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. 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 make sure your boat is ready for the next season.
Please note, these are our recommendations. Do your own research, and consult with your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Clean your boat
To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend that you clean it thoroughly and dry 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 make sure it is dry before storing.
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 important 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 important 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.
Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, and this can help to prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated. Mold and mildew need moist conditions in order to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth.
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. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat.
Cover your boat
If you're storing your boat for an extended period of time, we also recommend covering it with a tarp or shrink wrap. 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 prior to storage
As the boating season comes to a close, it's important to think about how you'll be storing your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and can cause wear and tear on the hull.
For most people, it makes more sense to store the boat on land. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. You need to take the time to properly prepare your boat for storage. 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 for damages caused by a lack of maintenance. This means that if your boat is not properly winterized or stored, you could be facing a hefty repair bill.
Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long.
Prepare your boat to store
While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. 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 rush inhibitor on your steering and control cables.
Choose the right storage facility
When it comes to boat storage, there are a few things to consider in order to ensure your boat is properly 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 right storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes.
Note that 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.
