A lot of Middle Tennessee boaters stretch the season as long as they can. A warm October afternoon on Old Hickory Lake is hard to beat. Then a cold front drops through, temperatures fall below freezing overnight, and a boat that wasn’t winterized can be in trouble by morning. Here’s a practical guide to winterizing a boat in Tennessee and what to know about insurance while it’s stored.
Quick takeaway
- Middle Tennessee winters are mild most days, but a single hard freeze can crack an engine block or burst water lines.
- Many boat policies exclude or limit freeze damage, especially when it’s caused by improper winterization.
- Some policies have a lay-up period, which may limit coverage while the boat is in the water during set months. Check yours.
- Keep comprehensive-type protection for theft, fire, and storm damage while the boat is stored.
Why winterizing matters for insurance
Most boat policies are built to cover sudden, accidental losses. Damage that comes from neglect or lack of maintenance is a different story. Freeze damage is a common example. Many policies exclude or limit freeze damage, particularly when the boat wasn’t properly winterized or wasn’t maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Read the exclusions section of your policy. If it mentions freezing, ice, or winterization, take it seriously.
Our guide to boat insurance in Tennessee explains what a typical boat policy does and doesn’t cover.
A winterizing checklist for Middle Tennessee boats
Every boat is different, so follow your engine and boat manufacturers’ instructions, or have a marine mechanic do it. A typical winterization includes:
Engine and fuel
- Stabilize the fuel. Add stabilizer and run the engine so treated fuel reaches the system. Many owners fill the tank to limit condensation. Follow your manufacturer’s guidance.
- Change the oil and filter. Old oil can contain moisture and acids.
- Drain or flush the cooling system and add antifreeze where the manufacturer calls for it. This step is what protects an engine block from cracking.
- Fog the engine if your engine type requires it.
- Check the lower unit or drive for water in the gear oil, and change it.
Water systems
- Drain freshwater tanks, water heaters, livewells, and baitwells.
- Blow out or add non-toxic antifreeze to plumbing lines, sinks, and showers.
- Empty and treat any onboard toilet or holding tank.
Battery and electrical
- Charge the battery and either remove it or use a maintainer.
- Disconnect accessories that could slowly drain power.
Hull, interior, and trailer
- Clean the hull and inspect for damage, blisters, or cracks.
- Remove electronics, valuables, life jackets, and anything that could mildew.
- Prop open storage compartments to reduce moisture.
- Check trailer tires, lights, bearings, and the winch strap.
- Cover the boat with a fitted or shrink-wrap cover that sheds water and snow.
Keep receipts and a short log of what was done and when. If you ever have a claim, records help show the boat was maintained.
Where to store your boat
Storage options around Middle Tennessee include:
- At home on a trailer, in a garage or under a carport
- Indoor dry storage at a marina or storage facility
- Outdoor storage lots, sometimes covered
- In the water at a marina slip, for owners who boat year-round
Each has trade-offs. Indoor storage reduces weather and theft risk but costs more. Outdoor storage exposes the boat to hail, wind, falling limbs, and theft. Boats left in the water face freezing, sinking, and storm risks. Tell your agent where the boat will be stored. It can affect your coverage and possibly your premium.
Understanding lay-up periods
Some boat policies include a lay-up period. That’s a set range of months when the boat is expected to be out of service. During lay-up, the policy may limit or exclude coverage for losses that happen while the boat is being operated or is afloat. Coverage for things like theft or fire in storage usually continues.
Lay-up rules vary a lot. Some policies have none. Others set specific months, and some let you choose. If you plan to use your boat in the winter, for example duck hunting or winter fishing on Percy Priest, check whether your policy has a lay-up period and ask about removing or changing it.
Should you cancel boat insurance in the winter?
It’s tempting, but usually not wise. A stored boat can still be stolen, burned, crushed by a falling tree, or damaged by hail. If it’s financed, your lender almost certainly requires continuous coverage. Canceling and restarting can also create gaps or affect pricing. A better approach is to ask whether your carrier offers off-season options that fit how you use the boat.
Winter risks around the lake
Even when the boat is out of the water, Middle Tennessee winters bring a few specific risks:
- Hard freezes that crack engine blocks, water lines, and pumps
- Ice storms that bring down limbs on boats stored under trees
- Heavy rain that fills an uncovered boat and stresses the trailer
- Theft of electronics, motors, and trailers from storage lots
- Snow or ice load on covers and boat lift canopies
A good cover, a secure location, and regular checks go a long way.
Spring recommissioning
When the weather warms up, don’t just drop the boat in the water. Check fluids, belts, hoses, the battery, and safety gear. Make sure your life jackets, fire extinguisher, and registration are in order. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency also reminds Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 that they need a boating safety certification to operate a vessel over 8.5 horsepower, subject to TWRA’s exceptions. Spring is a great time to review your policy, too.
Frequently asked questions
Does boat insurance cover freeze damage?
Many policies exclude or limit freeze damage, especially when the boat wasn’t properly winterized. Check your policy’s exclusions and follow manufacturer winterizing instructions.
What is a lay-up period on boat insurance?
It’s a set period, usually in the colder months, when the boat is expected to be out of service. During lay-up, some coverage for operating or being afloat may be limited. Not every policy has one.
Can I lower my boat insurance while it’s stored?
Some carriers offer off-season options or adjust pricing based on lay-up periods. Ask your agent what’s available instead of canceling.
Does boat insurance cover theft from a storage lot?
Many boat policies cover theft of the boat and attached equipment, subject to your deductible. Removable electronics and gear may have limits, so ask how yours works.
Next step
A few hours of winterizing can prevent the kind of damage insurance often won’t pay for. Learn more about boat insurance with Eric Henry, Insurance Agent, and ask Eric to check your lay-up period, storage details, and off-season options.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
