Lake Champlain Haul-Out Checklist: Storing Your Boat for Winter

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October 12th, 2026

A Lake Champlain haul-out checklist covers cleaning and draining the boat, winterizing the engine and fuel system, protecting the battery and interior, and preparing the trailer before the first hard freeze. Flynn Avenue Self Storage in Burlington, VT offers indoor boat and vehicle parking for the winter.

When should you haul out on Lake Champlain?

Plan to haul out before the first hard freeze, not after. Burlington autumns can move from mild afternoons to frosty mornings quickly, and cold water and wind make late-season launches less pleasant. A good rule is to schedule your haul-out as soon as your last trip of the season is done, then work through the checklist while the weather is still workable.

Waiting too long puts you at risk of freeze damage to the engine, lines, and water systems. It also means doing your prep on cold days, when it is easy to skip steps.

How do you clean, drain, and dry the boat?

Lake Champlain faces aquatic invasive species, so cleaning matters. Inspect the hull, outdrive, trailer, and bunks, and remove any plants, mud, or debris before you leave the ramp. Drain the livewells, bilge, and any ballast, and pull the drain plug so the boat can dry fully.

Let everything dry before you store it. Wash the hull and deck with fresh water, wipe down the interior, and open lockers and hatches for airflow. A clean, dry boat resists mildew through the winter, and it is ready to launch in spring without surprises.

How do you winterize the engine and fuel system?

Add fuel stabilizer to a nearly full tank, then run the engine so the treated fuel reaches the carburetor or injectors. Change the oil and filter, and replace the lower unit gear oil if your manual calls for it. Flush the engine with fresh water, and fog the cylinders if the manufacturer recommends it.

Drain water from the engine block and any lines that could freeze, then add antifreeze where required. Check belts, hoses, and fuel filters while you are at it. A few hours of work in fall can prevent an expensive repair in spring.

How do you protect the battery, interior, and electronics?

Remove the battery, clean the terminals, and store it in a cool, dry place, ideally on a battery tender. Take electronics, cushions, life jackets, and flares off the boat to prevent mildew and theft, and bring them home for the winter. Prop cushions and canvas where air can reach them.

Leave a small gap for airflow if you cover the boat, and avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic, which can trap moisture. Moisture-absorbing packets inside the cabin add another layer of protection.

How do you prepare the trailer and plan the move?

Do not forget the trailer. Check tires, bearings, lights, and the winch strap, and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. If the trailer will sit for months, consider putting it on jack stands to take weight off the tires.

Choose a dry day to move the boat, and measure the boat and trailer together, including the motor, tongue, and any tower or T-top. Confirm your space size and door opening before you reserve, so you do not discover a problem on moving day.

Why store a boat indoors in Burlington?

Indoor storage keeps snow, ice, and temperature swings off the boat for the winter. Flynn Avenue Self Storage offers indoor boat and vehicle parking, and the property is fenced and gated with security cameras and drive-up access. Access hours run from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 9 AM to 7 PM on Saturday, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, so you can plan a haul-out around your schedule. You can also review the policies and supplies page before you move in.

Making your haul-out plan easier

The best haul-out is simple: pick your date early, clean and drain the boat, winterize the engine, protect the battery, and prepare the trailer. A little planning in fall protects your boat through the winter.

If you are preparing for winter on Lake Champlain, Flynn Avenue Self Storage can help you find a space that fits your boat and trailer. Contact Us to ask about available units.