Boat Storage Tips
We all love summer days spent cruising on a lake under the sun. Boats bring lots of fun times for families and friends that make them a great asset. However, there are certain requirements to keep up with a boat. The financial and up-keep costs are one thing, but boats also take up a great deal of space when they’re not on the water. If lack of storage space is an obstacle to you living out your boat dreams, self-storage may be a good option for you in the off season. Read on for some tips to keep your boat fresh in storage.
Preparing for Boat Storage
Inspect the Boat
When you are done with your boating season, always inspect the boat before placing it in storage. This will allow you to make sure everything is in tiptop shape and make any repairs that may be necessary before you leave the boat unattended in a storage unit.
Interior
Sealing your boat surfaces with protectants can help prevent weathering while the boat is in storage. This is especially important if you’re looking to keep your boat in any type of outdoor storage as it will be exposed to the elements during this time. As a bonus, sealants will also protect your boat from sun and surf when you are out on the water.
If your boat has cabinets and drawers, make sure they are left open in storage so they can air out. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. For boat refrigerators, make sure they are empty as well so nothing will go bad while your boat is sitting in storage.
Exterior
The exterior of your boat will also need to be preserved in storage, especially if you are opting for outdoor storage. Firstly, make sure the entire boat is dry. Clean the surface before storage to remove any dirt and bacteria, then seal with wax for extra protection. This prevents any grime from ruining your boat’s finish and the wax prevent any more from sticking on.
Consider investing in a boat cover as well. This will help protect your boat from the elements if you are storing it outside, and will make your protective finish go even further.
Maintenance
Regular boat maintenance is essential to keep your boat running even in the middle of boating season, but these specific tips will make sure it remains in tune even after a long time in storage. Make sure to change out the engine oil and antifreeze as well as treating any fuel with stabilizer before storage so the old fluids are not sitting stagnant in the boat. If you are considering indoor storage, some facilities may even require you to drain the gas tank altogether, so make sure you are following the rules for the facility you have chosen. Also ensure your battery is disconnected to prevent corrosion and that fog oil has been added to the engine.
Check the Manual for Boat Storage Tips
While these tips are general for many boat types, also make sure you are taking care of your specific boat’s needs. Your manual should contain information on how to winterize your specific vehicle for storage. Always double check and make sure all of these steps are met so you set yourself up for success. Following these tips also ensures that, if something is to happen to your boat in storage, the warranty will still cover it. Failing to follow these instructions will often void the warranty.
Boat Storage Options
Outdoor
Some storage facilities may have outdoor spaces for you to drive up to and leave your boat. These spaces can be covered or left completely open. If you don’t have a boat cover, you may want to look into a covered or indoor storage option.
Indoor
If neither of the outdoor options is palatable to you, consider looking for a facility with indoor storage for large vehicles. These facilities often have drive up access to these larger storage units, some of which can be climate-controlled. Having climate-controlled boat storage will protect your boat from the elements, which may prove advantageous if you are planning to store it in a location with cold winters or extreme weather during the times you will be storing your boat.
Storage Security
A boat is a very expensive and valuable item for boat owners. Ensure that whatever facility you choose has security to ensure your boat will be protected from thieves and vandals. At Storage World Asheville, many of our facilities employ cameras and access control to monitor who can enter the facilities. Facilities with these options will help ensure your precious boat is well-taken-care-of.
Purchasing a boat is surely expensive, and so is the maintenance of it. Ensuring your boat is stored safely during the off season is definitely costly, but anything increasing the longevity of your vehicle is a worthwhile investment indeed. Self-storage is less expensive than marina storage, and these steps will increase your boat’s lifespan and provide all the more return on your initial investment.