Owning a boat is a fantastic way to enjoy the water, but when the boating season ends, proper storage becomes essential to protect your investment. Whether you’re storing your boat for the winter or just between outings, here are five key things to consider to ensure it stays in great condition.
1. Choose the Right Storage Option
Boats can be stored in various ways, depending on your budget, climate, and preferences. Common options include:
- Outdoor Storage: Ideal for large boats but requires durable covers.
- Indoor Storage: Offers the best protection against weather and pests.
- Dry Stack Storage: Perfect for smaller boats, keeping them off the ground and safe from flooding.
At AAA Lakeside Storage, we have both indoor and outdoor spaces in a variety of sizes to ensure you find what you need.
2. Clean and Prep Your Boat
Before storing, thoroughly clean your boat to prevent dirt, salt, and algae from causing damage. Key steps include:
- Washing and drying the hull.
- Draining and flushing the engine with fresh water.
- Removing any perishables and personal items.
- Applying a coat of wax to protect against corrosion.
3. Protect Against the Elements
Even in indoor or covered storage, your boat needs protection:
- Use a high-quality, fitted cover to keep dust, moisture, and pests out.
- For outdoor storage, invest in a tarp or shrink wrap to guard against harsh weather.
- Consider climate-controlled storage to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations, especially in cold climates.
- If an indoor unit is not climate controlled, it’s suggested a tarp or other waterproof covering is used to protect against condensation dripping.
4. Perform Routine Maintenance
Before storing your boat, address any maintenance issues to avoid costly repairs later. Key tasks include:
- Changing the oil and filter.
- Topping off fuel and adding a stabilizer.
- Checking the battery and either disconnecting it or storing it separately.
- Inspecting and repairing any damage to the hull, propeller, or other components.
Staying on top of maintenance ensures your boat stays in peak condition during storage.
5. Factors to consider when choosing a storage space
Finding the right storage for your budget can be tricky, here are some things to consider when looking at self storage:
- Length of boat vs. length of trailer- if your boat is only 23′ feet long, but it sits on a 25′ trailer, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a space long enough for the trailer.
- Aisle width- choosing a storage facility with wide aisles can make all the difference when it comes to pulling or backing a trailer
- Back in or pull through- Are you comfortable in your backing skills? Would you prefer a pull through space to avoid backing?
- Indoor unit door height- is the height of the door opening compatible with your boat? Do you have a tower that can be lowered? Make sure you ask about the opening height to avoid damage to your boat.
AAA Lakeside Storage has some of the widest aisles available, making us a great choice for storing boats. We also have both indoor and outdoor pull through spaces to make life easier!
Conclusion
Storing your boat properly is crucial for maintaining its value and ensuring it’s ready for the next season. By choosing the right storage option, cleaning and prepping your boat, protecting it from the elements, performing routine maintenance, and organizing your storage space, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your boat is safe and sound. Come talk to us today about finding a space that is right for you!
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