5 Boat Storage Tips as Summer Comes to a Close
As you prepare for the end of the summer and a close to fishing and boating season, consider the following tips to ensure your boat is properly stored for the fall and winter.
1. Conduct a Thorough Inspection
Take your boat out for one last grand adventure and make mental notes along the way. How is it traveling? What measures could be taken to get it into true peak performance?
Once identified, take steps to make corrections prior to storing. You’ll want to store your boat in its most pristine condition to avoid conditions worsening in idle mode.
2. Give it a Good Clean
Give both the interior and exterior of the boat a good clean. This includes removing any belongings, such as blankets, bins and fishing equipment.
3. Pay Attention to Fuel and Liquid Levels
As with other recreational vehicles, fill up your fuel tank, and replace oils and liquids that can break down over too much time. Also, replace filters, and drain water tanks and heaters. If storing outdoors, consider coating in-take lines with anti-freeze to help them weather the storm.
4. Remove Electronic Devices
Fully charge, and then remove battery packs and other electronic devices from your boat. You’ll want to store these items away separately, as they require different storage conditions than the rest of the boat.
5. Find a Location to Store
To keep your boat the safest, choose a climate-controlled storage unit. These types of units will provide the temperature and humidity levels needed to keep all of your boat parts safe.
Marina storage is an alternate option, but can become costly during winter months, and keeps your boat subject to the elements.
Wherever you decide to store, it will most likely have to be off-site, as many city ordinances and homeowners’ associations request that boats be kept off residential driveways.
Look for a place that has the requirements you need and the security you value to keep your boat ready for sail in the spring.
Are you storing your boat away this fall and winter? What tips would you add to this list? Let us know in the comment section below.
