Winterizing Your Boat: Marina Storage Options

Updated March 2026

If you boat in a region with freezing winters, what you do in October determines whether April is a smooth launch or an expensive surprise. Here's how to handle winter storage right.

Storage Options Compared

Wet Storage (In-Water Winter)

Keeping your boat in the water through winter works in regions where temperatures rarely drop below 25°F and ice formation is minimal — Chesapeake Bay (sometimes), the Carolinas, and the southern half of the Pacific coast.

Requirements for safe wet winter storage:

• Bubbler system — Air bubblers around the hull prevent ice from forming against the boat. Most marinas that offer wet winter storage provide these.
• Winterized systems — Even in water, you must drain and antifreeze all freshwater lines, the engine cooling system, and the head.
• Shore power — You'll want to run a heater or dehumidifier. Unheated boats accumulate damaging moisture and mold.
• Regular checks — Someone should check the boat weekly for chafe on dock lines, bilge pump function, and shore power connection.

Dry Storage (Haul-Out)

The most common option in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and northern states. The marina hauls your boat with a travel lift, sets it on jackstands in the yard, and you winterize everything.

Typical haul-out process:

1. Marina hauls the boat and pressure-washes the bottom
2. Boat is blocked on jackstands in the storage yard
3. You (or the marina) winterize all systems: engine, freshwater, head, AC
4. Optional: shrink wrap for weather protection
5. Spring: recommission systems, bottom paint if needed, launch

Costs: Haul and launch is typically $10-20/foot each way. Monthly yard storage adds $25-50/foot. A 35-foot boat: roughly $1,500-3,000 for the full winter season including haul/launch.

Shrink Wrap

A plastic wrap applied over a frame that covers the entire boat. Protects against snow, rain, UV, and wind. It's the gold standard for outdoor winter storage in harsh climates.

• Cost: $12-25/foot to wrap, plus disposal fee in spring
• Venting is critical — sealed boats trap moisture and breed mold. Proper wraps include vents.
• Access: most wraps include a zippered door so you can check on the boat during winter
• Environmental note: shrink wrap is single-use plastic. Some marinas now offer recyclable wrap or reusable canvas covers.

The Winterization Checklist

Engine

• Change oil and oil filter (acids in used oil corrode during storage)
• Flush cooling system and fill with non-toxic antifreeze
• Fog cylinders with fogging oil to prevent corrosion
• Fill fuel tanks to 90% and add fuel stabilizer
• Change fuel filters

Water Systems

• Drain freshwater tank, hot water heater, and all lines
• Pump non-toxic antifreeze through all faucets and the head
• Drain and antifreeze the raw water washdown

Electrical

• Disconnect batteries or connect a maintenance charger
• Remove portable electronics to prevent condensation damage

Interior

• Remove all food, perishables, and anything that can freeze
• Open all lockers, drawers, and doors for ventilation
• Place moisture absorbers (DampRid) throughout the cabin
• Remove cushions or stand them on edge for airflow

Exterior

• Remove canvas, clean, and store dry
• Remove sails or cover with UV protection
• Dinghy: deflate and store indoors, or cover if on davits

Choosing a Marina for Winter Storage

• Security — Gated yard, cameras, and fire suppression are important when your boat is sitting unattended for months
• DIY policy — Can you do your own work in the yard? Some marinas require all work be done by their yard crew (at their rates)
• Spring scheduling — Popular marinas book launch dates early. Reserve your spring launch slot when you haul out in fall.
• Proximity — Choose somewhere you can reasonably visit during winter to check on the boat