If you are a new boat owner who lives in an area where boating is a seasonal activity, you're probably already aware that putting your boat in storage for the winter is recommended. However, you may not be aware that periods of inactivity can be tough on your watercraft. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize or completely eliminate performance problems when boating season returns. Following are three things that you should do before putting your boat in storage for the winter.

Top off the Tank

Filling your boat's fuel tank completely before putting it in storage will prevent condensation from building up in the fuel tank. Condensation can cause an accumulation of water that can make your boat malfunction the next time you take it out on the water -- and who wants to spend the first day of fishing season on the lake with a broken down boat? You should also clean or replace the boat's fuel filter and add a fuel stabilizer specifically formulated for use in marine engines. After adding the stabilizer, run your engine for a minute or two to ensure that it gets properly mixed in with the fuel.

Change the Oil

You should also change your boat's oil at the end of boating season before you put the vessel into storage. Starting your boat's engine for a minute or two will warm the oil up enough to help flush out sediment and impurities when you pour the oil out. You should then use winter-weight oil to refill the engine's oil compartment and replace the oil filter with a new one. Before disposing of the used oil in an environmentally responsible manner, visually inspect it for discoloration in the form of milky streaks. This is a possible sign of the presence of water in the oil and an indication that the seals on your engine are leaking. You should have a qualified marine mechanic perform a thorough inspection and repair the problem prior to putting your boat in storage.

Lubricate the Small Things

One of the biggest dangers of long periods of inactivity is that rust can easily develop during this time. Lubricating all metal surfaces will help prevent this from happening. Apply a light, even coating of lubricant to all hinges, switches, latches, and other small metal objects. You should also coat the propeller shaft, and if your boat is on a trailer, you should lubricate the trailer wheel bearings at this time.

Storing your boat in a climate controlled, closed facility is also recommended in order to protect your boat from the weather and to keep it safe from vandals and thieves. For more information, contact Epic Group Inc. or a similar company.

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