Boat Storage Guide
When you know that you won’t be using your boat for a while, whether due to changing seasons or personal reasons, it’s usually best to put it into storage. Properly storing your boat can keep it safe and ensure that it’s ready the next time you want to use it. However, improper storage can result in your boat suffering from corrosion or other forms of damage while stowed away, which is why Germaine Marine has created this guide to properly storing your boat.
Select the Right Storage Location
Boats take up a lot of space and need protection from things like weather and theft. This can make it somewhat difficult to find a good place to store them. Depending on your living situation and how large your boat is, storing the vessel at home might or might not be a viable option. If you can’t store your boat at home, we suggest renting space at a storage facility. While indoor facilities offer more protection, you might also be able to store your boat outdoors if you have a good cover.
Prepare Your Boat for Storage
Once you’ve found a good location, you need to prepare your boat for storage. Start by draining and flushing your engine. Then, remove any personal items from the vessel so that you can wash it using a manufacturer-approved cleaning solution. Once the boat is completely dry, you can add fuel stabilizer to the tank and put the cover over the vessel. If you plan to keep the boat on its trailer while in storage, make sure that the tires are well-inflated and out of the sun.
Check the Electrical System
While all of your boat’s systems are vulnerable to damage if not properly prepared for storage, you need to pay particular attention to the electrical system. Always make sure that everything has been turned off before you put the vessel away. The battery itself should be removed and stored in a dry location. Don’t forget to regularly recharge the battery, either!
Schedule Periodic Visits
You should take occasional visits to check up on your boat while it’s in storage. This will give you a heads-up if anything starts to go wrong. Even if everything turns out fine, you can use your visits as an opportunity to lubricate the boat’s bearings and check that the boat’s cover hasn’t been damaged by anything.
For more information or to shop our selection of new and pre-owned boats, check out Germaine Marine. We have six locations throughout Arizona, California, and Utah, including Mesa, Arizona and Norco, California. We also offer servicing, trade-ins, parts ordering, and financing. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!