🔧 Winterize the engine
Flush the cooling system with fresh water. For outboards, run antifreeze through the lower unit. For inboards, drain the block and manifolds or fill with non-toxic marine antifreeze. Fog the cylinders with fogging oil.
Articles · Boat & Watercraft
Boat & watercraft storage: preparing for off-season near the Pickerel River System.
The lakes around the Pickerel River System — Toad Lake, Little Long Lake, Wilson Lake, Kawigamog Lake, and Dollars Lake — mean boat storage is something most families deal with every fall. Here's how to do it right.
Why proper boat storage matters.
Water left in an engine block freezes and cracks it. A hull sitting in standing water develops blisters. Fuel left untreated turns to varnish. These aren't hypothetical problems — they happen every winter to boats that weren't properly stored in Ontario.
Taking an hour to winterize before putting your boat on its trailer at a secure location like Toad Lake Storage can save thousands in spring repairs.
Step by step
How to prepare a boat for seasonal storage.
💧 Drain all water
Remove drain plugs and open all through-hull fittings. Drain the livewell, bilge, and any freshwater tanks. Any water left in the boat will freeze, expand, and cause damage to hoses and fittings.
⛽ Stabilize fuel
Fill the tank to 90% capacity and add marine fuel stabilizer. Run the engine briefly to circulate treated fuel through the lines and carburetor or injectors.
🧹 Clean inside & out
Wash the hull to remove algae and zebra mussels. Clean the interior, removing all fabric, cushions, and gear that could trap moisture or attract rodents.
🔋 Remove the battery
Take the battery home and put it on a maintainer, or disconnect it and store it somewhere above freezing. A dead marine battery left in cold storage often won't recover.
🛡️ Cover properly
Use a fitted or shrink-wrap cover that sheds water and allows ventilation. Avoid tarps that pool water — the weight can damage gunwales and hardware over a long winter.
By watercraft type
Storage considerations for different boats.
🚤 Aluminum fishing boats
These are the workhorses of the Pickerel River System. They store well on trailers outdoors. Focus on engine winterization and draining the livewell. Aluminum hulls tolerate outdoor storage without the blister concerns of fibreglass.
⛵ Pontoon boats
Pontoons are larger but straightforward to store on their trailer. Winterize the motor, drain all water, remove canvas, and cover. Ensure the trailer can support the weight evenly — check tire pressure and consider tongue jack stability.
🏄 PWCs (Sea-Doos, Jet Skis)
Flush the jet drive with antifreeze. Run fogging oil through the engine. Drain the exhaust system completely. PWCs are compact and store efficiently on trailers or dollies at a storage yard.
🛶 Canoes & kayaks
Store upside-down on a trailer or rack to prevent water pooling. UV exposure fades composite and plastic hulls, so a cover helps preserve appearance if storing through summer heat as well.
Local context
Boat storage and the lakes around Toad Lake Storage.
The Pickerel River System includes some of the best fishing and recreational lakes in the Parry Sound District. Boaters using Toad Lake Landing, Little Long Lake, Wilson Lake, Kawigamog Lake, and Dollars Lake all pass Pine Grove Road on their way to the water.
Storing your boat at Toad Lake Storage means it's already near the launch when you're ready to use it — no hauling from town. And when the season ends, it goes right back to a secure, camera-monitored yard on the same road.
Common questions
Boat storage FAQ.
How do I store a boat for the winter?
Winterize the engine, drain all water, stabilize fuel, remove the battery, clean everything, and cover it. Store on a trailer in a secure location with year-round access.
Can I store a pontoon outdoors?
Yes. Pontoons do well on their trailers outdoors. Winterize the motor, cover the deck, and make sure the trailer is level with properly inflated tires.
Where can I store a boat near the Pickerel River System?
Toad Lake Storage is on Pine Grove Road — the same road as Toad Lake Landing boat launch. Gated access, security cameras, and year-round availability. Call 705-773-3366.
Should I shrink-wrap my boat?
Shrink-wrap works well for larger boats overwintering outdoors. It prevents snow load and ice buildup on the hull. For smaller aluminum boats, a fitted cover is usually sufficient.
Related reading
More storage guides for lake country.
Store your boat close to the launch
Toad Lake Storage is on the road to Toad Lake Landing.
Boat trailers, pontoons, PWCs, and more — stored year-round with gated access and security cameras.