While you may have a marine mechanic inspect your boat in the fall to make sure everything is in good working order and ready for storage, there are some things you can do to make sure your boat handles the winter weather well.

1. Remove the loose items in your boat. These loose items include all boat safety equipment like fire extinguishers and flares.  Take out the electronics, your valuables, cushions, and life jackets — store all these items in boxes where you can easily find them in the spring.  Storing boating items properly and away from the cold will help them stay new, and the cold air won’t age them unnecessarily.
2. You may want to consider a mold or mildew control product when your boat is stored over long periods. An anti-mold product will help keep it smelling good and eliminate the mold growth that happens if moisture gets inside the boat while it is stored.
3. To give your boat a final clean before you store it, use special cleaners to remove things like sap or other stains. Wash the whole boat and all its components to make sure it is in excellent and clean condition while it is stored.  Having a clean boat will help when you are ready to get it back out on the water and don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning it.  Leaving it dirty can also cause wear and tear that isn’t necessary.
4. Consider how you will cover your boat or if it is going to be stored in a garage or storage facility. Make sure the area around the boat is secure, and it isn’t susceptible to having debris fall on it during a storm.
5. Get your trailer inspected to make sure that it is in excellent working condition and doesn’t need any adjustments or repairs this fall.

If you have a jet boat or want one, Rogue Jet Boats in Oregon is available to answer any questions you have about taking care of your boat in the fall and preparing it for storage.