10 Things You Should Know About Boat Storage

The fun is over, it’s time to put your boat into storage. However before you do so, there might be some things you need to know. When putting your boat into storage it is important to be thorough with your preparation as forgetting something important may cause permanent damage to your boat.

 

By reading this guide you will learn what preparation is required when putting your boat into storage. Here are ten things you should know about boat storage;

1. Take It For A Spin

Before putting your boat into storage if possible take it for one last spin. Just a short sail to make sure everything is in running order. If you find any issue make sure to get them resolved fast and then take the boat on another run, just to make sure it is all in running order.

 

 

 

2. Clean The Boat

Next you want to make sure the boat is cleaned, inside and out. You should begin by removing any items that leave bad odours such as fishing equipment and food. Clean the fridge and leave slightly ajar to allow it to air out.

 

Also make sure all surfaces, floors and upholstery are clean and remove any traces of salt or other build ups as they can cause damage over time. Clean the exterior with a specialised boat cleanser and use a pressure washer to apply the appropriate pressure to get rid of hard to remove dirt.

 

 

3. Dry The Boat

Once the boat is clean you then want to thoroughly dry the interior and exterior. This prevents mould, mildew and rust developing. Dry the boat with a dry mop and towels making sure not to damage anything. Make sure all water is drained from the boat by raising the bow. 

 

Leave the boat outside in dry weather to allow any remaining water to evaporate. Once dry place some mildew control bags and place them inside the cabin and other compartments.

 

4. Change Oil

A key maintenance job is to make sure you change the oils to help maintain the engine. It is recommended that you heat the engine up before performing a full oil change. 

 

This should be an easy task however if you are uncomfortable and want to reduce the risk of anything going wrong then it’s worth contacting your closest mechanic. It’s also worth noting that you may need to change the filter in the engine.

 

 

5. Make Sure It’s Fuel Up

It is essential before putting your boat into storage that you fill the tank with fuel. This will prevent the tank filling with moisture causing unnecessary damage and degrading the tank. This will also act as a counter to the oil. 

 

Be sure to check the fuel tank for any leaks before putting it into storage as a leaking fuel tank can cause significant damage to the boat long term.

 

 

6. Wax It Up

Once the boat’s maintenance is up to scratch, give it a good wax job. It doesn’t only make the boat look a little fresher but it also prevents rust and corrosion. It is important to be thorough and make sure your boat is completely clean and dry before applying the wax to make sure it applies correctly. 

 

By using a car polisher you will be able to quickly and effectively apply the wax. Just be careful not to damage the paintwork by applying too much pressure.

7. Remove The Battery 

Make sure to take the battery from your boat when it is put into storage. You want to connect the battery to a charger for the duration it is in storage. This will maintain the batteries healthy and will keep it in good working order for when you are ready to take the boat out on the water again.

 

 

 

 

8. Check The Boat Trailer 

Before lifting your boat onto the boat trailer make sure to put the trailer through the essential maintenance. Take your trailer to the services to check tire pressure and top it up if necessary. Also be sure to check for rust, you don’t want any rust it contact with your boat as it can cause damage to the exterior and the trailer may deteriorate and corrode over time.

 

 

 

9. Cover The Boat

Covering your boat is a must before putting it into storage. This will protect the boat from the natural elements and stop rain from dampening it. If you are storing your boat indoors it a large plastic tarp would suffice for covering your boat effectively. However, if you are storing your boat at an outdoor facility a fitted boat cover is a must, due to its exposure to the natural elements. 

 

 

10. Find The Right Storage Site

Maybe the most important part of boat storage is finding the right place to store your boat. Make sure to find somewhere with 24 hour security and recorded CCTV surveillance. It is also beneficial to make sure the facility you store your boat at has tall security fencing to prevent any potential intruders. 

 

When putting your boat into storage make sure to thoroughly prepare and find the right storage site. Make sure your boat has no unwanted moisture and take all the necessary steps to prevent rust and permanent damage. At Twenty4 Secure Storage we can give you advice and accept vehicle storage on our site with 24 hour CCTV and manned security.