To help boats and yachts retain their value it’s important every owner knows the best practices in boat storage. Having a boat is a lot of work. We have compiled a list of expert-recommended tips for storing your boat.
BEST PRACTICES IN BOAT STORAGE
The right boat storage is a major factor in determining how long a boat will last. Below are 17 expert tips and best practices you should try when storing your boat:
- Clean your boat : Keeping your boat clean is one of the most basic rules of storage. Even when you are only storing it for a little while, it is imperative that you clean your boat to avoid the build-up of grime. Doing so will also help you avoid staining and moulds from growing.
- Wax your boat : After cleaning the entirety of your boat, it is a good idea to add protection by covering its body with wax. This will help you avoid rust, especially if the boat will be stored outside.
- Leave the keys with someone locally : To ensure the safety of your boat, make sure to lock it into the facility and leave the keys with someone you trust.
- Protect your boat from vermin : Small animals like mice can cause a huge amount of damage to your boat, so it is best to keep them away. To do this, make sure that your boat’s storage facility cannot be easily accessed by these climbers. Never leave ladders, ramps, and other possible passages for these critters to climb onto. You may also want to put a repellent down.
- Clean out the cabin : Even if it’s just for a short time, clean up the cabin, turn off the fridge and store everything away how you know it should be done.
- Clean up on deck : Check the sails, mast, line, and fenders before putting your boat into storage. The sails should be dry and properly rolled before being stored inside the boat. The mast should be removed and secured inside the vessel or in a separate storage area. Fenders, lines, and other equipment should be cleaned and dried first before being stowed into storage where there isn’t any sunlight. Never forget to secure any other boating equipment that is to be left on deck.
- Secure the engine : When securing the engine, empty the fuel tank by running the engine after closing the fuel outlet to prevent the substance from harming its injectors or carburettors. It is also recommended to fog the engine to avoid moisture build-up. The boat’s propellers and motors should also be secured. Remember to remove the propellers and outdrives.
- Change the engine oil : To prevent engine corrosion, make sure to change the oil and oil filter. To do this, flush out remnants of the old substance with water. Then drain it entirely before adding new oil.
- Flush the coolant system : The cooling system should be flushed with water. Make sure to replace the antifreeze solution with one that is diluted based on the chemical’s specification to prevent the boat’s engine from freezing and corroding during winter.
- Use fogging oil : Spraying fogging oil onto the spark plug holes or carburettor can help protect the engine’s moving parts from freezing from extremely cold temperatures during winter. To do this, turn over the engine without starting it and spray the oil while it is still rotating. You may also refer to your manual for the proper use of fogging oil based on the boat engine specifications.
- Take off the drive belts : Drive belts tend to crack from being kept under tension for extended periods, so make sure to loosen or remove them before you store your boat. This is best done for winter storage.
- Check over the steering : Grease your steering so that when you want to use your boat the steering will work smoothly.
- Disconnect the battery : This will prolong the life of your battery. If your storing your boat for long periods of time it is worth recharging it occasionally.
- Check over your gas : Your tanks should either be completely full or empty. Stabilizers will ensure that you can use the fuel again once you decide to start bring your vessel out.
- Plug up exhaust holes : Use duct tape to protect the boat from small animals.
- Take home as much of the interior as possible! : We’re talking electronics and any soft furnishings. The less on the boat the fewer things get damaged from the cold.
- Cover the boat : Boat covers should be used to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime, dust, and moisture.
