The bittersweet end of the boating season is upon us here in Nanticoke. The days of cruising Lake Erie, exploring the waters near the Nanticoke National Historic Site of Canada, and enjoying those hot, humid summer afternoons are fading. Now, we’re looking ahead to our classic Southern Ontario winter: chilly, damp, and with a wind that can feel especially harsh.
As residents of Nanticoke County, we know our region has a humid continental climate, and that means our winters are not to be taken lightly. This weather is precisely why “winterizing” your boat isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a critical part of responsible ownership. Failing to properly prepare your vessel for its long winter nap can lead to catastrophic (and expensive) damage come springtime. Read more about the 5 common mistakes of winter boat storage. Think cracked engine blocks from frozen water, a hull blistered by trapped moisture, rampant mildew in your upholstery, and pests making a home in your cabin.
Taking the time for seasonal storage prep now ensures that when the warm weather returns, you’re ready to launch without a hitch. Let’s break down the essentials for winterizing your boat in the Nanticoke area.
The most critical and unforgiving part of winterizing is protecting your engine. Water expands when it freezes, and any water left in your engine block or cooling system will crack it wide open.
Fuel Stabilization: Fill your fuel tank to about 90-95% full. This leaves a little room for expansion but, more importantly, prevents air and moisture from getting in, which causes condensation (water in your fuel) and varnish buildup. Add a quality marine fuel stabilizer to the tank, then run the engine for 10-15 minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the entire system, including the carburetor or injectors.
Oil Change: Run the engine to warm up the oil, then change the engine oil and filter. Old, used oil contains acidic byproducts and contaminants that can corrode engine parts if left to sit all winter.
Flush and Antifreeze: This is non-negotiable. You must flush the engine’s cooling system with fresh water. Then, circulate a non-toxic, propylene-glycol marine antifreeze through the system until you see it exit the exhaust. This ensures every drop of water has been displaced, protecting your engine, manifolds, and hoses from freezing.
With the engine safe, it’s time to protect the rest of the vessel from moisture and cold.
Drain All Water: Completely drain every system that holds water. This includes the freshwater tanks, pipes, hot water heater, head (toilet), holding tank, and any raw-water washdowns. Run antifreeze through the pumps and faucets to ensure they’re protected.
Banish Humidity: Our humid climate doesn't stop when it gets cold. To prevent a winter’s worth of mold and mildew, clean the entire interior. Empty refrigerators and freezers, prop them open. Remove all food, linens, PFDs, and fabrics. Use marine-grade moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier if your storage spot has power.
Power Down: Remove all valuable electronics (GPS, fish finders) to store at home. Disconnect your batteries, charge them fully, and either store them in a warm, dry place (like your garage) or leave them on a smart tender if in a climate-controlled unit.
Once the inside is done, give the hull a thorough cleaning to remove any algae, barnacles, or grime from Lake Erie. A good coat of wax will protect the fiberglass and make spring cleanup easier.
Finally, where will your boat spend its hibernation? You have options. While a simple tarp can work, it can also trap moisture and flap apart in a harsh Nanticoke wind. A custom-fitted cover or shrink-wrap is far superior for shedding snow and water.
This brings us to the most important decision: where to store it. Here in Nanticoke, we have specialized local options. A facility like Haldimand Self Storage, located right on Hawk Street, understands our seasonal storage needs. Their website's rental page highlights this, noting they are a "perfect solution to keep your prized possessions safe during the off-season."
They offer a range of Boat, RV, & Vehicle Storage Options. You could opt for their "Outdoor Parking Storage," which is a secure, uncovered spot. However, given our climate, their drive-up "Self-Storage" units (like the 10x20 or 10x30 sizes marked for boat/vehicle storage) offer complete protection from wind, snow, and rain.
For maximum peace of mind, consider their "Climate-Controlled Storage." Haldimand offers large, drive-up climate-controlled units that are "Heated. Air Cooled." This is the gold standard. It completely eliminates the freeze-thaw cycles and humidity that wreak havoc on your boat, protecting your upholstery, electronics, and engine from the inside out.
Winterizing is a chore, no doubt. But think of it this way: every hour you spend on it now is an investment. It’s the difference between a spring filled with repair bills and stress, or a spring spent planning your first trip out on the water, maybe even grabbing tickets for a show at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre to celebrate. Do it right, and your boat will be ready for you.