Why Winter Is the Best Time for Big Repairs
When boating season ends, most folks think it’s time to park the boat, zip up the cover, and forget about it until spring.
But for the crew at Clark Marine, winter isn’t downtime — it’s go time.
The truth is simple: once the ice melts, it’s game over for big jobs.
From early April through mid-July, our service department runs full throttle getting hundreds of boats back on the water. During that stretch, we simply don’t have the time or space to take on major repairs. By the time summer hits, there’s only a small six-week window for projects like reupholstery, flooring, and steering conversions — and by then, most of our technicians are booked solid.
That’s why winter is the best (and sometimes only) time to tackle the big stuff.
What Kind of Projects Belong in the Winter Shop?
- Hydraulic or Power-Assist Steering Conversions – Make driving effortless with a Dometic Xtreme Power Assist system. Once you feel the difference, you’ll never go back.
- New Electronics Installs – Clean wiring, modern sonar, and smart displays that make your time on the water more productive.
- Vinyl Flooring Upgrades – Trade tired carpet for modern, easy-clean flooring that looks sharp and feels even better.
- Canvas and Reupholstery Work – Bring your seats and covers back to life and protect your investment from sun and water damage.
- 8-Hour Ceramic Detailing – The full spa treatment for your boat — a deep clean and ceramic protection inside and out with Starbrite products.
Payment Plans That Actually Work for You
We get it — big repairs can be a big investment. That’s why we offer interest-free payment flexibility from the moment you sign your estimate until spring delivery. You can pay as you go, at your own pace, working directly with our office staff to set up a plan that fits your budget.
How It Works
Once you approve your estimate (via phone or email), we take a 40% deposit to order the necessary parts.
For any job over $3,000, your boat will be stored inside our Belgrade facility and shrink-wrapped after completion — safe, warm, and ready to launch when the ice finally melts.
Winter Work, Done Right
At Clark Marine, winter isn’t an off-season — it’s when we do our best work. Whether it’s steering upgrades, electronics installs, or a total cosmetic refresh, the time to start is now.
Because once spring rolls around, your window for big repairs will close faster than the launch ramp fills up on Memorial Day.