Owning a boat is a valuable investment and if you want to enjoy using it for decades to come, you need to take good care of it. This includes keeping it in tip-top condition with regular maintenance and service work. Aside from regular maintenance, you also need to have the right equipment to tow the boat in and out of the water and to travel it around the country when you’re exploring different waterscapes.

Keeping your boat clean and protected against the elements is also vital especially when you’re not out in the waters. If you’re a boat owner who is serious about protecting your investment, you won’t be too keen to leave your boat out on the side of the street or in the backyard with no protection. This means storing your yacht or Stacer Crossfire to maintain its great quality and avoid getting stolen.

What is Boat Storage?

Boat storage is a place where you store your yacht, motorboat, fishing boat, or any other type of vessel to keep it protected from the elements. Storing your boat in one of these facilities also means you can keep it clean and protected against dust and debris accumulation.

There are several options when picking boat storage facilities but the main criteria will be choosing between an indoor or outdoor location. You can also choose between in-water or dry storage options.

Tips on How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage

Clean the boat inside

Cleaning the inside of your boat before putting it in storage is a very important step to maintaining your vessel. You should remove any items that will leave an odour such as fishing buckets and baits. If you have any water ski equipment ensure that they are clean and dry to avoid mould growth. It’s also important to wash down all hard surfaces and try your best to remove any salt residue and other build-ups. As well as cleaning and conditioning your upholstery. If you have a bathroom on board, give it a thorough cleaning and ensure the water supply is turned off. If it’s safe to do so, leave an internal door or hatch open to allow for some movement of air within the cabin to ensure that the inside of your boat is dry and no moisture is trapped inside. Moisture will cause odours and mould, which you do not want.

Clean the hull

The best way to start to clean the outside of your boat is to hose it off with fresh water. This will help to remove salt and any loose debris. If you have an aluminium tinny, washing it off with fresh water is crucial to avoid corrosion. Using a pressure washer when hosing off your boat is also a bonus as this will really help to get those stubborn spots. Once you have finished hosing your boat off, continue to wash it with a specialised boat cleaner and lather the outside to remove all grime. After that apply some boat protectors to the outside. Now you’re ready for the next step!

Do a final inspection before storing your boat

Flush salt, sand and debris out of wheel hubs, brakes and the cooling system to minimise corrosion. Change the oil. Add a stabiliser to your fuel to ensure you can use it when you’re ready to hit the water again or drain the fuel entirely before you put your boat into storage. Disconnect the battery to avoid corrosion at the contact points or, store it somewhere dry where you can recharge it.

Don’t forget the trailer!

The storage process of your trailer is just as important as your boat. It’s as easy as taking a quick trip to the service station and checking your tyre pressure. Cleaning it thoroughly to ensure no salt or debris can cause rust. Lubricating your trailer hitches and applying grease to any points where corrosion may form. Then when your boat and trailer are in storage make sure you move the trailer now and then to avoid flat spots on the rubber.

Use a boat cover

Covering your boat is a must when using boat storage. Boat covers play a huge role when it comes to storing your boat and protecting it from different elements. There is a large range of boat covers that you can purchase, however, if you’re looking for a cheaper and more convenient option we suggest using a plastic tarp. This would be more beneficial for indoor boat storage. But if you’re looking for something for outdoor boat storage you should look to spend a little more and get a fitted boat cover.

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, you’re ready to put your boat in storage. Make sure you follow all of these tips when preparing your boat for storage and your vessel will be ready to go whenever you are.