Wake Boat Winter Storage Guide

As winter approaches, you’ll need to find a place to store your wake boat that will protect it from the elements and keep it safe. Proper storage is essential to ensure your boat is ready to hit the water when warmer weather returns. Here’s a guide to help walk you through the choices and each step of winter storage, from drying it out to selecting the best storage option.

1. Preparing Your Boat for Storage

Dry Out Your Boat

Leaving moisture in your boat can lead to mold, mildew, and long-term structural issues. When drying out your boat for winter storage, pay special attention to draining all water from the bilge, ballast systems, and any other areas where water could potentially accumulate, including compartments and cushions; pay special attention to low points in the boat where water might pool, and consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.

Winterize Your Boat

Winterizing prevents damage from freezing temperatures. This process involves draining water from the engine block, trans cooler, heater, shower, and other parts of the boat. Spraying winter seal into your engine block will also help corrosion. Treating fuel with stabilizer is also recommended to keep it fresh over the winter.  Your battery also needs to be fully charged and disconnected to prevent it from draining over the winter.  

Many boat owners choose to have their boat professionally winterized to avoid costly repairs, as an improperly winterized engine can suffer major damage. 

2. Choosing the Type of Storage

How and where you store your boat has a big influence on its condition when you pull it out of storage in the spring. Here are a few options to consider:

Indoor Heated Storage: Indoor storage is considered the optimal boat storage option.  In addition to protecting your boat from snow, rain, and harmful UV rays, heated facilities shield your boat from temperature fluctuations. These options typically range from $300 to $500+ per month for a typical sized wake boat.  The higher priced heated storage options often include some type of annual maintenance services like impeller replacement, fluid changes, and more. Some premium facilities even offer delivery and pickup services, transporting your boat between the storage facility and your home if you live within a certain distance to the storage facility.  Heated storage generally cots more in colder climates.

Standard Indoor Storage: While not heated, an indoor facility will protect your boat from snow, rain, and harmful UV rays. This option is usually in the mid-price range, generally costing $200–$400 per month depending on the location.

Outdoor Storage: For those looking for a lower-cost option, outdoor storage generally costs between $100 and $250 per month. While it’s more affordable, outdoor storage leaves your boat more exposed to the elements. If you go this route, make sure you have a high-quality mooring cover or consider shrink wrapping your boat to protect it from sun, rain, snow, and wind. Just ensure it’s thoroughly dry before wrapping, as shrink-wrapping can trap moisture inside.

3. Security Considerations

Wake boats can be valuable assets, new wake boats can easily cost $150,000 to $200,000+, so choosing a reputable storage facility with good security is very important. Look for facilities with video surveillance, secure fencing, and a good reputation. This helps protect your investment and gives you peace of mind that your boat will be safe over the winter.   Some facilities have staff who will pull your boat out of the facility and have it ready when you schedule a pickup. This added security limits the number of people who have access to the storage facility.  Consider removing your gear and personal belongings from the boat when you have it in storage. 

4. Cover Your Boat

Even if your boat is stored indoors, a cover provides an added layer of protection against dust, debris, and minor temperature changes.  For outdoor storage, a quality mooring cover or shrink wrap is recommended.  Whenever you cover your boat, it is important to dry it out to prevent water damage.

5. Costs of Boat Storage

Boat storage costs vary widely, typically ranging from $100 to $500+ per month. Lower-cost options are usually outdoor facilities, while higher-end pricing often reflects premium indoor heated storage, that may include extra services. Many high-end storage facilities include annual maintenance like impeller replacement and fluid changes, as well as convenient delivery and pickup services within a certain distance. While the cost may be higher, these additional services can save time and help extend the life of your boat.

Conclusion

Storing your wake boat properly over the winter is a smart investment, protecting it from the elements and ensuring it stays secure. Whether you choose premium indoor storage or take steps for outdoor storage, following these tips will help keep your boat safe and ready for your next season on the water with your family.

Other considerations:

  • If your boat needs any maintenance or repairs, it is a good idea to schedule the repairs over the winter.  Repair shops aren't as busy in the winter and it is easier to get your boat in.  If you wait to do repairs until spring when you pull your boat out of storage, there may be a delay getting your boat on the water.

  • Storage facilities charge based on the size of the boat.  Larger boats often cost more to store.

  • Before taking your boat out in the spring, be sure to have it inspected and properly de-winterized.

 

Active Water Sports Storage Options - Canby Oregon and Redmond Oregon