

If the tank is mostly empty over the winter there will also be less E-10 gas in the tank to absorb the moisture. The boat gets good ventilation over the winter. Canvas has its downsides.

Higher up front cost. A custom canvas product is never cheap and it must be measured and fitted to your boat. It doesnt shed water and snow as well as shrink wrap.

Canvas doesnt keep water out like shrink wrap and its more likely to leak. Heck just leave lift in water with the boat on it and before ice out use bubbler for day or 2. This what goes on in sisters lakes mi.

Last edited by skidoolouie. 06-06-2014 at 0103 PM. 06-06-2014 1100 AM 6.

If I do a full systems winterizing and add antifreeze throughout am I ok to leave boat in the water covered slip at Deltaville Yacht Club. I would prefer that over hauling it. Removing the battery is not recommended if the boat will remain in the water during the winter period.

Boats left in the water should have the battery on board and functioning so the bilge pump will continue to function if needed. After taking the batteries out clean the battery storage area in your boat. In the winter the water your dock is in will change.

The water can freeze and shift everything inside of it. It is important to take the proper steps for securing your dock if you plan to leave it in the water. If you want to leave your dock in place make sure you have the trifecta of circumstances to do so.

The alternative to dock removal is obviously leaving it in the lake for the winter. If your docks heavy or not really built for removal and reinstallation consider bubbling. Bubblers or de-icers come in two basic types.

Most common and simple are ice eaters. Winterizing your boat lift is as easy as taking it out of the water. Leaving your boat lift in the water could result in damage from freezing conditions especially if you live in an area where ice movement is common.

A wheel kit from ShoreMaster can make boat lift removal as easy as rolling it out of the water and your boat lift can easily sit on those wheels or its pads.