When boaters are not using their boats, they usually need to “dry” store them. Dry storage typically involves storing the boat on racks to minimize damage to the hull.
The least expensive option is to keep the boat at home on a trailer, if you have the space and homeowner’s association permission. However, you must invest in a fitted cover and pay monthly storage fees. Contact Boat Storage Tulsa for professional help.
The last thing you want when preparing your boat for storage is mildew. While the spores may not be noticeable to you when your boat is in regular use, they will grow much larger once the boat is stowed away. The best way to prevent mildew is to thoroughly clean your boat before storing it. This includes cleaning the interior and exterior of your boat. In addition, you should also make sure that all drawers and cabinets are emptied before storing the boat. Also, remove life jackets, fire extinguishers and flares.
It’s not necessary to hire a professional to clean your boat before storing it, although this service can be worth the cost in terms of money saved and peace of mind. A thorough cleaning will ensure that your boat is ready to go for the next season and can help you identify any issues that need addressing, like worn out connections, wires or hoses, in advance.
After a thorough cleaning, you should also inspect all parts of your boat for damage or wear and tear. This will give you a good idea of how your boat is going to hold up in storage, particularly if you are planning on leaving it for a long period of time. If you are concerned about the state of your engine, consider degreasing it and running a new oil change before putting it in storage. This will prevent old, dirty oil from corroding the internal components of your engine over the off-season.
Finally, it is important to clean your trailer before storing it as well. Deep cleaning your trailer can help to prevent corrosion of the metal and keep the tires from developing flat spots when parked on grass or in a garage. This is a good time to also check the pressure of your tires and replace them if needed.
There are several different ways to store your boat, depending on your needs and your budget. You can opt for outdoor storage, which is typically cheaper but can leave your boat exposed to harsh weather conditions. Alternatively, you can opt for indoor storage at a storage facility or at a marina. If you choose the latter, be sure to choose one that looks well maintained and where other boats are well cared for.
Make the Most of Your Space
Whether you’re using a dock, an indoor storage facility, or simply parking your boat on your property when it’s not in use, maximizing space is important. Investing in some creative stowage solutions is an easy and inexpensive way to make the most of your space.
Take advantage of vertical space with cargo netting or bungee cords to keep out-of-the-way items secure and out of the way. Adding command strips to the inside of cabinets makes it easy to hang extra tools and supplies that would otherwise clutter up drawers and closets. Repurpose a tackle box into a bar kit, storing everything from corkscrews to cocktail shakers in one neat case. There are many creative stowage options for boats, but assessing each item’s utility is vital. Remove any items that have outlived their usefulness or aren’t needed on a day-to-day basis. Then, categorize and compartmentalize what’s left to ensure that you’re only keeping things you’ll actually use.
Another great space-saving trick is to use collapsible items. For example, invest in plate stackers for the galley that can separate and organize crockery while making more room for cups and plates. These are perfect for sailboats where every bit of space counts!
If your budget can’t afford a dedicated storage facility, consider investing in a covered storage lot. This is a step up from completely exposed outdoor storage and can help protect your boat from the elements and critters.
While it’s true that a trailer and fitted cover are the most expensive initial investment, these are a one-time expense. And while a storage facility has more security and manages the space, it comes at a cost, and these costs are often reflected in monthly fees for storage. For this reason, it’s often better to store your boat at home or in a garage as a more affordable option that’ll still provide some protection. However, this isn’t the best option if your town has regulations against it or if you don’t have enough yard space to accommodate the boat. In these cases, a boat lift is an excellent alternative.
Prepare for the Winter
As summer winds down and the days get shorter, boaters are thinking about what to do with their boats over the winter. Depending on where you live and what type of boat you have, there are a few different options for long-term storage. For many boat owners, indoor climate-controlled storage is the best option for keeping their boat safe from harsh winter elements that can damage it. This is often more expensive than outdoor storage, but it offers the best protection for your boat and can make it easier to prepare it for the winter when you do bring it out of storage.
If indoor storage isn’t an option, outdoor storage can still work if extra precautions are taken. For example, the boat should be cleaned thoroughly and a good cover or tarpaulin should be used to protect it. This cover should be securely attached to the boat and allow for air flow. Regularly removing snow from the cover can also help to prevent mold and other problems that could affect the boat over the winter.
Other important steps to take include draining the battery, adding a fuel stabilizer and cleaning and inspecting all equipment on board before putting your boat into storage. Taking the time to do these things can help you keep your boat in great shape over the winter and ensure that it is ready for use in the spring.
Another way to prevent corrosion and other issues is by coating internal engine components with a fogging oil spray before storing the boat. This will create a protective coating that can shield these parts from corrosion until you can start it up again in the spring. Similarly, you can protect your boat’s grease fittings by using a marine lubricant to coat them.
When preparing your boat for winter, it is also important to remove and store all personal items, fishing gear, floatation devices, etc. Leaving these in the boat over the winter can cause them to become damaged or even moldy, which will require costly repairs come spring. Finally, if you are storing your boat in a trailer or at a marina, be sure to add in some marine support poles to help prop up the boat cover and keep it away from debris that could cause it to tear.
Get a Trailer
Having a trailer for your boat can increase its resale value, particularly if you are considering selling it in the future. It can also make transporting it to and from a storage facility or British Columbia boat dealer for maintenance and cleaning easier. Additionally, if your storage facility only offers outdoor storage, having a trailer can save you money as you will not need to pay for expensive cover.
Buying a boat is an investment, and the best way to protect it while it’s not in use is to store it properly. Using proper shrink wrap and ventilation to allow moist air to escape will protect your boat from mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues. It is also a good idea to invest in a cover that will protect your boat from UV rays and other harsh weather conditions.
When selecting a boat storage facility, it’s important to do your research. While the owner might show you around their facilities and talk a good game, it is important to read customer reviews and check out social media profiles. This will give you a good sense of how satisfied past customers are with the service and amenities offered by the company.
Once you have found a facility that meets your needs, it’s important to understand the costs associated with boat storage before signing any contracts. You will want to know the monthly cost as well as any setup fees and insurance costs that may be applied. In addition, it’s a good idea to ask about any promotions or discounts that the facility might offer.
Lastly, you’ll want to be sure that the storage unit you select is large enough for your boat. Be sure to measure your boat’s height, width, and length, including any protruding features, before selecting a unit size. Additionally, don’t forget to account for the space needed for any additional gear or boat accessories that you plan on storing with your vessel.
Whether you’re a seasoned captain with salt in your veins or a weekend warrior looking for an escape from the daily grind, a boat is a great way to create memories that last a lifetime. But, like any other major purchase, your boat will need a home away from home at times. A yearly storage lease can help keep your vessel safe and sound while you are not out on the water.