A Guide to Winter Storage and Fall Service

For many, buying a boat in Maine is the realization of a lifelong dream. But with Maine’s beauty comes a climate of extremes. Proper winter storage and fall servicing aren’t just seasonal chores; they’re vital steps in safeguarding your investment and ensuring smooth operation for years to come.  There are many area dealerships that are eager to sell you a new boat, but very few that have the staff, facility, and tools to properly take care of your new boat.  At Hamlin’s Marine we invest heavily in our workforce, and we have over 200,000 square feet of warehousing dedicated to indoor boat storage.  Hamlin’s Marine want to ensure your new boat stays looking great and operates at peak performance.  

Maine is renowned for its maritime culture, but it’s equally known for its long, cold winters and unpredictable autumn weather. Freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and fluctuating humidity levels can inflict significant damage on a boat that isn’t properly stored and maintained. Many problems—cracked engines, burst plumbing, mold, and hull damage—stem from inadequate winterization and storage. 

For first-time buyers, it’s crucial to anticipate these challenges and approach fall service and winter storage with a proactive mindset. 

The transition from boating season to winter downtime isn’t just about stowing your boat away. It’s about preparing every crucial system for months of inactivity and harsh conditions. Neglecting these tasks can result in expensive repairs, devalued equipment, and lost boating time come spring.  Most people own many boats during their lifetime.  A well-maintained boat retains value much better than a neglected boat. 

Proper winterizing and storage: 

• Prevent engine and plumbing damage from freezing 
• Protect hull and deck structures from moisture and ice 
• Guard against mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors 

Autumn is the time to give your boat a thorough checkup and address any maintenance issues. Here’s a detailed checklist for first-time boat owners: 

• Oil Change: Old oil can contain contaminants that corrode engine parts over winter. Change the oil and oil filter. 
• Fuel System: Top off the fuel tank to reduce condensation and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent varnish and gumming. 
• Flush and Drain: Flush the engine with fresh water and drain water from the cooling system to prevent freezing damage. 
• Antifreeze: Circulate marine antifreeze through the engine, especially for inboard motors. 

• Drain all freshwater systems, including tanks, pipes, live wells, and heads. 
• Pump non-toxic antifreeze through water lines, sinks, showers, and toilets to protect against freezing. 

• Disconnect batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Charge periodically over the winter. 
• Inspect all wiring, fuses, and connections for corrosion or wear. 
• Remove sensitive electronics and store them indoors. 

• Clean and dry the hull, deck, and all interior spaces thoroughly. 
• Inspect for blisters, cracks, or other damage that should be repaired before storage. 
• Apply a fresh coat of wax or hull protectant. 
• Open lockers, drawers, and storage spaces so air circulates freely; use moisture absorbers to control humidity. 

• Remove, clean, and store canvas covers, cushions, and upholstery. 
• Launder and dry any fabrics to prevent mildew. 
• Inspect PFDs, lines, and safety equipment. Store in a dry location. 

• Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation. 
• Grease wheel bearings. 
• Check lights, brakes, and couplers. Clean and lubricate as needed. 

Where and how you store your boat is as important as how you prepare it. Maine offers several storage options: 

The gold standard for boat protection in Maine, indoor heated storage shelters your vessel from temperature extremes, snow, and ice. It’s the most expensive option but offers maximum peace of mind—especially for high-value boats.  Cost:  $80 to $110 per foot. 

Unheated indoor storage keeps your boat out of the elements but requires thorough winterization, as it still gets as cold as the outside air.  Cost:  $57 to $79 per foot. 

The lowest cost option is outdoor storage in Hampden.  We use shrink-wrap to tightly seal and protect the boat. Quality shrink-wrap keeps out water, dirt, and UV rays.   $35 per foot for shrink wrap plus $300 for storage on site. 

Many first-time buyers wonder whether to winterize their boat themselves or hire a professional. Both options have merits: 

• DIY: Cost-effective for hands-on owners comfortable with engines and systems, provided you follow manufacturer procedures and checklists carefully. 
• Professional: Hamlin’s Marine follows manufacturers’ recommendations for our boat and engine brands, and we use OEM parts.  This ensures that your warranty is in compliance, and we keep all of your service records on file.  Also, when we service your boat, we look for any defects or problems and hold our manufacturers accountable for any warranty coverage opportunities. 

The last thing that dealers want to discuss with a new boat customer is the cost to properly maintain your investment.  Depending on the level of DIY or Dealership Service you choose, you can estimate 5-10% of the purchase price as annual cost. 

Hamlin’s Marine wants you to enjoy trouble free time on the water and be proud of your boat.