3 Important Things To Do To Your Boat Before Storing It For The Winter
If you recently purchased a boat and are trying to decide where to store it for the winter, there are several things you should know. Storing a boat inside a climate-controlled building is the best way to protect your boat, but this may not be an option for you. If you decide to store it inside a non-temperature controlled storage facility, here are three things you should do before you put it inside for the winter.
Fill Up the Gas Tank
Gas is expensive, but your boat will be safer if the gas tank is full. When you prepare your boat for storage, you should not only fill up the gas tank, but you should also add some type of fuel stabilizer to the gas.
When you fill up the gas tank, the tank has no room to allow moisture inside. This will keep the gas tank protected, and it will reduce the chances of engine problems when you return in the spring to pick up your boat.
Before you do this, you should also take the necessary steps needed to prevent the boat lines from freezing. This is a process referred to as winterizing a boat, and it involves filling the lines with antifreeze.
Remove the Battery
A battery contains acid and this is not a part you should leave inside a boat while it is in storage. After removing the battery, make sure you clean the terminals off because these areas can get dirty. If any dirt is on the terminals while the boat is in storage for the winter, the dirt can begin to cause corrosion to form. Corrosion will prevent the terminals from working, and this can be a costly repair expense.
You can store the boat's battery inside your garage, or anywhere else where it will be kept dry. If necessary, you can charge the battery periodically while it is in your garage. This will keep it strong and you should be able to reuse it when you take your boat out of storage.
Clean and Cover the Boat
Finally, before you put your boat away for the next few months, you should wash it thoroughly. Not only will this protect the finish on the boat, but it will also be nicer for you in the spring when you take the boat out of storage. Keeping a cover on the boat will also keep the boat cleaner, and it will keep dust and dirt out of the boat.
Boats are expensive and should be kept indoors during cold, winter months. By following these three steps, you can protect your boat while it is in rented boat storage, and this will help your boat last longer.