5 Common Ways to Damage Your Boat During the Winter.
5 Common Ways Boat Covers Prevent Damage to Your Boat During the Winter – Canvas Craft
In the United States, one out of 10 households owns a boat, and there are around 12 million registered boats used for recreation. Even more, Americans enjoy being out on the water with their family and friends throughout the spring, summer, and early fall months. The marine industry offers numerous products and guidelines to help boat owners protect their investments during the off-season.
However, when the winter weather arrives, it’s time to enjoy more indoor-oriented hobbies. It seems like it feels even colder out on the water than on land, which means most boaters need to get their boats ready for the winter temperatures and conditions, even before it’s actually winter.
Unfortunately, many boat owners fail to winterize their boats, and this can cause damage to their boats and delay their pleasure of returning to the water in the spring. So, here are some common ways of damaging your boat over the winter months; we hope by addressing these common issues, you’re better prepared to protect your time on the water.
Preparing for Winter Storage
Preparing your boat for winter storage is crucial to ensure its longevity and performance. Start by giving your boat a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to all surfaces, including the hull, deck, and interior. This step helps prevent dirt, grime, and mildew from accumulating and causing damage over the winter months.
Next, invest in a high-quality boat cover specifically designed for winter storage. A custom fit boat cover is your best bet, as it’s tailored to fit your boat’s unique shape and size, providing optimal protection. Look for covers made from durable, water-resistant materials like vinyl or polyester, and ensure they have vinyl reinforcements at stress points for added durability.
Finally, store your boat in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help prevent damage from UV rays, mildew, and other environmental factors, ensuring your boat remains in top condition when spring arrives.
Wrong Custom Fit Boat Covers
Depending on where you live, your boat might be subject to some harsh winter weather. If you simply use your traveling cover, you aren’t protecting it as well as you could. A traveling cover doesn’t have the design or durability to stand up to ice and snow, which means when spring arrives, you might discover that the inside of your boat needs a lot of work.
From upholstery and flooring to the electrical systems, the winter elements can damage your boat. The right boat cover provides the coverage and versatility that you need to keep essential systems and the interior in tip-top shape. Investing in quality boat covers ensures that your boat remains protected from harsh winter conditions.
You need to make sure that you find a cover that is designed to stand up to the harsher conditions of a cold winter, especially when you know that your boat will sit unattended for an extended period of time outside. The right boat cover can make all the difference when warmer weather returns, and ensure you’ll be ready to get back out on the water.
No Quality Boat Covers
Surprisingly, many boat owners don’t actually cover their boats in the winter months. Whether you’re leaving your boat inside or out, it’s important that you have it properly covered. Remember, the hull of your boat is designed to consistently be in the water, the rest of the boat isn’t.
If you don’t cover your boat, you can expect to spend a few days cleaning and repairing the upholstery in the cabin, removing mold and mildew, and likely even replacing carpet or other fabrics.
Additionally, when snow and ice pile up on the deck of your boat, they’ll melt and refreeze throughout the winter months. This can cause damage to your deck fittings. This could lead to damage of the stanchion bases.
Finally, if water seeps into a small space and then freezes again, it will expand and cause damage and breakage to almost any area of your boat. It’s essential that you find the right cover and protect your investment throughout the winter months. Protective mooring covers are crucial for ensuring your boat remains secure and undamaged while tied up during the winter.
Failure to Clean and Dry the Boat
Neglecting to clean and dry your boat before winter storage can lead to serious issues. Dirt, grime, and mildew can build up, causing damage to the hull, deck, and interior, which can result in costly repairs. Moisture left in the boat can seep into systems, leading to corrosion, rust, and other problems that compromise your boat’s performance.
Moreover, a dirty and damp boat can attract pests and rodents, which can cause further damage and create unpleasant odors. To avoid these problems, it’s essential to thoroughly clean and dry your boat before storing it for the winter. This simple step can save you time, money, and hassle when it’s time to hit the water again.
Dust, Debris, and Critters
As mentioned above, If you’re storing your boat indoors, some owners skip having a cover altogether. However, even an indoor space can bring a host of possible damages if you don’t cover your boat properly. You may even face some of the same damage as leaving outdoors uncovered, such as mold and mildew.
You may find your boat covered in dust and debris. This could take days of cleaning to restore your boat before being able to take it out on the water again. Some dust and debris can even create stains that you can’t get rid of easily.
Moisture left in the boat can seep into systems, leading to corrosion, rust, and other problems that compromise your boat’s performance. Using cleaning products with added features can help ensure thorough maintenance and protection of your boat’s systems.
Mice, squirrels, and other critters can decimate your boat over a few winter months in dry storage. They will gleefully chew through wires and hoses, and tear up upholstered items to create nice warm nests. You may also find evicting them in the spring isn’t as easy as it should be.
Even if you’re storing your boat inside during the winter weather, you still need the right cover to protect it.
Benefits of Custom Fit Boat Covers
Custom fit boat covers offer numerous benefits for boat owners. Firstly, they provide a snug, tailored fit that ensures maximum protection for your boat. Unlike universal covers, which can be loose and ill-fitting, custom fit covers are designed to match your boat’s unique shape and size, providing a secure and watertight seal.
Secondly, custom fit covers are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements. Typically crafted from durable, water-resistant materials like vinyl or polyester, these covers often feature vinyl reinforcements at stress points for added durability.
Lastly, custom fit covers are built to last, with many manufacturers offering warranties and guarantees on their products. This means you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your boat is well-protected and that you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
Inspecting and Maintaining the Boat Cover
Inspecting and maintaining your boat cover is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Regularly check your cover for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, and fading. Make any necessary repairs promptly to prevent further damage.
Additionally, clean your cover regularly to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. Use a mild detergent and water, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the fabric. Keeping your cover clean will help maintain its protective qualities.
Finally, consider applying a fabric protector or waterproofing treatment to your cover. This will enhance its water resistance and durability, extending the life of your cover and ensuring it continues to provide maximum protection for your boat.
Your Wallet
You might think that your insurance will cover anything that happens to your boat. However, this isn’t true. While your insurance might cover damage that occurs during a winter storm, it isn’t going to cover it if you didn’t take the basic precautions, such as covering it. Ensure you purchase your boat cover early, as stock can run low during peak seasons.
Here are four things that your insurance isn’t going to cover if it happens to your boat:
Common wear and tear: This is the type of thing that you would consider general maintenance for your boat.
Critters, insects, and mold: Insurance doesn’t typically cover damage due to an infestation. You must take precautions to ensure one doesn’t happen.
Damage due to improperly transporting or storing your boat: If your trailer isn’t rated to carry your boat, and it falls off, the damage isn’t covered.
Accessories: All those cool gadgets on your boat aren’t going to be covered by insurance.
Note: It’s essential that you carefully review your own insurance policy, as every policy is different.
Lose Time on the Water
Spring is the busiest time of year for companies that handle repairs. If you haven’t properly taken care of your boat over the winter, you might find the repairs take longer than normal. This means you’ll lose time on the water.
The best way to protect your boat and investment over the harsh winter months is with the right boat cover. At Canvas Craft, we’ve got your boat covered, literally and figuratively. Contact us today to get ready for winter. Our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you in selecting the best cover for your boat and answering any questions you may have.