Can You Store Your Boat Outside During Winter?

By John Funk, November 10, 2025

As summer fades and the water grows cold, boat owners everywhere start thinking about one important question: how to safeguard their boats during the long winter months ahead. Although indoor storage might seem ideal, it isn’t always the most convenient or cost-effective option. The good news is that you absolutely can store your boat outside during winter, but it requires proper preparation and protection.

Let’s explore the key steps for storing your boat outdoors this winter to ensure it stays in excellent condition until spring.

Why Store Your Boat Outside?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's acknowledge why many boat owners choose outdoor storage. The most obvious reason is cost. Indoor storage facilities can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per foot of boat per season, which adds up quickly if you own a larger boat. When you store a boat outside, you're looking at significantly lower costs or even free storage if you have space on your own property.

Another factor is availability. In popular boating areas, indoor storage fills up fast, and you might not even have the option. Outdoor storage gives you more flexibility and choices.

The Challenges of Outdoor Winter Storage

Truth be told, storing your boat outdoors comes with its share of risks. It faces constant exposure to harsh weather — snow, rain, ice, freezing cold, strong winds, and UV rays — all of which can lead to significant damage if proper protective measures aren’t taken.

Water is your biggest enemy. If moisture gets into your boat and freezes, it can crack your engine block, damage your hull, and destroy electronics. Snow can accumulate and create excessive weight on your cover or deck. Ice can accumulate in unexpected and potentially harmful areas. And even in winter, UV rays can deteriorate your boat's finish and upholstery.

But here's the thing: with proper winter boat protection, you can prevent all of these issues.

Winterizing Your Boat

Proper winterization should be your first step before putting any cover on your boat. This is non-negotiable if you're storing outdoors.

Start with the engine. Drain all the water from the engine, cooling system, and raw water pump. Any water left behind can freeze and cause catastrophic damage. Fill the cooling system with antifreeze as directed by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Change the oil and filter, and fog the engine to prevent corrosion.

Next, drain your freshwater system completely. This includes the holding tank, water heater, and all the lines. Add RV antifreeze to the plumbing system to protect against any residual water freezing.

Remove all electronics you can, or at least disconnect the batteries. Cold temperatures can damage LCD screens and drain batteries. If possible, store electronics indoors.

Be sure to top off the fuel tank and mix in a fuel stabilizer. A full tank prevents condensation from forming inside, which can lead to water in your fuel system come spring.

Choosing the Right Cover for Winter Boat Protection

Your boat cover is your primary defense against winter weather when you store your boat outside. Don't buy a cheap cover. A quality cover is worth every penny.

Shrink wrap is widely regarded as a good option for protecting boats during outdoor winter storage. It creates a tight, waterproof seal that protects against snow, rain, and wind. Professional shrink wrapping usually costs between $12 to $20 per foot, but it provides excellent protection. The material is strong enough to handle heavy snow loads when properly supported.

A quality custom fabric cover is a great option. Make sure it's specifically designed for winter use and fits your boat snugly. A loose cover will flap in the wind, potentially damaging your boat and the cover itself. Canvas is a popular material for boat covers, but it can be rough and abrasive on the paint.

Whichever cover you opt for, having the right support system in place is vital. Use a framework of poles or a cover support system to create a peaked shape that allows snow and water to slide off rather than pooling. Water or snow accumulation can create enough weight to damage your boat or tear the cover.

Creating a Proper Support System

Speaking of support, let's talk about how to set up your covering system properly. You'll need to create high points and ensure everything slopes away from the center of the boat.

Install a center support pole or use a frame system that runs the length of your boat. The center should be higher than the edges, creating a tent-like shape. This is essential for shedding snow and water.

Make sure the cover extends well below the gunwales and is tied securely. But here's an important tip: don't seal it completely. Adequate ventilation is necessary to stop moisture from accumulating within. Leave small gaps or install vents to allow air circulation while keeping precipitation out.

Some boat owners use pool noodles or padding where the cover touches the boat to prevent chafing. This is especially important on corners and edges where wind might cause movement.

Positioning Your Boat for Winter

Where and how you position your boat matters for outdoor storage. If your boat will remain on a trailer, ensure the trailer is well-maintained and securely stabilized. Place blocks under the frame to take weight off the tires and suspension.

Park on a slight incline if possible, with the drain plug at the lowest point. This ensures any water that does get in will drain out rather than pooling.

If you're storing directly on the ground, use jack stands or blocks to keep the hull elevated and distribute weight evenly. Never let a boat sit directly on the ground for extended periods.

Try to position your boat in a spot that's somewhat protected from prevailing winds but still gets some air circulation. Avoid storing under trees if possible — falling branches and accumulating leaves create problems.

Regular Winter Maintenance Checks

Even when your boat is stored for the winter, it still requires occasional attention and care. Plan to check on it regularly throughout the season.

After heavy snowfalls, inspect your cover and remove excess snow if it's accumulating. While a good cover should handle normal snow loads, excessive buildup can cause problems.
Check that your cover is still secure and hasn't come loose. Wind can work covers loose over time, so retighten straps and lines as needed.
Look for any signs of damage, tears, or areas where water might be getting in. Address these issues immediately before they become bigger problems.

The Spring Reveal

When spring finally arrives and it's time to uncover your boat, take your time. Remove the cover carefully and inspect everything thoroughly before launching.

Inspect the boat for signs of moisture issues such as water damage, mold, or mildew. Look at all your systems and connections. Before firing up the engine, make sure every winterization step has been undone — starting the engine with antifreeze still inside can cause serious damage.

Is Outdoor Storage Right for You?

So, can you store your boat outside during winter? Absolutely. With proper winterization, a quality cover, good support systems, and regular maintenance checks, your boat can weather the winter just fine outdoors.

The key is not cutting corners on winter boat protection. Yes, it requires some investment of time and money upfront, but it's far less than the cost of repairing freeze damage or other winter-related issues.

What Makes Seal Skin Covers the Right Choice?

When it comes to winter boat protection, Seal Skin Covers offer a superior alternative to traditional shrink wrap and an economical alternative to custom covers. They're specifically engineered to handle harsh winter conditions while providing the convenience and cost-effectiveness that boat owners need.

Here's what sets Seal Skin Covers apart:

Waterproof Protection: Complete waterproof barrier keeps rain, snow, and ice out while protecting your boat from moisture damage throughout the winter months.
Heavy Duty Construction: Marine-grade materials are built to withstand heavy snow loads, freezing temperatures, and harsh weather without tearing or deteriorating.
Breathable Fabric: While keeping water out, the breathable design allows air circulation to prevent condensation, mold, and mildew buildup inside your boat.
Snug and Secure Fit: Reinforced seams and advanced tie-down systems ensure the cover stays firmly in place even during high winds, eliminating flapping and potential damage.
Semi Custom Fit: Affordable and Durable: Get the benefits of a custom fit without the custom price tag. These covers are designed to fit a wide range of boat models perfectly while remaining reusable season after season.

Unlike disposable shrink wrap that requires professional installation each year, Seal Skin Covers are easy to install yourself and represent a smart long-term investment. For boat owners who store their boats outside regularly, they deliver the perfect combination of protection, convenience, and value.

For most boat owners, outdoor storage offers a smart and budget-friendly solution that helps them enjoy boating without breaking the bank. A little preparation and proper care go a long way in keeping your boat protected through winter, ensuring it’s ready to sail once the warmer months return.

Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST), and we will help you find the perfect boat cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.