Back to all posts

Boat Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

Speed boat going fast

We understand that your boat is a significant investment at South Rock Storage. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment. Whether you need to store your boat for the winter or you're looking for long-term storage, we have a unit that will fit your needs.

As you prepare to store with South Rock Storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to ensure your boat is ready for the next season.

Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Clean your boat

To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly and drying it completely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the hull, deck, upholstery, and carpets.

If you have a canvas cover, clean it and ensure it is dry before storing it.

Remove all items from the boat

Before you store your boat, be sure to remove all items from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, and any other personal belongings. This will help to protect your belongings and prevent them from being damaged during storage.

Drain all fluids

It's crucial to drain all fluids from your boat before storing it. This includes fuel, oil, and coolant. If possible, open all hatches and compartments to allow air to circulate.

Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this.

Use a dehumidifier

If you are storing your boat in an enclosed space, it is essential to take measures to prevent mold and mildew from forming. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry.

Mold and mildew need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated.

Remove the battery

When you're getting your boat ready for storage, one of the most important things to do is to remove the battery. If you leave the battery in the boat, it's likely to leak and cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

If you don't have a place to store the battery, you can always disconnect it from the boat and leave it outside. Just be sure to cover it so that it doesn't get wet or damaged by the elements. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat.

Cover your boat

If you're storing your boat for an extended time, we recommend covering it with a tarp. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it clean while in storage. Tarps and shrink wrap are relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by protecting your boat from the sun, wind, and rain.

Repair damages before storage

As the boating season closes, it's important to consider how you'll store your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and cause wear and tear on the hull.

For most people, storing the boat on land makes more sense. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. It would be best if you took the time to prepare your boat for storage properly. This means fixing anything that is broken, worn, or damaged. By taking care of repairs now, you can avoid long wait times and higher costs later. Plus, you'll be able to hit the water as soon as the weather warms up!

Double check your owner's manual

Many people believe that their insurance will cover any damage that occurs to their boat. However, most carriers only provide coverage for accidents and acts of God, not damages caused by a lack of maintenance. You could face a hefty repair bill if your boat is not properly winterized or stored.

Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model.

Prepare your boat to store

While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. Please consult with the owner's manual specific to your boat, but we recommend the following at a minimum.

Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. Besides cleaning your boat, this gives you time to discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. After cleaning your boat, apply a rust inhibitor to your steering and control cables.

Choose the right storage facility

Regarding boat storage, there are a few things to consider to ensure your boat is adequately taken care of:

  • First, you'll want to make sure the facility has proper security in place to deter any would-be thieves.
  • Next, you'll want to confirm that the storage unit is big enough to accommodate your boat.
  • Finally, you'll want to ask about the facility's policy on storing boats during inclement weather. This is important to know in case you need to make alternate arrangements for your boat in the event of a storm.

By taking the time to find a storage facility that meets all of your needs, you can rest assured that your boat will be safe and sound until you're ready to hit the open water again.

Being in the business since 2006, South Rock Storage understands the importance of finding the proper storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes.

The above tips on preparing your boat for storage are only recommendations. Make sure to consult your owner's instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to prepare your boat for storage.

You may also like...

An RV parked near trees

RV Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

As you make your RV storage plan, this guide will help protect your investment and get you quickly back on the road next season.

If you're like most RVers, you can't wait to hit the open road as soon as the weather starts to warm up. But before you head out on your next adventure, properly preparing your RV for storage is essential. With some planning, you can help ensure that your RV is in top condition when you're ready to hit the road again. South Rock Storage offers the following tips for preparing your RV for storage. Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. Clean your RV One of the most important things to do before storing your RV is to give it a thorough cleaning. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could cause problems while your RV is in storage. Start by cleaning the exterior of your RV using a mild soap and a soft brush. We also recommend washing (and waxing) the exterior to protect the paint job. Then move on to the interior, paying particular attention to any areas where food is prepared or stored. Be sure to empty all cabinets and closets so that any food or other perishables don't go wrong. Once everything is cleaned out, give your RV a good wash and wax to help protect the exterior from the elements. Once you're finished, open all the cabinets and doors to help air circulate throughout the RV. Check your tires Check your RV's tires before storing them for an extended time. If possible, keep your RV on level ground to help prevent flat spots from developing on the tires. Also, if you'll be storing your RV for more than a few months, consider removing the tires and keeping them indoors. This will help protect them from weather damage and extend their life. Check your fluids All the fluids in your RV, including the engine oil, antifreeze, and propane, should be at proper levels one or two days before storing your RV. This will help keep the engine in good condition while it's not in use. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to check the fluids in your RV. Additionally, it's a good idea to fill up the gas tank (using a gas stabilizer) to prevent any moisture or breakdown of the gasoline while the RV is in storage. Then, we recommend driving the RV for a bit after changing the oil to give the new oil a chance to circulate correctly. You should also run the engine for a few minutes every few weeks while your RV is in storage to help keep the engine in good working condition. Cover your RV If you'll be storing your RV outdoors, investing in a quality cover is a good idea. Be sure to choose a cover specifically designed for RVs and large enough to cover your entire rig. This will help protect your RV from the elements and keep it clean while it is being stored. Disconnect the batteries If you'll be storing your RV for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to disconnect the batteries. This will help prevent them from losing their charge while your RV is in storage. If possible, store the batteries in a cool, dry place. Repair damages before storage Ensure all necessary repairs are taken care of before storing your RV. For example, if you know your RV's tires are worn, go ahead and get new ones to put on before you store them for the winter. This will help avoid long wait times in spring and ensure that you can get back on track as soon as possible. The same goes for any other maintenance items such as oil changes or filter replacements. This will give you peace of mind during the off-season and help ensure your RV is in top condition when you're ready to hit the road again. Double check your owner's manual Be sure to consult your RV's owner's manual for specific instructions on preparing your rig for storage. Each type of RV has unique needs, so it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to help avoid any problems down the road. Choose the best storage facility When storing an RV, choosing the best storage facility is essential. RVs are a valuable investment, and you want to ensure that your investment is well protected. The best storage facilities for RVs offer several features that help to keep your RV in top condition. These features include security cameras and gated access. Security cameras help to deter criminals, while gated access helps to keep out trespassers. By choosing a storage facility that offers these features, you can help to ensure that your RV is well protected. South Rock Storage is a storage facility in Wichita that offers all of the abovementioned features. We have been in the business since 2006 and offer various storage options for your consideration. In addition, South Rock Storage is conveniently located at 8282 E Oak Knoll St, Wichita, KS. This makes it easy for you to get to your RV when needed. Note that the above tips on preparing your RV storage are only recommendations. Check your owner's instruction manual for specific instructions on how to prepare your RV for storage.
Speed boat going fast

Boat Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

At South Rock Storage, we understand that your boat is a big investment. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment.

We understand that your boat is a significant investment at South Rock Storage. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment. Whether you need to store your boat for the winter or you're looking for long-term storage, we have a unit that will fit your needs. As you prepare to store with South Rock Storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to ensure your boat is ready for the next season. Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. Clean your boat To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly and drying it completely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the hull, deck, upholstery, and carpets. If you have a canvas cover, clean it and ensure it is dry before storing it. Remove all items from the boat Before you store your boat, be sure to remove all items from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, and any other personal belongings. This will help to protect your belongings and prevent them from being damaged during storage. Drain all fluids It's crucial to drain all fluids from your boat before storing it. This includes fuel, oil, and coolant. If possible, open all hatches and compartments to allow air to circulate. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this. Use a dehumidifier If you are storing your boat in an enclosed space, it is essential to take measures to prevent mold and mildew from forming. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry. Mold and mildew need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated. Remove the battery When you're getting your boat ready for storage, one of the most important things to do is to remove the battery. If you leave the battery in the boat, it's likely to leak and cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. If you don't have a place to store the battery, you can always disconnect it from the boat and leave it outside. Just be sure to cover it so that it doesn't get wet or damaged by the elements. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat. Cover your boat If you're storing your boat for an extended time, we recommend covering it with a tarp. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it clean while in storage. Tarps and shrink wrap are relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by protecting your boat from the sun, wind, and rain. Repair damages before storage As the boating season closes, it's important to consider how you'll store your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and cause wear and tear on the hull. For most people, storing the boat on land makes more sense. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. It would be best if you took the time to prepare your boat for storage properly. This means fixing anything that is broken, worn, or damaged. By taking care of repairs now, you can avoid long wait times and higher costs later. Plus, you'll be able to hit the water as soon as the weather warms up! Double check your owner's manual Many people believe that their insurance will cover any damage that occurs to their boat. However, most carriers only provide coverage for accidents and acts of God, not damages caused by a lack of maintenance. You could face a hefty repair bill if your boat is not properly winterized or stored. Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model. Prepare your boat to store While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. Please consult with the owner's manual specific to your boat, but we recommend the following at a minimum. Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. Besides cleaning your boat, this gives you time to discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. After cleaning your boat, apply a rust inhibitor to your steering and control cables. Choose the right storage facility Regarding boat storage, there are a few things to consider to ensure your boat is adequately taken care of: First, you'll want to make sure the facility has proper security in place to deter any would-be thieves. Next, you'll want to confirm that the storage unit is big enough to accommodate your boat. Finally, you'll want to ask about the facility's policy on storing boats during inclement weather. This is important to know in case you need to make alternate arrangements for your boat in the event of a storm. By taking the time to find a storage facility that meets all of your needs, you can rest assured that your boat will be safe and sound until you're ready to hit the open water again. Being in the business since 2006, South Rock Storage understands the importance of finding the proper storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes. The above tips on preparing your boat for storage are only recommendations. Make sure to consult your owner's instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to prepare your boat for storage.
Your life, safely stored.

Book your unit today!

If you are looking for an affordable storage facility with a clean atmosphere, top-notch security, and a friendly staff you've come to the right place.
FAQ

You have questions, we have answers.

When can I move in? 

If there is a storage space available that meets your specific storage needs you can move in anytime.

How much notice needs to be given before I move out? 

All contracts are month-to-month. However, we do require a 10 day notice before you move out.

What type of documentation do I need to provide in order to rent a space? 

We require a government issued photo ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

How do I make a payment? 

VISA, MasterCard and Discover (credit / debit) are the preferred method of payment. We also accept checks or money orders.

Are there any items that I am not able to store? 

Liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials and perishables. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding a specific item.

Does there have to be someone to let me through the security gates? 

No. At the time of signing you will be given your own security pass code that will allow you convenient access to your unit.

What forms of payment do you accept? 

For your convenience, we suggest signing up for automatic payments – using your valid credit card (VISA, Mastercard, or Discover) or debit card. There is no additional charge for this convenience and it avoids late fees. We also have a drop box for after hour payments.

Do I need to sign a long-term lease? 

No, we rent on a month-to-month basis unless the customer requests otherwise.

Do I need to bring my own lock? 

No. As part of the Move In process, a INSET lock is included with the small admin fee. This type of lock is nearly impossible to breach – and only you will have a key for it. In addition, you may double lock the door, if you prefer.

What are the office hours? 

Tuesday - Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Saturday: 9AM – 4PM
Monday, Sunday: CLOSED

We're conveniently located in Wichita, KS

8282 East Oak Knoll St.,
Wichita, KS 67207

Contact us

We're here to help you find the perfect unit.

Our team is standing by,
ready to assist you.

Office Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday: 9AM - 5PM
Thursday: 9AM - 5PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturday: 9AM - 3PM
Sunday: CLOSED
We look forward to speaking with you!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.