As the vibrant Missouri summer gives way to the crisp autumn air, boat owners in Perryville and the surrounding Perry County are faced with the annual ritual of winterizing their vessels. For many, this process is a race against the first freeze, a series of checks and balances to protect their prized investment from the harsh realities of a humid continental climate. While most boaters are diligent, there's one critical mistake that we at Perryville Mini Storage see time and time again, a costly oversight that can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs: improperly winterizing the engine's cooling system.
Your boat's engine is its heart, a complex piece of machinery that powers your adventures on the water, be it a fishing trip on the Perry County Community Lake or a leisurely cruise. However, that same engine can become your biggest liability when winter arrives in the 63775. The number one mistake we see is boat owners failing to properly drain all the water from the engine block and replace it with a quality marine-grade antifreeze.
It’s an easy mistake to make. A simple oversight. Perhaps you think you've drained enough water, or maybe you underestimate the severity of a Perryville winter, which on average brings 11 inches of snow. But here’s the hard truth: any water left in your engine block will freeze. And when water freezes, it expands by about 9%. This expansion exerts immense pressure on the cast iron or aluminum of your engine block, leading to cracks that can be catastrophic.
A cracked engine block isn't a minor repair. In most cases, it requires a complete engine replacement. The cost of a new marine engine, coupled with the labor to install it, can easily run into the thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Suddenly, that beautiful boat that brought you so much joy becomes a source of significant financial stress. This is a devastating blow that can cut your next boating season short before it even begins.
Beyond the financial cost, consider the lost time and frustration. While your friends are enjoying the first warm days of spring on the water, your boat will be stuck in a repair shop. The memories you planned to make, the family outings, the peaceful moments of solitude – all put on hold because of a preventable mistake.
The good news is that this costly mistake is entirely avoidable. The key is a thorough and meticulous winterization process. Here’s how you can protect your boat and your wallet:
Read Your Manual: Every boat and engine is different. Your owner's manual is the best resource for specific winterization instructions.
Drain Completely: Ensure every drop of water is drained from the engine block, manifolds, and hoses. Don't rush this step.
Use the Right Antifreeze: Not all antifreeze is created equal. Use a non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze specifically designed for marine engines. A 50/50 mix with water is typically recommended to provide protection against freezing and corrosion.
Stabilize Your Fuel: Fill your fuel tank to about 90% capacity and add a marine fuel stabilizer. This prevents condensation and keeps your fuel fresh.
Change the Oil: Old oil contains contaminants that can damage your engine over the winter. Change the oil and filter before storage.
Protect from the Elements: A proper cover is essential. While shrink-wrapping is a great option, a high-quality, custom-fit cover will also do the job.
Once your boat is properly winterized, the final and equally important step is to store it in a secure and reliable location. That’s where Perryville Mini Storage comes in. Located at 2830 S HWY 51, Perryville, MO 63775, we offer a range of boat storage solutions to meet your needs. Our covered and outdoor storage options provide a safe haven for your vessel, protecting it from the winter elements.
At Perryville Mini Storage, we understand the investment you've made in your boat. That's why we offer top-notch security features, including surveillance cameras, secure locks, and a gated entrance, giving you peace of mind throughout the off-season. Our convenient online booking and payment system and generous gate access hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week make storing your boat with us a hassle-free experience.
Don't let a preventable mistake ruin your boating dreams. Take the time to winterize your boat properly, and then let Perryville Mini Storage provide the secure storage it deserves. As you enjoy the local charm of the historic Perryville City Square or visit the stunning National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal this winter, you can rest easy knowing your boat is safe and ready for another season of adventure. Contact us today to learn more about our self storage, boat, RV, and vehicle storage options.