Posted on December 5, 2024

Best Ways to Protect Boats in Winter Storms and Prevent Boat Dock Damage

Protect Boats in Winter: Prevent Boat & Dock Storm Damage

Written by PolyDock Products Marketing

The close of the boating season signals the start of winterization tasks for boat owners. While most efforts are centered on preventing freezing damage and protecting the watercraft’s electronics, the threat of winter storms and unpredictable weather conditions are often overlooked. Without the proper precautions, high winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snow can cause significant damage to both your boat and docking system. 

Below, we offer practical tips for keeping your investments safe, secure, and ready for action next season. 

Why Winterizing Your Boat and Dock Is Critical  

Increased moisture from lower temperatures, rain, and snow can seep into crevices, creating ideal conditions for corrosion, mold, and mildew. In colder regions, water left in the engine, pipes, or tanks can expand as it freezes, potentially cracking or breaking critical components. According to Boat US’ 10-year analysis of freeze claims, 75% of damages involved cracks in the engine block or the exhaust manifolds (BoatUS, n.d.). Even in temperate climates, the residual moisture can lead to rust and corrosion over winter.

Winter can also take a heavy toll on docks, especially as heavy snowfall, ice, and fluctuating water conditions constantly stress dock materials and structures. Neglecting to prepare your boat and dock system for these challenges can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs, leading to headaches instead of enjoying the water come spring. 

Top Ways to Protect Your Boat During Winter Storms  

Winter storms can introduce extreme conditions, so having a plan for protecting your investments is crucial. Here are essential tips to keep your boat safe throughout the season:

  • Remove the Boat from the Water: While we always recommend taking the boat out of the water when not in use, freezing water, ice, and debris from winter storms can be especially damaging to the hull. Storing the boat on land or a lift prevents prolonged exposure to moisture and rough water conditions. If you must leave the vessel on the water, secure it with sturdy lines to minimize movement and mitigate impact damage to the watercraft and dock.  
  • Indoor Storage: While they often come at a premium, indoor storage facilities provide a controlled environment that shields boats from freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and high winds. For those looking to ensure their vessel remains in pristine condition throughout the winter, indoor storage is an investment that pays off in reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and a hassle-free transition back to the water in spring.
  • Secure Covering: If indoor storage isn’t feasible, shrink-wrapping your boat or investing in a high-quality, fitted cover are your next best options. According to the experts at Improve Sailing, a good winter cover should snugly fit the vessel without any gaps or sagging to prevent it from flapping or tearing in the wind. It should also have vents or breathable panels to prevent moisture buildup (Improve Sailing, n.d.). Remember to use a support system to create an angled roof effect that sheds snow and water.
  • Outdoor Storage: If you’re storing the boat on a trailer, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and consider placing blocks under the axles to take the weight off the tires and reduce long-term wear. If you're using stands, position them at sturdy, load-bearing points on the hull to prevent warping and unnecessary strain. Distribute weight evenly by placing stands under the keel and along the sides, adjusting them for a secure, balanced hold.  

We also recommend strategically placing desiccants or dehumidifiers inside the boat to absorb moisture and prevent mold, mildew, rust, and corrosion. 

How Floating Docks Help in Winter Protection  

High-quality floating docks offer distinct advantages against challenging winter conditions. Unlike stationary docks, these versatile docking solutions move with the water rather than resisting it, making them less prone to ice damage. As floating docks adjust to fluctuating water conditions, they experience less structural strain, enabling them to maintain durability and stability even in harsh environments. If you’re storing your boat on a lift, this adaptability helps keep the vessel safe and secure. 

Premium floating dock systems like those from PolyDock feature a modular design. In addition to allowing owners to add or reconfigure the dock layout as needs change, this also makes them easy to remove or reposition when conditions become too challenging.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Boat  

Here’s a quick guide to protecting your boat from winter hazards:

  • Clean and Inspect: Start by thoroughly cleaning the hull, propulsion system, and interior, washing away any dirt, grime, or debris as these can hold moisture. Pay close attention to cracks in the hull, as they will worsen over winter if left unrepaired. As Tim Romano of Trout Unlimited eloquently put it, “Moisture plus cold equals bad” (Romano, 2021).
  • Drain and Flush Systems: Drain all water systems and flush the engine with antifreeze. Fill the fuel tank, add a stabilizer to prevent condensation, and change the oil to keep the engine in good condition during winter storage. 
  • Remove Equipment and Gear: Remove the battery and connect it to a trickle charger in a dry, climate-controlled environment. Take all external equipment, gear, and other items to prevent condensation damage and theft. 

If you’re unfamiliar with winterizing boats, we recommend taking it to a professional. This ensures your boat is fully protected during winter storage and primed for the next boating season. 

How PolyDock Docks Provide Long-Term Protection for Your Boat  

Each PolyDock modular floating dock section is constructed from high-density, rotationally molded polyethylene, a material with a low-temperature impact resistance of 160 foot-pounds according to the ARM test method. This test measures the energy required to break a sample at low temperatures, indicating how well the material can withstand impacts in cold conditions. Polyethylene also has a tensile yield strength of 3,410 psi according to the ASTM D638 standard. This means it can withstand a stress of 3,410 pounds per square inch before it begins to deform.

 

In addition to reducing floating dock maintenance requirements to a minimum, the premium construction techniques used in each PolyDock section provide owners with a reliable dock system designed to withstand challenging marine conditions year-round. Superior stability, unlimited configurability, and the utmost ease of ownership – these are the benefits of buying a floating dock from PolyDock. 

Contact us today to inquire about the cost of a floating dock system and discover the PolyDock difference.  

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