Keeping your boat clean and dry is a fundamental step in preparing your boat for storage in the off-season.

Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of your boat before putting it in storage. Be sure to remove any traces of marine growth. Allow the boat to air dry completely before storage. Trapped moisture can damage your boat and encourage mildew growth.

Use cleaning products that are nontoxic and environmentally friendly in order to protect marine life that may be exposed to these products when you put your boat back in the water. Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or that contain chemicals that may oxidize your boat’s sealant and paint over time.

Check your boat’s covers—both the boat cover and the outboard motor cover—for rips or tears that could allow moisture to seep inside the boat’s interior or engine. Replace your boat and motor cover if they are torn or damaged. Clean your canvas storage cover periodically with diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and let air dry fully before use.

If you are storing your boat outdoors without adequate shelter, do not allow excess snow or rain to build up on top of the boat storage cover. Allowing your cover to sag underneath the weight of snow or water may compromise your cover’s protection and defense against moisture and the elements.