Tag: boat storage

  • Winter Boating: How To Boat In The Winter

    Winter Boating: How To Boat In The Winter

    Winter can be a depressing time for boaters. After months of fun in the sun, you’re stuck inside, dreaming of warmer days, and the long, cold winter months can be difficult for boaters who have to go without their beloved watercraft when they winterize their boat. 

    This guide will help boat owners like you survive those cold winter months and maintain our sanity. This guide will provide you with some tips for how to make it through winter as a boater, as well as some practical advice on how to maintain and protect your boat throughout this cold season. 

    Embrace Your Inner Landlubber 

    If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy from not being able to take your boat out on the lake, why not embrace your inner landlubber? There are plenty of activities that you can partake in that will help ease the pain of being away from your beloved watercraft. Take up hiking in your local state park or go skiing at one of the nearby ski resorts! Just make sure to bundle up—it might be cold outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! 

    Get Your Boat Ready For Winter Storage 

    It’s important that you properly prepare your boat for winter storage if you want it to come out unscathed when warmer weather rolls around again. First things first—make sure that all fluids are topped off and all onboard electronics are turned off before putting it into storage, and there are plenty of storage options in Nebraska for your boat and boat service.

    Also, be sure to cover any exposed metal components with anti-corrosion spray or wrap them in plastic sheeting so they don’t rust over the winter months with both indoor boat storage and outdoor boat storage. Finally, check for any potential leaks or damage before storing your boat away so that you know what needs to be addressed when spring returns and Omaha boating season is here.  

    boaters-guide-to-surviving-winter-valley-marine

    Opportunities For Winter Maintenance Work

    Winter is the best time to do boat maintenance since you won’t be out on the lake, boating anyway. It’s cheaper than in summer when demand and prices are high. Dry dock boat storage makes repairs and upgrades easier. Doing maintenance in winter can get you excited about boating again when spring arrives. 

    Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Boat

    Before storing any boat for the winter months, it’s important to give it some TLC by performing regular maintenance checks. If possible, have a professional perform an inspection of your engine and all moving parts before putting it away for storage. You will want to have a qualified service center check all fluid levels, grease fittings, and hardware connections throughout the vessel in order to ensure everything is running smoothly when it comes time to take her out again in the springtime. 

    Finally, don’t forget about interior components such as upholstery; these items should be properly cleaned and stored away until next season as well! 

    Keeping Your Boat In the Best Condition 

    Finally, while no one wants their boat sitting idle all winter long it’s important to remember that sometimes rest is necessary in order for anything—including boats—to stay in top condition over time. Take advantage of this downtime by giving your vessel a deep cleaning before putting her away for storage; remove any debris from interior compartments and check all seals for leaks or damage so that she will be ready once again when spring rolls around!  

    Protect Your Boat in Storage

    The last step before putting away your boat is making sure it has proper storage protection such as shrink wrap or tarps designed specifically for boats. This will help keep moisture out while providing some insulation from extreme temperatures both hot and cold. Don’t forget about keeping your trailer in shape too – make sure bearings are greased properly before storing them away as well!  

    It Will Be Okay, The Summer Months Will Return

    Although winter can seem like an eternity for boaters who are itching to get back out onto the water, there are still plenty of ways that they can pass the time until warmer weather returns. From embracing your inner landlubber by participating in outdoor activities like skiing or hiking, preparing your boat for winter storage, or taking advantage of maintenance opportunities while demand is low. 

    You Will Be Back To Boating And Lake Life Soon

    For all of us avid boaters who may feel lost without our trusty vessel by our side, just remember that there’s no shortage of activities that will help us survive the chilly months until spring finally arrives again! So we recommend that you grab a warm drink and cozy up, because as frigid as Nebraska winters might be, we’ll make it through together!

    Valley Marine is happy to help you with any of your winter boat maintenance needs from service to purchase. Prepare for the warmth and lake life to return with our team, who are on standby and ready to get you back on the water fast.

    Resources:

    Boaters Guide To Winter Months

    Options For Winter Boat Storage

    THIS IS VALLEY MARINE

    We have all heard that old saying… “You are the company you keep.” In everything we do at Valley Marine, our goal is to be the company you keep. That helpful friend you call with a problem. That place you drop by just to say hello and share a laugh. Our dealership is comprised of an incredible team of people, all boaters ourselves, with a common purpose- to give you, our customer, the very best on water. It’s simple really. The Golden Rule. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

    Thank you for this opportunity to introduce ourselves. Please click on each member of our team to learn a little bit more about who we are and how we got here.

    Integrity. Boating. Company.

    BEST ON THE WATER

    Nebraska’s boating season is too short as it is. The last thing our customers need is to miss out on the precious season while their boat is in for repairs. At Valley Marine we understand this issue. That is why we have a complete service department comprised of six award-winning mechanics to help get you back out on the water as soon as possible.

    Valley Marine is pleased to offer on-site lake service testing for any boat that has been in our shop for repair. We the only dealer in Nebraska to offer this unique service to our customers. For the utmost in customer convenience, Valley Marine even offers a Mobile Service team that can make a “dock call” right to your boat.

    When Nebraska’s precious boating seasons comes to an end, just give us a call. We’ll come pick up your boat and store it inside one of our four spacious storage sheds. Now that’s service!

  • The Ultimate Boat Maintenance Checklist

    The Ultimate Boat Maintenance Checklist

    Preparing your boat for the end of the boating season is an important task that all boat owners should take seriously, which is why a boat maintenance checklist is essential. Not only will it ensure your boat is ready when you put your boat on the water again next season, but it will also protect your investment from damage during the winter months.

    In this post, we’ll go over a boat maintenance checklist to help you get your boat ready for storage.

    Cleaning and Detailing

    • Cleaning and detailing your boat is an important step in preparing it for winter storage. A thorough cleaning will remove dirt, grime, and salt that has accumulated during the boating season, and will also protect your boat from further damage.
    • Removing stubborn stains and mildew from your boat can be a difficult task. However, with the right cleaning products and techniques, you can get your boat looking like new again.
    • Once your boat is clean and detailed, it’s a good idea to protect surfaces from future damage. This can be done by applying a protective wax or sealant to the exterior of your boat.

    Mechanical Maintenance

    • Checking the engine and other mechanical systems is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. This includes checking the prop shaft, fuel system, and oil filter, and making sure that everything is in good working order.
    • Winterizing the engine and other mechanical components is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. This includes checking the fuel line, fuel hose, fuel filters, draining the fuel tank, and removing the battery.
    • Changing the oil and filters in your boat engine is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. This will ensure that your engine is running smoothly and is protected from damage during the winter months.

    Electrical Maintenance

    • Inspecting and maintaining the electrical systems on your boat is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. This includes checking the wiring, testing the battery, and ensuring that all electrical components are in good working order.
    • Protecting the battery and other electrical components from damage during the winter is an important step in preparing your boat for storage. This includes removing the battery and storing it in a dry, protected location.
    • Checking and maintaining the boat’s running and navigation lights is important. This includes checking the wiring, testing the lights and replacing any bulbs that are not working. It is also important to ensure that the lights meet the legal requirements for the type of boating you will be doing.

    Trailering and Storage

    • Trailering your boat to and from the storage facility is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. It is important to use the correct hitch, load the boat properly and drive safely.
    • Check the trailer’s tires and brakes, lubricate moving parts, and ensure that the boat is properly secured to the trailer before transportation.
    • Protecting your boat from damage during storage is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. This includes covering the boat and using a moisture absorber to prevent mold and mildew.
    • Before putting the boat in storage, it’s important to check the boat’s cover and canvas for any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking for any rips, tears, or holes, and making sure the cover fits properly. It is also a good idea to clean the cover and canvas and store them in a dry place to prevent mildew or mold.
    • When preparing your boat for winter storage, it’s important to properly store all the equipment and accessories such as life jackets, ropes, anchors and fishing gear. This can prevent damage or loss during storage and make sure that everything is in good working condition next season.
    • Selecting a storage facility that meets your needs is an important step in preparing your boat for winter storage. Consider factors such as location, security, and the facility’s ability to protect your boat from the elements. Check the facility’s rules and regulations, and whether they offer any additional services such as shrink-wrapping or winterization.

    Documentation

    • Check the boat’s registration and make sure it is up-to-date. This will ensure that the boat can be legally transported and stored, and it will also help to avoid any legal issues.
    • Review your boat’s insurance policy and make sure it is up-to-date and covers all the necessary risks. This includes checking the coverage limits, making sure the policy is still valid, and updating any personal information.


    Ultimately, end of season boat maintenance is a crucial task for all boat owners. It not only keeps your boat in good condition for the next boating season but also protects your investment during the winter months.

    It’s important to check and maintain various parts of your boat such as the fuel hose, prop shaft, oil filter, and fire extinguisher. Remember to check for wear and replace any items that need it. By following the boat maintenance checklist provided in this post, you can ensure that your boat is ready to hit the water again next season and you can have peace of mind while boating.

    Whether it’s Malibu, Southbay, Axis, Cobalt, or Boston Whaler, Valley Marine is ready to help get your boat in top-notch shape today. Need some help with your boat service? Contact Valley Marine’s award-winning team of marine technicians for in-shop or on-location boat service today!

    THIS IS VALLEY MARINE

    We have all heard that old saying… “You are the company you keep.” In everything we do at Valley Marine, our goal is to be the company you keep. That helpful friend you call with a problem. That place you drop by just to say hello and share a laugh. Our dealership is comprised of an incredible team of people, all boaters ourselves, with a common purpose- to give you, our customer, the very best on water. It’s simple really. The Golden Rule. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

    Thank you for this opportunity to introduce ourselves. Please click on each member of our team to learn a little bit more about who we are and how we got here.

    Integrity. Boating. Company.

    BEST ON THE WATER

    Nebraska’s boating season is too short as it is. The last thing our customers need is to miss out on the precious season while their boat is in for repairs. At Valley Marine we understand this issue. That is why we have a complete service department comprised of six award-winning mechanics to help get you back out on the water as soon as possible.

    Valley Marine is pleased to offer on-site lake service testing for any boat that has been in our shop for repair. We the only dealer in Nebraska to offer this unique service to our customers. For the utmost in customer convenience, Valley Marine even offers a Mobile Service team that can make a “dock call” right to your boat.

    When Nebraska’s precious boating seasons comes to an end, just give us a call. We’ll come pick up your boat and store it inside one of our four spacious storage sheds. Now that’s service!

  • How To Winterize A Boat

    How To Winterize A Boat

    by Nuclear-Carlo | Sep 15, 2022 | Blog

    Can you believe summer’s almost over?! While there’s still some warm weather left, boat owners will have to start planning to winterize their boat. Unlike the routine maintenance you’ve done all summer, end-of-season maintenance requires careful inspection of your boat. It’s important to catch any potential issues before storing your boat to prevent them from getting worse over the winter.

    That’s why below, we’ve put together a list of all end-of-season tasks you need to know to successfully winterize for storage.

    (more…)
    THIS IS VALLEY MARINE

    We have all heard that old saying… “You are the company you keep.” In everything we do at Valley Marine, our goal is to be the company you keep. That helpful friend you call with a problem. That place you drop by just to say hello and share a laugh. Our dealership is comprised of an incredible team of people, all boaters ourselves, with a common purpose- to give you, our customer, the very best on water. It’s simple really. The Golden Rule. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

    Thank you for this opportunity to introduce ourselves. Please click on each member of our team to learn a little bit more about who we are and how we got here.

    Integrity. Boating. Company.

    BEST ON THE WATER

    Nebraska’s boating season is too short as it is. The last thing our customers need is to miss out on the precious season while their boat is in for repairs. At Valley Marine we understand this issue. That is why we have a complete service department comprised of six award-winning mechanics to help get you back out on the water as soon as possible.

    Valley Marine is pleased to offer on-site lake service testing for any boat that has been in our shop for repair. We the only dealer in Nebraska to offer this unique service to our customers. For the utmost in customer convenience, Valley Marine even offers a Mobile Service team that can make a “dock call” right to your boat.

    When Nebraska’s precious boating seasons comes to an end, just give us a call. We’ll come pick up your boat and store it inside one of our four spacious storage sheds. Now that’s service!