Boat Haul-Out and Winter Boat Storage on San Juan Island

E very fall, San Juan Island boaters search for the same thing: where to haul out and where to keep the boat for winter. The short answer is to haul out with a yard or launch you trust, winterize right away, and then keep the trailered boat and its gear somewhere dry, secure and close to town. Friday Harbor Storage at 845 Argyle Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 offers boat storage and drive-up units a few minutes from the harbor. Call (360) 865-5817, see boat storage on San Juan Island, or rent online.

Hauling out soon? Call (360) 865-5817, open boat storage, or rent online.

Haul-out on San Juan Island: what to plan

Haul-out capacity on the island is limited, and fall weather can close a window quickly. Book your haul-out early with a local yard or launch, and decide in advance where the boat goes next. Owners of trailerable boats have the most options. They can haul at a public or private ramp, then move the boat straight to storage the same day.

Bigger boats that stay in a yard still leave a pile of things behind: outboards, sails, cushions, electronics, fenders and safety gear. That gear lasts longer in a dry, locked unit than in a deck box or an open shed through months of rain.

Winterize first, then store

Winterize before the boat sits. Flush the engine with fresh water, then stabilize the fuel and run the motor so treated fuel reaches the system. Fog the cylinders if your manual calls for it. Drain the raw water and add antifreeze where required. Pump the bilge dry, then remove the drain plug if the boat will be stored on its trailer.

Island winters are wet more than frozen. Mildew is the main enemy, so dry everything before it goes into storage, and leave hatches cracked under a breathable cover.

Trailer storage vs a drive-up unit

See current options on the boat storage page, and compare unit sizes on the drive-up storage page.

Kayaks, paddleboards and dinghies

Not every island boat needs a trailer. Kayaks, paddleboards, small dinghies and inflatable tenders often fit inside a drive-up unit, standing on edge or resting on padded racks. Rinse off salt water, dry them fully, and store paddles, life jackets and pumps in labeled bins next to them. Keep inflatables slightly inflated and away from sharp corners.

A unit also works well for the extras that come off a larger boat at haul-out. That includes outboards on a stand, sails folded loosely in bags, cushions, canvas, electronics and safety gear. Keeping everything in one place means your spring checklist starts with a single stop instead of three.

Choosing a unit size for boat gear

These are planning examples. Measure the longest item, including the trailer tongue, and call (360) 865-5817 if you are between sizes. See current options on the drive-up storage page.

Ferry timing and 24-hour access

Many owners split time between the island and the mainland, and ferry schedules do not always line up with office hours. Twenty-four hour access means you can drop gear after a late boat or load up before an early sailing. Read more on the 24-hour storage page.

Before you leave the island for the season, take photos of the boat, the trailer and your unit contents. That helps with insurance and with your spring checklist.

Protecting the boat over a wet winter

Use a breathable cover, not plain plastic sheeting, so moisture can escape. Check the tie-downs after big wind events. Keep tires off standing water where you can, and turn the trailer bearings or move the trailer a short distance midwinter if you visit. Store spare lines, dock lines and fenders dry and coiled so they do not mildew.

A midwinter check catches small problems early: a loose cover, a leaking hatch, or signs of rodents in gear bins. Mark a date on your calendar and stop by on a dry day.

Getting ready for spring launch

When spring arrives, reverse the checklist: reinstall the battery, inspect the hull and trailer lights, replace the drain plug, and run the engine on muffs or in a test tank before the first trip. Book your launch early, because everyone on the island wants the same calm weekend.

Keeping gear in labeled bins inside a storage unit makes launch day a quick load instead of a scavenger hunt.

Get the boat off the water before the storms. Friday Harbor Storage, 845 Argyle Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 · (360) 865-5817 · boat storage · rent online · contact.