Off-Season Boat Storage Tips to Protect Your Vessel

When the season winds down and it’s time to dock your boat for the winter, what you do before can make all the difference later. Poor storage can lead to costly damage, rejected insurance claims, or even higher premiums.

Here’s what to know about protecting your boat—and your coverage—during the off-season.

Why Off-Season Storage Matters to Insurers

Most insurance policies require that your boat be stored in a “safe and secure” manner during non-use months. If damage happens due to improper storage—like burst hoses, rodent damage, or a collapsed canopy—you may be on the hook for repairs.

Even worse, some policies reduce or exclude coverage during lay-up periods unless specific conditions are met. If you live in a storm-prone area, prepping your boat for extreme weather is just as important as dry dock precautions.

Tip #1: Know If Your Policy Has a Lay-Up Clause

A lay-up period is the time your insurer expects your boat to be out of commission—typically during fall and winter months. You may not be covered for incidents in the water during these times, but they can bring big savings.

Check for:

• Specific dates when you must not operate your boat
• Required storage method (trailered, shrink-wrapped, indoor)
• Limitations on coverage during lay-up (some policies restrict theft, fire, or weather coverage during storage)

👉 Pro tip: Let your insurer know if you’re storing your boat in a different way this year—especially if you’re moving from home storage to a marina or paid facility.

Tip #2: Choose the Right Type of Storage

Here are the most common options:

🚤 Trailered Storage (At Home or Storage Lot)

• Secure with a hitch lock
• Remove valuables and electronics
• Use a fitted, vented boat cover
• Elevate trailer tires or use chocks to prevent flat spots

🛥 Dry Stack (Indoor Marina Storage)

• Great protection from weather, sun, and pests
• Often required by insurers for higher-value boats
  
  • This is especially common for owners of larger or luxury vessels—yacht insurance may specify certain storage standards.
• May qualify for a lower premium

🌧 Covered Slip (In Water)

• Best for boats used year-round
• Add dehumidifiers and bilge alarms
• Keep insurance active—damage can still occur in docked boats

Tip #3: Fully Prep the Boat Before Storage

This goes beyond draining fuel. Don’t skip:

• Flush the engine and add antifreeze
• Remove the battery and store it indoors
• Empty water tanks and clean out any food
• Check for leaks in hoses, seals, and thru-hulls
• Treat fuel with stabilizer and top off the tank

You’re not just storing the boat—you’re protecting it from long-term wear. For even more seasonal prep tips, revisit our guide on off-season boat storage best practices.

Tip #4: Document Everything

Take time-stamped photos of your boat before storage—inside, outside, and around the engine.

If you do have to file a claim, visual evidence helps prove damage wasn’t pre-existing or due to neglect.

Tip #5: Ask Your Insurer What’s Required

Storage requirements vary by insurer and region. Some may want:

• Proof of professional winterization
• A specific storage location
• Limited navigation during certain months

A quick call can help avoid denied claims later. You can also review what’s typically included in yacht and boat insurance to understand what protection might apply during storage.

Final Thought: Good Storage = Fewer Claims = Better Rates

Keeping your boat protected in the off-season doesn’t just help avoid damage—it helps you stay claim-free. And staying claim-free is one of the best ways to earn lower premiums and loyalty discounts from insurers. Practicing safe boating habits during the season also plays a key role in long-term insurance savings.