When you don’t winterize your boat, you risk damage to the boat itself, as well as the potential for flooding and other issues. The following are some of the most common problems that can arise when you don’t properly prepare your boat for winter storage:

Damaged hulls. Obviously, if you leave your boat out in the elements all winter long, it will be exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture levels that can cause serious damage to its hull. This could happen even if you were to cover your boat with a tarp or other protective covering.

Damage from freezing or condensation. If water freezes inside your boat while it’s sitting in storage, it can cause structural damage to the vessel’s interior components — including wiring and electrical systems. Also, if there is any moisture inside your vessel that freezes during winter months, this can lead to cracks in cabinetry and other areas of the vessel where water has pooled.

Sailor’s respiratory illness (SRI). Another potential problem caused by leaving your vessel exposed all winter long is sailor’s respiratory illness (SRI), which is a condition typically caused by exposure to dust mites or mold spores that have been blown into the air by wind coming through open windows or hatches on boats that.

Last modified: August 1, 2022