In this week’s blog, we discuss a timely topic: should you wax your boat before winter storage? The age-old question depends on various factors, such as climate and winter storage techniques used, however the great consensus is yes, you should wax your boat before winter storage.
Here at BoatLIFE®, we have been in the boat cleaning, detailing, and restoration manufacturing business for over 66 years. Our high-quality, American made sealants, waxes, polishes, and epoxies are all you need to get your boat in tip-top shape, any time of year. It is important to maintain your boat, including a consistent cleaning schedule year-round, and especially before doing any long-term storage, winter storage, or overall boat winterization. Here we discuss why you should wax your boat before winter storage.
Why You Should Wax Your Boat Before Winter Storage
Just like skis and snowboards, boat hulls can benefit from being waxed prior to winter storage for a number of reasons. First, the wax protects the underlying gelcoat surface from the harmful effects of UV rays, snow, hail, wind, dirt, grime, and oxidation. This is why it is essential to wash, thoroughly dry, and wax your hull before you shrink wrap or store your boat for winter. Not only will the wax provide a protective layer, it will also make it easier to clean the hull once spring rolls around.
Types of Wax to Consider
If you have decided to wax your boat before winter storage, it is important to keep in mind the different types of waxes available. BoatLIFE offers our signature LifeWax® and PolyShine® Premium Boat Polish, two tried-and-true products that are proven to extend your wax job for up to three years when used together. LifeWax is a long-lasting wax made from pure carnauba, the finest marine grade paste wax on the market, naturally UV resistant. LifeWax is not recommend for vinyl graphics. Instead, we recommend our Graphix Wax®, which is specifically designed to be used over vinyl graphics as it is petroleum distillate-free, the only wax of its kind. Also, UV ray inhibiting, Graphix Wax is made exclusively of high-grade materials.
Our PolyShine is a liquid polymer that shines surfaces as it protects. It can be used on fiberglass, as well as on chrome and stainless steel hardware and fittings. Simply apply PolyShine by hand or machine, buff, and you’re done. When used before LifeWax, the duo will extend your wax for up to three years.
As always, our online shop is open 24/7 at www.boatlife.com, and don’t miss out on our Fall Special, running now through November 25th, 2025. Enjoy 15% off of your entire online purchase using special discount code NOV25! As always, we offer free ground shipping in the continental U.S. for any orders over $49, so be sure to stock up on all your favorites.
For more great product ideas, visit our online store and product catalogue and be sure to check out our blog for additional boat cleaning and boat maintenance DIY tips and tricks.
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. Last year marked the company’s 65th anniversary.
