Hello friends how are you all? Today we are going to talk about 6 Tips for Preparing Your Boat For Storage. Did you know that there were approximately 11.96 million registered vessels in the United States last year, up from 11.84 million registered vessels in the prior?
Boating is a popular recreational activity for many families in the country. Whether you like to go fishing, go sightseeing, or simply like to be out on the water, boating can be a great pastime. But all good things must come to an end. So, when the warm weather seasons give way to a chilly fall and a frosty winter, you’ll need to store your boat for a while.
Keep reading to learn about six tips for preparing your boat for storage. Failing to do so correctly might mean difficulty getting it to start when you take it out of storage in the spring.
Putting Away Your Boat This Winter? Do These Things First For Preparing Your Boat!
1. Clean Your Boat
Your first order of business is to clean your boat. If you store a dirty or damaged boat, it’ll likely be in even worse shape when you pull it out of storage in the spring or summer. The damage will be even worse if you leave it in storage for an extended period.
When it comes to cleaning, you should focus on the outside, inside, hardware, and trim. Applying a coat of wax is also a good idea since that’ll help your boat hold up better in the elements.
When cleaning your boat, look for any existing damage, like cracks or blisters. You should also consider boat paint. Add antifouling boat bottom paint and get any painting supplies to do the job right. If you do this before storing it away, your boat will look great when it’s time to use it again.
2. Change The Oil
It’s also a good idea to perform an oil change. That means changing the oil and the oil filters. Failing to perform this essential step could result in acid damaging the engine. It doesn’t cost much to do proper oil changes, but doing them is vitally important. Boats cost a lot of money. So, performing necessary maintenance will protect your investment and extend its longevity.
3. Winterize The Fuel System
You’ll also want to winterize the fuel system. Doing this means topping up the fuel tank, adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel, and changing the fuel filter. Getting your boat to start up in the spring might be a chore if you don’t perform this step.
4. Flush The Cooling System
Your boat preparation routine won’t be complete without taking the time to flush the cooling system. This will get rid of salt, dirt, and other impurities. You can prevent corrosion and ensure your boat continues to serve you well for many years to come.
5. Lubricate Moving Components
Another essential step is lubricating moving components, like the steering system, before storing your boat. If you’re unsure what to do, have a professional do it.
6. Disconnect The Battery
Disconnect the battery or use a battery charger to ensure it doesn’t discharge while in storage. Failing to do this will shorten the longevity of the battery. Unless you fancy having to replace your battery every spring or summer, you should disconnect or maintain it.
Conclusion
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoy boating? If so, it’s essential to know how to store it properly. Using it on the open water is fun and can provide many hours of enjoyment for you, your family, and your friends. While storage might not be fun, it is essential.
As a boat owner, the costs can add up, so you’ll want to protect your investment. Knowing how to store it during the months when it’s not in use will ensure it’s good to go when you need it.