Winter Boat Storage

[HoneyBear]

As we are approaching hard water season - what do you all do to store your boats? In a garage, portable shelter, build an A-frame? Do you take the batteries out or leave em in?

We build an A-frame using 2x4s for the 14' aluminum boat, and we used a modified version of an A-frame for the Boston Whaler. Works pretty good, never had it cave in during a heavy snowstorm. We take all the tackle out, down to the basement rods go in racks, tackle boxes on the shelves.

[Jackie-T]

Kayak goes in the hay loft. Hows that for easy.Thumbsup

[knotreelly]

32 by 28 3 car garage heated , clean out engine (fuel), fogger, empty lower unit and refill, batteries stay in

[fisher16]

Same thing as Knot but my garage is not as big. Some day though, his is nice and definately hooked up.Beerchug

[noresman]

12'x24' portable shelter clean out all the gear run carbureator dry fog engine take out pedastel seats check lower unit remove batteries put on winter cover

[JeffA]

Hmmmm, got room for one more?....Wink1 32 by 28 3 car garage heated , clean out engine (fuel), fogger, empty lower unit and refill, batteries stay in

[knotreelly]

lets see, explorer, cruiser or drums, naaaaaaaaa.

[Gary P]

can't help you on that one, I have never winterized a boat as my best fishing is from Thanksgiving to Easter, there is nothing like having to make your own ramp with a 4x4 in the ice to get the boat in the water or hitting ice at 75 mph! very loud noise! I thin I have caught more smallies in Dec over 4 lbs than any other time of the year, but you should fog the motor and make sure if left outside that snow and water can't get into the prop area of the lower unit.

Hey Know, what type of garage heat do you have?

[knotreelly]

i have a small wood burner off a chimney we put in and also a propane 65,000 btu ceiling mounted unit on a thermostat

[Gary P]

any idea how much a system like that goes for? and do you own the propane tank or rent it? just trying to figure costs. how many days can you heat it on one big tank of gas, thanks

[knotreelly]

osterman installed it at about 1,400.00 4 years ago. it's a resnor 75,000 (not 65), installation included everything but the electrician. it's on a concrete floor and the building is sheet rocked and insulated. your welcome to check it out, if i'm not here i'm fishing, let me know, i'll pm the address. i don't know if this is correct but the guage is metered to 80. i more or less turn it on when i'm gonna be out there. drums, working around or hanging out. instant heat

[Gary P]

thanks