How To Properly Store a Boat in Self Storage
Posted: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
by Greg Erickson
Since you can't exactly park it in the garage, boat storage is one of the most important things to consider for boat owners. Self storage is a great, cost effective solution and there are steps you can take to ensure your boat stays in good condition while in storage. Here are some helpful tips for storing your boat at a self storage facility, keeping it safe and clean until its time to fire it back up for fishing season:
- To prevent dirty oil from sitting in the engine, it's a good idea to change the oil and the filter. The engine is a very expensive part of your boat; you want to keep it clean even when you are not using it.
- The next step will be draining the engines cooling system. For closed system engines, refill it with the antifreeze and water solution recommended by the manufacturer. For open system boats, insert a clean garden hose into the intake opening and flush it with clean water. Locate the coolant drains and open them, allowing the system to drain completely.
- If your boat has a carburetor, use the drain screw located at the bottom of the bowl to drain all of the gas from the tank. Once the fuel has been drained, replace the screw and refill the tank with the manufacturers recommended fuel stabilizer.
- The battery should be disconnected and all of the terminals should be cleaned and sprayed with anti-corrosion liquid. Store the battery, and don't forget to put it on charge while the boat is in storage for about 2-3 days each month.
- Here's where things get a little messy. The holding tank for bathroom waste should be pumped as dry as possible. A boatyard is recommended to do this step at unless you are able to remove the tank from the boat without difficulty. Once emptied, the tank should be treated with a deodorizing solution.
- Take all of your equipment and personal effects out of the boat, including life jackets, sails, seat covers, etc. These objects will likely collect moisture causing mold or mildew if left in storage with the boat.
- All storage lockers and hatches should be left open while your boat is in storage. This will keep air flowing so there is no stale smell when winter is over and its time to get back out on the water. This is especially important when storing your boat in an area that experiences high temperatures or humidity, such as an Escondido storage unit
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)I think you've written a very pithy and helpful article for boat owners.
Good article.
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