How to Start a Boat Winterization Business

Many boat owners have their boat taken out of the water and put into storage at season’s end. Before a boat can safely be stored for the offseason, however, it must be winterized. Winterization is the process of cleaning a boat, servicing its engines and systems, and covering the boat.

While some boat owners winterize their vessels themselves, many hire a business to do the work. Boaters may choose to have a business service their boat because they don’t have time to do it themselves, they don’t want to do it themselves, or they want other maintenance items checked at the end of the boating season.

Learn how to start your own Boat Winterization Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a boat winterization business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Boat Winterization Business
  2. Form your Boat Winterization Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Boat Winterization Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Boat Winterization Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Boat Winterization Business
  7. Get Boat Winterization Business Insurance
  8. Define your Boat Winterization Business Brand
  9. Create your Boat Winterization Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your boat winterization business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Boat Winterization Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your boat winterization business?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a boat winterization business?

The startup costs for a boat winterization business are minimal. Business owners need:

  • Basic tools
  • A power washer
  • Fuel stabilizers, antifreeze, and similar fluids
  • Shrink wrap
  • Specialized shrink-wrapping tools

Business owners who have little initial capital can begin by borrowing tools if they don’t have the required ones already, and a power washer can be borrowed or rented as needed. The required fluids don’t cost much. Boating places the cost of taking care of fluids between $50 and $110.

The largest expense is usually the cost of shrink wrap and the specialized tools needed to apply it. Michael Enos spend $2,000 on shrink wrap and tools when winterizing his first boat (which was his personal airboat).

Business owners can save on building expenses by going to a client’s site rather than purchasing or leasing a work area. The tools and equipment will fit in any car, truck, or SUV, so it’s easy to offer services on-site.

What are the ongoing expenses for a boat winterization business?

The ongoing expenses for a boat winterization business are low. Business owners need to purchase supplies as they use fluids and shrink wrap. Those that have employees must pay salaries and any commercial space that’s used must be paid for.

Who is the target market?

Boat owners are the target market for a boat winterization business. Anyone who has a boat that’s larger than a dinghy, canoe, or kayak may need their boat winterized.

How does a boat winterization business make money?

A boat winterization business makes money by charging customers for winterizing their boats. Whether boat owners do any of the above-listed work themselves can affect how much is charged.

How much can you charge customers?

The average amount charged to winterize a boat is $300. Smaller outboards can be as little as $100, while cabin cruisers can run $600 or more.

The fees charged by Sportsman's Boat Storage shows how the cost to winterize different boats can vary. The storage center offers winterization starting at $250. Additional fees are charged for extra services, such as:

  • Changing oil ($75 to $110)
  • Winterizing a freshwater or porta potty system (cost varies)
  • Winterizing a ballast system ($50 per pump)
  • Adding a fuel stabilizer ($14.21 average)

How much profit can a boat winterization business make?

With an average price of $300, a boat winterization business can bring in a substantial seasonal profit. Winterizing just two boats a day could result in a daily revenue of $600 throughout the fall.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Many boat winterization businesses also offer basic small boat repairs. To add repair services, business owners should take a marine engine repair course. Annapolis School of Seamanship, Universal Technical Institute, and many other schools offer classes.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your boat winterization business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a boat winterization service. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A boat winterization service can be run out of a storefront or small office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a  Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease space:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a boat winterization service.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening,  it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build your own location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your boat winterization service will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Boat Winterization Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Boat Winterization Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a boat winterization business

Since boat winterization is a seasonal business, a concentrated marketing effort should be made from late summer through late fall. During this time, business owners can post flyers, purchase ads in local papers, and conduct local search engine optimization campaigns to reach potential customers.

How to keep customers coming back

To increase customer retention, business owners should contact previous customers in late summer. Sending direct mail or even calling customers to schedule winterizations can keep those customers from switching to a competitor’s services.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who loves boating and is mechanically inclined may enjoy running a boat winterization business. Business owners get to spend their days working on boats, and they don’t have to miss many days on the water since winterization is done at the end of the season. Mechanical skills are needed because winterization includes checking the engine oil, fuel, onboard plumbing, and other fluids.

This type of business can be run on the side since the work is seasonal and can be done part-time. Business owners who have primary jobs can supplement their income by winterizing boats during their off hours in the fall.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a boat winterization business?

Winterizing a boat typically takes a few hours. The exact work done depends on the type of boat being winterized, but it usually involves the following:

  • Pulling the boat out of the water (if not previously done)
  • Cleaning the boat (possibly power-washing or polishing it)
  • Draining some of the fluids in the engine
  • Adding stabilizers and/or antifreeze to the engine fluids that are left
  • Servicing the other fluid and electrical systems on board
  • Covering the boat in shrink wrap
  • Placing the boat in storage (either inside or outside)

This work may be performed in an indoor workspace, outside, or at a customer’s location.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful boat winterization business?

At the very least, business owners must know how to winterize many different types of boats. Customers will have inboards, outboards, inboard/outboards, sailboats, and wooden boats, each with slightly different needs.

To learn how to winterize different boats, prospective business owners should spend a season working at a marina that offers winterization services. There are a number of free guides on boat winterization, but these are better used as references than training materials. They don’t cover everything that business owners may encounter. (Boat U.S. is a well-known organization that has published a thorough guide.)

What is the growth potential for a boat winterization business?

Most boat winterization businesses are small, local operations. For example, Mike’s Marine Service is a typical marina that offers winterization and other services.

Businesses that expand beyond a defined region usually focus on a single aspect of winterization -- shrink-wrapping -- and offer the service for more than just boats. This is what Michael Enos did with Fast Wrap, a business that grew to dozens of locations by offering shrink-wrapping service for boats, amusement park rides, and other winterized equipment.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a boat winterization business?

Going to customers’ locations has several benefits beyond merely keeping startup costs low. By not procuring a specific workspace, business owners:

  • Keep their overhead low, which allows them to undercut the competition
  • Offer a more convenient service, which can become a major selling point
  • Make themselves visible in boating areas, which leads to an increased number of clients

How and when to build a team

Many business owners start out by themselves and a number never hire employees. Those who do want to grow the business usually bring on seasonal workers to help meet the demand in fall. Having at least one employee also makes shrink-wrapping boats go much faster.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading

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