Unlike other modes of transport, most
boats have many vital parts exposed to the elements as they don't
have full roofs. For this reason, it's even more critical that they
are stored correctly in the offseason. A boat is a significant
investment, and repairs are costly. Preventing damages can save you
tons of money, plus ensure your boat is ready to get straight out
into the water next year.
With these tips, you can adequately
prepare your boat for storage.
Where will you store it?
Before preparing your boat for storage,
you first need to decide where it will be stored. This may be challenging, especially if you lack adequate space. But all hope is not lost yet! One great idea is to book an external space. Investing in secure self storage units will help safeguard your boat against harsh elements, such as snow, dust, rain, theft, and damage. As a tip, consider choosing a reliable facility near you. That way, you will enjoy your peace of mind knowing your watercraft is safely tucked away until you require it. Though some people
keep their boat in the water, inside a boathouse, this is not
recommended. Your boat will face exposure to dropping temperatures
and ice within the water, which can damage it or even cause it to
sink. Therefore, the best way to store a boat in on land under a
large canopy. Car
canopies work great for this purpose as they prevent any damage
from the weather or debris from falling into your boat. Ideally, you
should have a tight cover for around the top of your boat and then
park it under the canopy.
Steps to prep your boat for storage
1. Let your boat run
Turn your boat on and let it run while you
listen to the sounds it makes. Notice if anything sounds off or if
you hear any rattling that could indict a crack or that something is
loose.
2. Drain out any water
You'll want to ensure all water is drained
from the boat before you store it. Any water left in the tanks,
pipes, or bilge will freeze and likely cause damage. Put anti-freeze
into the water tank and the bilge just to ensure if there is any
moisture that it won't turn into ice.
3. Clean everything
Your boat likely hasn't had a good
cleaning since last year, so give it a good scrub. The exterior
should be clear of any plant matter that might be stuck to it. Clean
the interior as well, making sure to thoroughly check all the nooks,
crannies, and drawers to get anything out. You don't want to end up
finding a half-eaten sandwich in the drawer months later. Give the
boat a nice coat of wax once it's clean.
4. Prep your engine
There are a few things to consider when
prepping your engine. First, flush it out with clean water to get rid
of any dirt or saltwater that may have built up. Top up the
anti-freeze and change the oil. Take out the drive belts, so they
don't break from the tension when they freeze up. You'll also want to
fill your gas tank up with gasoline and stabilizer. Then make sure to
run the engine so that the infused fuel gets into the lines.
5. Take out the battery
Remove the battery from your boat and
store it somewhere dry. Apply grease to both the terminals and the
cable ends.
6. Cover up the exhaust
Make sure your seal up any exhaust ports.
Furry critters love to make nests inside the pipes, which can clog
them up. Sealing them off will prevent any uninvited guests.
By following these steps, your boat will
be all set for storage.
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