Colder weather has arrived, and if you're not already, you'll soon be thinking about storage options for your boat. An indoor boat storage facility can preserve your boat for the long winter and prevent damage from the elements. Below are some tips for getting your water vessel ready for storage.
How Do I Prepare to Store My Boat Indoors?
1. Drain & Fill
Placing your boat in a climate-controlled storage unit during the winter prevents the risk of corrosion to the engine and other parts. But to ensure your boat is ready for use when warmer weather returns, you should drain the water from parts such as the bilge, water tanks, and pipes. You'll also want to put antifreeze in the bilge and water tanks.
2. Preserve the Battery
To prevent the battery from draining, remove it and connect it to a trickle charger, a device that charges a battery slowly to prevent overcharging. Another option is to occasionally charge the battery through the winter. Clean the battery terminals and lightly coat them with grease. Store your battery in a safe, dry place until you're ready to reattach it in the spring.
3. Remove Personal Items & Cover the Boat
Before storing your boat in a facility for winter, remove items you might need at home to keep from having to retrieve them from the storage unit. Also, cover the boat with a tarp to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. Additionally, if you have leather or fabric interior covers, remove them to avoid buildup of moisture that can lead to mold and mildew.
4. Keep Your Gas Tank Filled
Filling the tank displaces air and eliminates the opportunity for condensation to form inside while the boat is being stored. Add gas until the tank is about 90% full, then top off with a fuel stabilizer. This will increase the longevity of your engine, and it will run smoothly once you're ready to take it out again in the spring.
If you need an indoor boat storage facility this winter, Arctic Storage at Foothills has expert caretakers that will keep your belongings safe. This family-owned and operated company has more than 44 years of experience in storage and understands customer satisfaction and security. Call (907)-338-7233 with questions.