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Top 8 Boat Storage Tips (For The Winter)
by
aSpacPlaceStorage
Winter is always just around the corner after that beautiful Summer season. If your a serious boater or just like to casually relax out on the waters you know how quick Winter comes and how much of a chore it is to prepare your boat for this colder climate. That’s why many boaters are turning to short term storage companies as a solution to preparing their boat for the Winter. With short term storage companies, you can rent a storage unit for your boat on a month to month lease. Short term storage will save you money overall and help protect your boat during the colder seasons. Here are some of the best tips if you choose to put your prized boat into storage.
1) Ensure your boat’s gas tank is filled to the top, and add a fuel stabilizer. An empty gas tank will start to acquire moisture and any small amounts of gas left will to turn to water; causing the gas tank to corrode and rust. Also, always change the oil before putting your boat into storage. Electronic devices and the batteries should be removed if you plan on storing your boat in an outdoor parking unit. 2) Indoor boat storage is a lot more safer and provides protection from nature’s elements unlike outdoor boat storage. Regardless if you choose either type of storage, you should cover your boat with a tarp or something similar to protect it from dust. Indoor storage units can also provide climate control, which will keep the temperature and humidity at the best level for your boat. 3) Repair or fix any cracks or dings on the boat before you put it in storage. Repairing these problems early on will save you lots of money in the future. If you put your boat into storage with a small problem it will likely grow into a bigger one after a few months; especially with the change of weather in the Winter. 4) Give your boat a thorough cleaning. Power washing the outside of the boat will help clean off sea build up and stains. This will also help you identify any parts of the boat that need to be fixed, painted, or sealed. Then apply some anti-corrosion spray to help protect the exterior of the boat. It’s recommended to get mildew and mold bags for your boat. They will absorb any moisture and protect your boat from starting to smell. You can find these at any local boat dealer. As mentioned earlier, a cover such as a tarp is important in keeping moisture and dust out too. Make sure your cover has a snug fit on the boat. 5) It’s important that you support your boat’s hull when you decide to put it into storage. If you don’t, your boat might end up with cracked bulkheads, or an engine misalignment, which could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. 6) Drain any coolant from the engine and replace it with propylene glycol base antifreeze which is non-toxic. This type of antifreeze is better for your engine and the environment as opposed to ethylene glycol base antifreeze which releases toxins. 7) Clear out the boat. Remove any sails, lines, fenders, and anchors. Take out the bunk cushions, fire extinguishers, flares, pfds, and carpets. Empty out all lockers and remove any loose gear from the boat. Ensure that you securely propped open all hatches, and locker doors. This will help improve air circulation. Finally, don’t forget to clean out the icebox or refrigerator. 8) Make sure to pump out the holding tank and concurrently flush the head with clean water multiple times. Close the head’s intake seacock and then remove the hose. Put the hose in half water and half non-toxic antifreeze. Then pump the head so all the water in hoses are replaced by anti-freeze. Finally put the hose back on the seacock and don’t open it. Hopefully these tips are everything you wanted to know before putting your boat into storage during the harsh Winter months. Mother Nature’s cold climate can be unpredictable and fearsome; making it a real chore when preparing your boat for the Winter. That is why cheap short term storage companies are the solution to keeping your boat safe during the Winter.
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Top 8 Boat Storage Tips (For The Winter)