Our summer days are drifting away, and fall is almost upon us. With Labor Day marking the traditional end of the “summer” travel season, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming Idaho cold season and what that means for your annual marine recreation maintenance. That’s right; it’s time to start planning to winterize your boat!
While you finish enjoying these last hazy days of summer, the team at McDowells Specialty Repair decided to lend you a hand and made a list of steps you should take to prepare your boat for the upcoming cold season!
Secure Your Storage Space
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare space in the garage to store that boat, so if you fall into this category you will need to make sure that your boat storage space is secured for the months ahead! It’s important to note that most towns and cities have laws preventing extended street parking for recreational assets like boats and RVs, so getting your storage arrangement lined out early is especially important!
Swab That Deck!
Giving your boat a thorough clean before storing it for the winter will save your boat from potential damages like rust or wood rot from moisture left on your boat from your last marine adventure. An added bonus? Come springtime, you can get out on the water that much faster because you don’t have to worry about a deep clean before starting your boating season! Use environmentally friendly cleaners to protect the aquatic life at your favorite lake, and watch your boat shine!
Give The Engine Some TLC
If your boat is motorized, getting your engine serviced is an absolute must before storing your boat for the cold months. When in doubt, call in a professional boat mechanic; but you may find that simple tasks like light bulb replacement and an oil change can easily be done on your own at home!
Check Those Little Details
Before storing your boat away, you will want to take a look at those important things you keep on your boat and rely on! If your boat cover is torn, you’ll want to get that replaced. Checking your boating essentials like your anchor, rigging, and flotation devices can save you from trouble in the spring…and can save you cash, since there might be a sale on boating goods with the close of the season!
Professional Cosmetic Repairs
If the interior of your boat has seen better days, it may be time to consider interior boat repair with McDowells! Whether your dash is sunbleached and damaged or there’s a tear in your leather or vinyl seat cushions, the team at McDowells has the tools and the know-how to make everything good as new. Contact us for more information and an estimate on your boat repair today!