When the weather changes, it’s time to think about boat storage. If you can take your vessel to a marina or storage yard, they’ll help you with the process, and they have special yard trailers to move your vessel to safe storage. However, whether you use a marina or not, there are several things you can do to keep your boat in good condition while it’s in storage. Here are 4 tips to help you get started
1. Cooling System
When you have an inboard motor or an engine which uses a raw water cooling system, make sure to run fresh water through the engine to flush out all dirt and debris. This helps to prevent corrosion. If you live in an area with very cold winters, it’s a good idea to place antifreeze in the water pump. You can do this by taking out the thermostat and pouring the antifreeze inside.
2. Cleaning
If you want to make it easier on yourself this spring, take some time to clean the boat before storage. Wash off the deck, top, and bottom. Clean the hardware and wax the top side and hardware for increased protection. Remove your canvases and store them separately and don’t forget to clean the windscreen, yard trailers, and standard boat trailers before using them.
3. Fuel Storage
Instead of draining the fuel tank, it’s better to fill it and put in a fuel stabilizer. This prevents condensation from forming in the tank and causing corrosion. Fuel stabilizer helps to prevent varnish formation. Change the fuel filter too. If your engine has no fuel filter, consider adding an aftermarket filter.
4. Consider Professional Storage
If you have a large vessel, it’s best to take it to a professional boat storage facility. They have heavy-duty hydraulic yard trailers and the right equipment to store your vessel safely all winter long.
