This winter Mother Nature has had a funny way of working. With temperature fluctuating from below zero one day, to 40 degrees the next, it is important to remember to perform thorough mid-winter checks on your boat to ensure there is no damage and to further prepare your boat for future extreme temperature changes. Here are some guidelines that the Boat Owners Association of the United States suggests you should follow:

1. Is your boat above the waterline? If you store your boat in the water during the long winter months, it is essential to check to see if all of the above-water thru-hulls are properly situated above the waterline. Not only does the weight of snow and ice have the ability to submerge these thru-hulls, but the exhaust on inboard boats as well. BoatUS suggests using plastic shovels and brooms to clear away the snow and ice in order to prevent damage to your boat.

2. Has your boat shifted? If you store your boat on a trailer, jack stand, or cradle, it is imperative to check to make sure your boat has not shifted and is still sitting level. If it has, be sure to check for hull deformation. If using a jack stand, it is important that you do not try to adjust the jack stand yourself, but contact the marina staff for help.

3. Is you boat cover still on? A sturdy, tight-fitting boat cover is essential during the winter months in protecting your boat. Poorly fitted covers can sag and can lead to a build up of water, which will most likely freeze and will create a substantial amount of weight and pressure on your boat.

4. Is there water in the bilge? If you say yes, that is not a good sign. This, unfortunately, means that you have a leak. It is imperative that you look for water, locate the leak, and create a temporary plug until this issue can be fixed when the spring comes. BoatUS suggests using things like antifreeze and rock salt to break up and remove any ice in the bilge.

5. Is your boat stored inside? If you pay to keep your boat safely stored inside a storage unit, you are not always in the clear. Check frequently on your boat and with the facility to ensure that temperatures in the facility have been maintained or if there have been any power outages that could have affected your boat.

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