Published on Jan 9, 2023
Winter has arrived and as the lakes start to freeze over, boating enthusiasts are pulling their watercrafts out of the water and starting to think about maintenance and storage until spring. If you haven’t started yet – it’s not too late!
At the time of purchase, most motorized boat owners receive instructions regarding annual maintenance. For winter storage, this usually includes repairing electrical parts, deep cleaning the underside of the watercraft, and wrapping the boat to keep ice away, along with a few other tasks.
Did you know, however, that canoes and kayaks also require some love before they are stored for the winter? If you’re thinking of moving to one of our new lakeside communities, we’ve put together a step-by-step list to make maintaining and storing your canoe or kayak for the winter an easy process!
Housekeeping
Your canoe/kayak will need to be cleaned up after its season of adventures by the water. Doing this will also help you inspect the hull for any damage that may have occurred. Use old rags or towels, along with a biodegradable cleaner, and work your way down the hull and trim of the watercraft.
Depending on the material of your boat, you may want to use a substance called methyl hydrate to even out scuff marks and scratches. You can purchase this at any hardware store or canoe outfitter.
Once you’ve cleaned the craft thoroughly, it’s time to inspect the trim closely (this would only be for canoes). Tighten the screws along the trim slightly, and ensure all handles and yokes are fastened securely.
You will want to remove any bilge pumps and float skirts, rinse with water and allow to dry thoroughly. Fabric accessories can develop fungi easily if not dried properly.
If you own a wooden canoe, you can re-coat it with an outdoor-grade varnish after a good sanding.
Storage
Ideally, you should store your canoe or kayak indoors for the winter but if that isn’t an option, you can definitely keep them outside! Your biggest concerns with outdoor storage are sunlight, moisture, and temperature. If you’re lucky enough to have indoor storage space for a canoe or kayak, you should always suspend your boat or place it on a rack where the hull is facing up.
Be wary with outdoor storage as sunlight and moisture can degrade just about any material. The best approach is to keep the boat covered and secured, but not fully wrapped, with a tarp. As well, it’s best to keep your canoe or kayak off the ground, with slabs or wood, creating an elevated rack for the boats to lie on during the winter.
Enjoying our many waterways is a pastime many Ontarians enjoy every year. You don’t have to own a motorized boat to enjoy being on the water.
To learn more about our current and upcoming lake communities, visit livenearthelake.ca.