How To Store Your Boat Ashore This Winter
Summer was full of fun, laughter, beautiful days on the water and the joy of being on your boat. But now it’s fall, cold, windy, steely grey most of the time, and your boating days are limited to daydreams. It’s time to put the boat safely to bed for the winter and the safest way to store a boat is to bring it ashore. Here are some pointers to help you and your boat rest easy through another long winters. For winterizing tips for mechanical and electrical systems, see our related article.
1. The best way to store your boat is in a steel or wooden cradle specifically designed for your boat. Never use a cradle designed for another vessel because it may not support critical load points. If you keep your boat on a trailer, make sure the boat is positioned evenly to distribute its load on the trailer rollers or bunks.
2. If you’re using jack stands, there should be no less than three pairs of jack stands placed under boats larger than 26 feet, and additional support at long overhangs.
3. Jack stand pads should always be placed as far out from the keel as possible to provide the most stability. A boat that is resting on the ground or loose gravel should have plywood placed under the base of the stands. Without this, rain and frost could cause the stand to settle into the earth causing the boat to tip over. Where you keep your boat is important—if the ground is well drained the stands will remain in place. If wet, then freezing and thawing will tend to move the stands. A tent or shelter is always helpful, keeping ground and boat dry.
4. When positioned correctly, jack stands should not depress the hull or “point load,” where excessive weight at a single area can cause laminate failure. Make carpet pads to protect the hull surface.
5. Always use safety chains – never rope or wire – to tie pairs of jack stands together. Never tie a tarp to the stands as the tarp’s rope can pull the stands out.
6. Keels must be supported by wide, thick timbers. Never use cinder blocks as they are prone to failure. Engines and outboards may require additional support.
7. Boat covers must be supported underneath to positively shed water and prevent it from pooling, which can add considerable weight and put additional pressure on keel supports.
8. Boats should be stored in the level position to allow scuppers and bilge drains to be effective. Drains should also be left open and kept clear of debris. Boats with transom drains should be positioned slightly bow-up.
9. Fixed-keel sailboats, such as club racers stored on trailers, are prone to being knocked over when wind is on the beam. Use jack stands to provide additional support. Again, as with jack stands, make sure the ground under the trailer is well drained and dry.
10. Check your boat on a regular basis as damage can be prevented by an occasional visit. Test those jack stands and keel blocks to make sure they are bearing evenly against the hull.
After you’ve got your boat properly set on the ground for winter, run through your winterization list to avoid some of those common mistakes boat owners make. See our article on most common winterization mistakes for additional information.