When cold weather arrives, it may be time to put your boat and other watercraft in indoor storage. Whether you have that done professionally or do it yourself, there are important considerations for protecting your watercraft.
Covering your boat, no matter where it’s stored, can prevent critters such as rodents and insects from setting up house. And using dry storage can prevent damage from the elements to your boat’s finish and exposed upholstery. Keep in mind, though, that raising a boat onto keel blocks at home is dangerous to both the watercraft and the workers.
One of the most important things you can do is maintain off-season insurance coverage. While small watercraft may fall under some homeowners policies, vessels of more than 50 horsepower are typically excluded from coverage, so a boat insurance policy would be best. Talk to your agent or broker about your marina’s or storage facility’s insurance coverage as well, since it might not provide the full protection you need.
