Watching the leaves change color and the outside temperatures drop means one thing for wake boat owners: it's time to say goodbye to those epic days on the water, for now.
With winter approaching, you need to know that the way you store and protect your Axis wake boat during the off-season is important. It directly impacts how quickly you'll be back to throwing massive wakes next spring. So in this article, we take a walk through everything you need to know to keep your pride and joy in pristine condition.
Your Axis wake boat isn't just another toy, tool, or machine.
Regardless of which Axis model you own - whether it's from our A series or our T series - your boat is equipped with advanced systems that need protection from harsh winter conditions. That process is called winterization.
The good news though is that a little effort now with winterizing your boat, will save you serious time and potentially even money, when boating season returns.
Think of it this way: proper winterization is like putting your summer stoke on pause, not ending it. You're protecting your investment so on that first warm day of spring, you're ready to roll without having to make unplanned repairs or suffering expensive maintenance bills.
Before you even think about putting on your boat cover for the winter, you need to give it a thorough cleaning.
This is way beyond just a quick rinse though.
Salts, minerals, algae, and general gunk have been building up all season long, and if you let that sit for months, you're asking for trouble.
Start with the exterior. Use a boat-specific cleaner (not dish soap - seriously, don't do it - rather get a Skips cleaning kit) and work your way from bow to stern. Pay special attention to the waterline. Get into all those nooks and crannies around the tower, speakers, and ballast connections. Axis Boats are full of amazing tech and integrated features, but that can also mean spots for dirt to hide.
The interior is up next. Remove any removable cushions and give them a good scrub with an upholstery cleaning product. Check under seats, in storage compartments, and around the floor. Any moisture left behind can lead to mildew, and trust us, no one wants to deal with that smell come spring.
The interior of your Axis is designed with premium materials that look incredible but need proper care. Remove all vinyl and upholstery if possible and store it indoors. If you can't remove it, at least treat it with a quality vinyl protectant.
Take out anything that could attract or retain moisture or pests, like life jackets, ropes, towables, snacks, and any other gear. Store these items separately in a dry location where they won't develop mildew or become a cozy home for mice.
Now, let everything dry completely - and we mean bone dry - before you can put it all back together and put the cover on.
Your engine is the heart of your Axis, and it deserves some serious attention before storage. The Monsoon powerplants that come equipped in Axis boats are designed for performance, and proper winterization will ensure years and years of reliable performance.
To ensure that this is done correctly, Axis recommends that you schedule your boat's winterization with your local Axis dealer. It takes all of the hassle out of your hands and ensures that your boat is properly and professionally prepared for the winter and its low temperatures.
If you insist on winterizing your boat yourself, the process is detailed in the manual. In summary, it involves flushing the cooling system, draining all of the water from your boat, and adding fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank. Just bear in mind that the winterization process is complex and if done incorrectly, can result in severe damage to vital parts of your boat's mechanical systems. That's the reason that Axis recommends it be done by your local Axis Boats dealer instead.
The electrical systems on your boat, including everything from the touchscreen displays to the ballast pumps and lighting, all rely on your battery for their peak functionality.
Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Ideally, hook it up to a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain optimal charge levels. A completely dead battery is much harder to revive, and you might end up needing a replacement right when you're eager to get back on the water.
For those of you with multiple battery setups in the larger Axis Boats models, repeat this process for each one. Label them if needed so you know exactly where each one goes when it's time for reinstallation.
This is crucial for those of you in freezing climates, because any water left in your ballast system, plumbing, or surf systems can freeze and cause catastrophic damage. The design of modern wake boats includes complex water management systems, and for that reason, each water/plumbing line needs attention.
Winterizing your ballast and plumbing systems is a job that is best left to the professionals. Axis recommends that this, too, should be done by your Axis dealer. That will ensure that your boat is safely and correctly winterized, and ensure that its vital systems don't suffer any damage during the off season. Your Axis dealer is ready to assist you with all of this so that the start to next season is smooth and easy.
If you understand the risks and still want to do it yourself, the complete process is included in your Axis user manual. It involves flushing your ballast tanks one at a time, alongside following a certain process at the dash board. But again, due to the risks involved, we urge you to rather let your Axis dealer handle this for you.
Now comes the big decision: where to store your boat and how to cover it. Ideally, indoor heated storage is the gold standard, but we understand that's not realistic for everyone.
If you don't already have a storage solution in place, give your Axis dealer a call. Many Axis dealers offer dry storage for the winter. Your boat will be safe, secure and warm and you will have complete peace-of-mind. It's a win-win situation!
For owners who are storing their boat outside, you should absolutely invest in a quality cover designed specifically for your boat's length and model, because here, generic covers simply don't cut it. Your boat's design includes towers, rails, and other features that need a custom or semi-custom fit. Make sure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup but secure enough to withstand winter winds and snow load.
If you're storing your boat on its trailer, check that the tires are properly inflated and that the trailer is on level ground. Consider placing boards under the tires to prevent flat spots during long-term storage. Inspect the trailer's bearings and lights while you're at it as well. You don't want a trailer failure on your first tow of the season.
For owners storing the boat at a marina or facility, we recommend that you visit occasionally to check on your boat. Make sure the cover hasn't shifted and that no water is pooling anywhere. A quick inspection every few weeks can catch problems before they become disasters.
Take photos of how everything is connected before you disconnect it. This simple step makes spring commissioning so much easier. Note any maintenance issues you noticed during the season. This might be unfamiliar sounds, warning lights (check your owner's manual), or simply things that didn't quite work right. Write them down so you can address them during the off-season or first thing in spring.
If you're thinking about upgrades or adding customizations, winter is the perfect time for that. Many dealers and service centers offer off-season sale pricing on parts and labor. Want to upgrade your stereo? Replace a cushion? Now's the time.
While your boat is tucked away, review your insurance policy. Some companies offer reduced rates for laid-up or storage periods. Update your registration if needed so you're not scrambling in March when you're ready to launch.
All Axis Boats models are designed to withstand the rigors of serious watersports, but they're not designed to sit neglected through harsh winters. With proper winterization and storage, your Axis boat will be ready to deliver the same incredible performance next season.
Your Axis Boats dealer is always available and ready to assist you with correctly winterizing your boat, so be sure to reach out to them to schedule a service to get your winterization done properly and safely. Also, chat to them about storage, since they might have dry storage options available for your boat.
Think of it like you're investing in protecting those family memories, those sunrise sessions, and that feeling of pure stoke when you're carving across glassy water.
So yeah, putting your boat away is a bummer. But doing it right means when that first warm day hits and your crew is ready to get back out there, your Axis will be ready for you.
Stay stoked, and we'll see you on the water next season.