---
title: How to Store a Boat Over Winter | Murray River Checklist
description: "A step-by-step checklist for laying up a ski boat, tinny or jet ski over winter in Echuca–Moama: flushing, fuel, battery, covers and the trailer."
---

<https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog>

# [How to Store a Boat Over Winter | Murray River Checklist](https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog/preparing-a-boat-for-winter-storage)

 Written by [Echuca Storage](https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog/author/echuca-storage) | Nov 13, 2026, 1:49:51 PM

Home › [Storage tips](https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog) › Preparing a boat for winter storage

Echuca Storage · 13 November 2026

## Preparing a boat for storage over winter on the Murray

When the river cools down and the days get short, most Echuca–Moama boats go away until spring. An hour of preparation at the end of the season saves a flat battery, a gummed-up carburettor or a mouldy interior when you pull the cover off. This checklist suits ski and wake boats, tinnies, half-cabins and jet skis. Always follow your engine manufacturer’s manual first; this is a general guide.

### 1. Run it, clean it, flush it

- **Give the boat a last run** to warm the engine, then flush it with fresh water using muffs or the flushing port. River water leaves silt and debris in the cooling system.
- **Wash the hull, deck and trailer** with fresh water. Remove weed, mud and the river “tide line” before it sets.
- **Clean the interior.** Vacuum carpets and wipe vinyl with a marine cleaner. Mould starts in damp, dirty corners.

### 2. Look after the fuel system

Fuel left sitting for months can go stale, especially blended fuel.

- **Ask your mechanic or check your manual** whether to fill the tank and add stabiliser, or run it low.
- **If you add stabiliser,** run the engine for a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the engine.
- **Don’t store spare fuel cans with the boat.** Petrol tins can’t be stored in a storage unit, and they are a fire risk in a garage too.

### 3. Protect the engine

- **Fogging oil** for outboards and stern drives, if your manual recommends it, protects the cylinders over a long lay-up.
- **Check the gearbox oil.** Milky oil means water has got in; have it looked at before the boat sits for months.
- **Grease the fittings**: steering, tilt and trim points.
- **Jet skis:** flush, blow out excess water and follow the manufacturer’s winterising steps.

Many owners book the annual service now, so the boat is ready when the weather warms up rather than waiting in the spring rush.

### 4. Battery and electrics

- **Disconnect the battery**, or take it home and keep it on a smart charger.
- **Remove electronics** you can take off easily: sounders, GPS units and portable radios.
- **Turn off all switches** so nothing slowly drains.

### 5. Dry it out

Moisture is the main enemy of a stored boat.

- **Pull the bung** (with the trailer level or nose-up), and leave it somewhere you will see it, such as tied to the steering wheel, so you remember it in spring.
- **Open hatches, lockers and the bilge** to air out.
- **Take out life jackets, towels, ropes and wet gear** and dry them at home.
- **Remove all food and bait.** Crumbs attract mice.

### 6. Covers and upholstery

- **Use a breathable, well-fitted cover.** Make sure it can’t pool water if the boat is stored outside, and that it doesn’t trap moisture.
- **Fold the bimini** and store it dry.
- **Prop up cushions** or take them home so they air out.

### 7. The trailer

- **Check tyres and pressures.** Chock the wheels.
- **Check wheel bearings and grease them**, especially after a season of dunking in the river.
- **Test the lights and brakes** so the first tow in spring isn’t a surprise.
- **Check the winch strap and safety chain** for wear.

### 8. Paperwork

- **Note the registration renewal date** for the boat and trailer, so it isn’t due the week you want to launch.
- **Tell your insurer** where the boat is stored.

### Where to keep it

A boat stored outside spends winter in rain, frost and wind, and summer in the sun. Lock-up storage keeps the weather off and the boat behind a locked door. At **Echuca Storage, 11 Murray Valley Highway, Echuca**, doors in the boat and caravan area are **3,000 mm high**, there is room to tow in and turn, and gates are open **8am–8pm, 7 days**. Tall-door units start at 7.5m × 3.0m at $278 per 4 weeks; a jet ski on its trailer fits a 6.0m × 3.0m at $254.

Measure your boat on its trailer, to the highest point and from the drawbar to the motor, then call **(03) 4410 8566**. See [boat storage](https://echucastorage.net.au/boat-storage-echuca) for the full size guide.

### Spring: before the first launch

- Refit the bung and the battery.
- Check fuel, oil and the impeller.
- Pump the trailer tyres and test the lights.
- Check flares and safety gear dates.

More guides: [storage tips](https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog) · [Caravan and RV storage](https://echucastorage.net.au/caravan-rv-storage-echuca) · [Seasonal storage](https://echucastorage.net.au/seasonal-storage-echuca)

## FAQ

**How do I prepare my boat for winter storage?**  
Flush the engine with fresh water, clean and dry the boat, manage the fuel as your manual recommends, disconnect the battery, pull the bung, remove wet gear and food, and check the trailer.

**Should I leave fuel in my boat over winter?**  
Follow your engine manual or mechanic. Many owners add a fuel stabiliser and run the engine briefly. Don’t store spare fuel cans with the boat; petrol tins can’t be stored in a storage unit.

**Should I take the battery out of my boat for winter?**  
Disconnect it, or take it home and keep it on a smart charger, so it isn’t flat in spring.

**Where can I store my boat over winter in Echuca?**  
Echuca Storage at 11 Murray Valley Highway, Echuca, has lock-up units with 3,000 mm doors in the boat and caravan area. Tall-door units start at $278 per 4 weeks. Call (03) 4410 8566.

**Should the bung be in or out when a boat is stored?**  
Out, with the trailer level or nose-up so water can drain. Leave the bung somewhere obvious so you remember it before you launch.

[View full post](https://echucastorage.net.au/echuca-storage-blog/preparing-a-boat-for-winter-storage)

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