subject: What To Do With Your Boat: Self Storage [print this page] When a boat isn't in the water, it's kind of a big pain in the butt. Unless you're Kurt Russell in Backdraft, having to deal with a boat, out of water isn't much fun. Not to mention, leaving your boat in an insecure location like a yard or garage can lead to damage, mischief and vandalism. Which are not things you want to happen to the precious vessel of your dreams. You better start figuring out what to do with your boat before the neighbors kids get into it again, consider boat self-storage.
So let's assume, for the sake of this article that you've given up on keeping the boat in your yard and have brought the boat to a self-storage facility. What should you do before packing that sucker away? Storing a boat is a lot like storing a car, if the weather is going to drop it needs to be winterized, and its best to catch problems before they start, and potentially ruin your fun when you do eventually decide to pull it out of boat self-storage.
The hull. The hull is easily damaged when out of the water, especially on a fiberglass boat. Now is the time to make any repairs you may have been putting off. Use fiberglass resin to patch holes cracks or leaks, apply a coat of fiberglass wax or other protective layer. Really, you just want to shore up problems so they don't get worse while in storage. Drain any ballast tanks or inboard water vessels at this point as well.
The Engines. Engine maintenance is best left to someone that knows what tey're doing, however there are some basic things you can do to ensure longevity. Most engine damage comes from corrosion or fuel contamination. Be sure to flush an fuel lines and water intakes. It might be a good idea to idle the engine in fresh water to make sure the fuel lines are clean and working properly. Use fogging oil on fuel and air intakes, spray some in the cylinders of inboard 4 stroke engines. Keep the battery indoors or on a charger.
The Interior: The main thing to protect against here is mildew and mold. If your boat interior is prone to getting wet, be sure that it is fully dry before storing. Remove vinyl cushions and any other fabrics if you can. Clean them and if possible, store indoors at your boat self-storage center.
by: Mark Etinger
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