Short answer: Harbor Marine winterizes and shrink wraps boats for Buford owners at our Lanier Islands Parkway shop, or in your driveway, storage lot or slip. Call (770) 967-8495 early in the fall.
Why Buford boats need winterizing
Buford sits at the south end of Lake Lanier, and winters here are mostly mild, but hard freezes still come. Any water left in an engine block, manifold, pump or plumbing line can freeze, expand and crack. Boats stored on trailers in driveways and storage lots are the most exposed, because there is no lake water around the hull to soften the cold.
Where we winterize
Bring the boat to our shop at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway, or have us come to it through mobile boat service in Buford. We winterize boats in driveways, storage lots, on lifts and in slips. Tell us where yours spends the winter when you book.
Included in a Buford winterization
- Engine cooling passages protected.
- Generator protected, if the boat has one.
- All water systems drained or protected.
- Batteries checked so the boat starts in spring.
- Shrink wrap, if you want it.
Shrink wrap for outdoor storage
A tight shrink wrap keeps rain, leaves and pine straw off the boat, and keeps water from pooling in the cockpit and freezing in drains. It also shades upholstery and gel coat through winter. For boats parked outside under trees, it saves a lot of spring cleanup.
Checklist for owners storing at home
- Book winterization early in the fall.
- Top off fuel or follow the stabilizer guidance for your engine.
- Remove electronics, cushions and anything mice like to nest in.
- Choose shrink wrap or a well-fitted cover.
- Check the trailer tires, and chock the wheels for the winter.
We will handle the engine and water systems. The rest is up to you, and it pays off in spring.
Common spring surprises
In spring we see the results of winters that went badly: cracked manifolds, split hoses, water pumps that will not prime, and batteries that will not hold a charge. Mice nesting in cushions and wiring are common for boats stored at home in Buford, especially under trees or near the woods. A careful winterization, cushions taken inside and a well-sealed wrap prevent most of it.
If something did go wrong over the winter, we can track it down and fix it during recommissioning.
What affects winterization
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- How many engines the boat has, and whether there is a generator.
- Water systems on board: tanks, heads, sinks, water heater.
- Whether you want shrink wrap.
- Where the boat is stored.
Winter storage spots in Buford
Whether your boat spends winter in a Buford garage, a driveway, a storage lot or a slip near Lake Lanier Islands, tell us where. Garage boats need less protection from the weather. Outdoor and in-water boats need the full plan, including a wrap and, for slips, a check on lines and bilge pumps.
Book early, then plan spring
Fall schedules fill up quickly once the weather turns, so call early. In spring we remove the wrap, recommission the systems and get the boat ready. Spring is also a good time for an oil change and impeller check through engine repair in Buford, or a detail in Buford.
Neighbors can see winterization in Sugar Hill or Flowery Branch, and in-water boats on Lake Lanier. Our main winterization and shrink wrap page has the full checklist. See all our Buford boat repair services, or contact us.