Just because the boating season might end soon doesn’t mean you have to give up on your boating passion. There are many ways to stay connected as well as prepare for the 2025 boating season during the winter months. Thanks to input from BoatUS and reporting by Kelsey Bonham, here are 10 boat project ideas (find more at boatus.com):
1. Get out the paint brush.
Boaters tend to save many onboard paint and varnish projects for a sunny, spring day, but are there a few that you could work on over the winter in your heated garage or basement, such as varnishing hatch boards or wood trim?
2. Update charts or electronics.
Does your chartplotter use an old chip, or are you using the same paper chart you had 10 years ago? Your helm electronics software may also have downloadable updates that make them perform better.
3. Re-organize your boating shelf.
Do you have a shelf (or closet or shed) where you keep your boating-related items? If so, sort those items and toss expired, broken, or unusable items, and create a better system for the ones you plan to use in 2025.
4. Do some laundry and/or mending.
If you haven’t done so yet, make sure you’ve taken home any clothing, cushions, canvas covers, bedding, lifejackets, and anything else onboard your boat that may mildew. Now would be a great time to launder all items, allow them to dry well before storing, and do any necessary mending.
5. Deep clean your cabin.
An empty boat is easier to clean than a full one! Empty, wipe down, and reorganize your drawers and lockers, and clean up the bilges.
6. Overhaul your tacklebox.
Isn’t it better to sort your tacklebox now than when the fish start biting come spring? Perhaps there are a few missing items you can put on your wish list for Santa or your Valentine.
7. Fulfill your wish list.
Besides fishing equipment (see #6), is there anything you really wish you had had last summer, such as a new grill, new rod holders, new speakers, or an embroidered captain’s chair? What a great time to wander the aisle at your favorite marine supply store.
8. Check your paperwork.
Make sure you know when you need to renew your registration, insurance, fishing license, and any other paperwork that needs to be in order in time for spring. It’s not the sexiest task, but won’t you be happy come spring that your registration is current? The most prepared boater gets out on the water faster than the procrastinators.
9. Read your marina or storage facility contract.
This document clearly specifies critical safety rules to live by over the winter. Some common contracts include no work of any kind, no outside contractors, forbidden heaters or portable generators, or needing batteries disconnected. Why all the rules? Vessels tightly stored together increase fire hazards. For the greater good of everyone in winter storage, follow these rules to the letter.
10. Learn something new.
Perhaps you’re interested in taking an in-person or online course through America’s Boating Club, such as America’s Boating Course or Marine Communications Systems. Maybe you’d like to learn something about troubleshooting marine diesel engines or earning your captain’s license through Annapolis School of Seamanship. Perhaps you like to attend lectures at your regional maritime museum (we include many at proptalk.com/calendar). Winter is a great season for keeping your boating brains engaged.