6 Best Boat Storage Tips

 

Owning a boat and taking it out to sail can be very rewarding. However, when you’re not going to use the boat for a long time, what do you do to keep it safe and protected?

 

Perhaps winter is coming, or you’ve decided to take a break from sailing. Whatever your reason is, properly storing your boat is important. It protects your boat from harsh environments, thieves, and other factors that can affect its performance. 

 

In this article, we share essential tips you can use when you keep your boat in storage for long periods of time. 

Clean Your Boat Prior to Storage

Before taking your boat to storage, make sure you clean your boat thoroughly. This means, cleaning everything from the hull, rudders, propellers, and shafts to everything inside the boat like the upholstery and cabinets.

 

To prevent mold growth, make sure everything is clean and dry. Empty the fridge and other storage areas from any items that can cause undesirable odors such as fishing buckets and baits, and remove electronic devices and fire extinguishers from your boat as well.

 

Besides the inside of your boat, don’t forget to keep the exterior of your boat clean. Any dirt on the outside of your boat can accumulate over time and might be harder to scrub off when it’s time for you to use it.

Remove All Valuables

Even if your boat is safe in storage, remember to remove all valuables. This does not only protect your boat from any unwanted attention, it also keeps your things from getting broken during storage.

Protect Your Boat's Hull and Motor

It’s best to find a durable boat cover to protect the exterior from any abrasive materials that can damage the boat’s finish. There are different materials in the market that you can use as boat cover, but the cheapest and most convenient option out there is a plastic tarpaulin. 

 

Make sure you do a mechanical check on your boat before you store it away as well. This prevents any damages from occurring while in storage.

• Remove battery

To avoid coming back to a dead battery, remove the battery and store it in a warm and dry place. You can also use a trickle charger to maintain your battery health while in storage.

• Remove excess water from the motor

Removing excess water from the motor is necessary especially in the winter season when the water can freeze and damage the motor.

• Change your oil

Even if your boat isn’t due for an oil change, prolonged storage can promote corrosion of the boat’s motor interior. A fresh oil change removes contaminants that can be harmful to the boat’s engine.

• Fill your tank

Make sure to fill your tank before taking your boat to storage. Doing so prevents moisture which can cause rust or corrosion and damage to your engine.

Use the Proper Jack Stands

Boat stands or jack stands are necessary when you store your boat out of water. They are designed to lift your boat safely so that there is enough room underneath for mobility when routine checks or repairs are needed. Jack stands support the boat from movements, however, they should not carry the weight of your boat. This job is intended for keel stands.

 

To use jack stands, the American Boat and Yacht council recommends that jack stands for recreational crafts are required to be spaced 10 feet apart or less — the last pairs of stands less than 10 feet from the ends of the waterline. There should also be three jack stands per side for boats that are at least 26 feet in length.

 

If you are concerned about the jack stands digging into the ground due to the boat’s weight, place a sheet of plywood underneath each jack stand base and use safety chains to connect each stand to each other. This will stabilize the jack stands, which will, in turn, stabilize the boat.

Securely Tie Down Your Boat

When in storage, you want to keep your boat in place. This is especially necessary when you’re transporting your boat or keeping your boat in areas with high winds or rains. To secure your boat, you will need proper tie-downs. 

Prepare your boat properly for storage.

Storing your boat for long periods of time can be stressful when you don’t know what to do. Without proper preparation, you might discover a boat in need of multiple repairs once you take it out of storage.

Preparing your boat for storage requires detailed care. These boat storage tips should help you prevent any unwanted damages to the engine, interior, and exterior of your boat which can cost you a lot of money.

 

Finding a place to keep your boat can be especially challenging as well, if you don’t have a big space to spare at home. Even if you did, you might want to store your boat in a secure place where you don’t have to worry about exposure to humidity, cold, or sunlight.

 

Storage companies such as Iron Self Storage provide self-storage services for boats that require special care. Not only does your boat get a designated space that is not affected by changes in temperature, you can also relax knowing your boat is secured properly in a storage facility with 24/7 surveillance.

 

Boat storage does not have to be complicated. However, if you need more guidance in storing your boat, you can also consult a professional boat storage expert.