Guide to Winterizing Your Boat at Lake Berryessa
Why Winterize Your Boat?
Lake Berryessa may enjoy mild California winters, but that doesn't mean your boat is safe from damage during the off-season. Temperature swings, moisture, and pests can all take a toll on your vessel if you don't prepare it properly for storage.
Whether you store your boat at our facility on Berryessa Knoxville Road or at home, these steps will help protect your investment.
Step-by-Step Winterization
1. Clean Everything Thoroughly
Before putting your boat away, give it a complete wash inside and out. Remove any food, trash, and personal items. Clean the bilge, live wells, and storage compartments. Mold and mildew love dark, damp spaces — don't give them a head start.
2. Drain All Water Systems
Drain the bilge, live wells, bait wells, and any freshwater tanks. Water left in the system can freeze on cold Napa County nights, cracking hoses and damaging pumps.
3. Stabilize Your Fuel
Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the fuel system. Stale fuel can gum up carburetors and fuel injectors over a long storage period.
4. Change the Oil and Filter
Used engine oil contains contaminants that can corrode engine parts over time. Change the oil and filter before storage so your engine sits in clean oil all winter.
5. Fog the Engine
Spray fogging oil into the carburetor or throttle body while the engine is running, then shut it off. This coats the internal engine components with a protective layer that prevents corrosion.
6. Disconnect the Battery
Remove the battery or disconnect the terminals. Store the battery in a cool, dry place and keep it on a trickle charger. Cold temperatures can drain a battery quickly.
7. Cover Your Boat
Use a quality fitted boat cover or shrink wrap. If you're storing outdoors at our facility, a cover is essential for protecting against UV rays, rain, and debris. Our covered storage units provide additional protection from the elements.
Covered vs. Outdoor Storage for Winter
If you're storing your boat through winter, covered storage at $120/month provides significant advantages:
- UV protection keeps your gel coat and upholstery from fading
- Rain and debris protection means less cleanup in spring
- Reduced moisture exposure helps prevent mold and mildew
Our outdoor spots at $95/month are a great budget option, especially if you have a quality boat cover.
Spring De-Winterization Tips
When boating season returns, reverse the process: reconnect the battery, check all fluid levels, inspect hoses and belts, and test the engine before your first trip to the lake.
Berryessa Pines Boat & RV Storage is located at 6900 Berryessa Knoxville Rd, Napa, CA 94558 — minutes from Lake Berryessa. Call (707) 905-7304 to reserve your storage spot.
