The Ultimate Guide to Preparing a Boat for Self-Storage

Preparing your boat for self-storage, especially for several months or longer, is crucial to prevent rust, corrosion, freezing, and other damage. This guide covers everything from boat preparation to choosing the right storage facility and its amenities.

I. Essential Boat Preparation Steps

  1. Thorough Cleaning
    • Before storage, clean your boat meticulously to get rid of any salt or grime. This is a fundamental step for the best results.
  2. Fluid Management
    • Replenish all fluids to their appropriate levels.
    • Fuel System:
      • Add fuel stabilizer to the tank and mix it up thoroughly.
      • If your boat has a permanent tank, run the engine on the water or use a flushing attachment after adding the stabilizer. This ensures the stabilized fuel spreads throughout the entire fuel system, protecting the motor from rust, corrosion, or freezing.
    • Gear Case Lube:
      • Always drain and refill the gear case lube before storage. This vital step removes any residual water, which significantly minimizes the potential for corrosion and freezing within the system.
  3. Engine Protection
    • Protect the internal engine by removing the spark plugs.
    • Eject a small amount of engine oil into the cylinders.
    • Rotate the flywheel to thoroughly coat the cylinder walls with the oil, providing a protective layer.
  4. Battery Maintenance
    • Batteries are often neglected during storage, but "parasite currents" from devices like clocks or GPS antennas can drain lead-acid batteries.
    • Disconnect and remove your battery.
    • Disconnect any power drains that could cause these "parasite currents".
    • Keep your batteries charged throughout the storage period.
    • Top off the cells with distilled water.
    • Clean the terminals and connector wires using a contact cleaner and a wire brush to prevent corrosion.
  5. Personal Items and Cover
    • Do not leave items in the boat that might attract "furry little friends" (pests).
    • Generally, it's recommended to remove non-essential personal items from the boat to provide full access for proper cleaning.
    • Items typically considered "specific to the boat" and safe to leave include life jackets, throw cushions, an anchor, fenders, and drink holders. Leaving these allows commercial lots full access for cleaning and detailing.
    • Finally, use a quality boat cover for extra protection from the elements.

II. Choosing the Right Self-Storage for Your Boat

The type of storage you choose, and its features, significantly impact your boat's protection and the ease of access.

  1. Storage Options
    • Indoor Storage: Offers the most protection. Drive-up units, similar to a garage, allow you to back your boat directly into your storage unit.
    • Covered Outdoor Space: Recommended for medium to larger boats, as the roof protects your boat from sun, snow, and rain. This option also gives you a little more space to move around your boat.
    • Outdoor Storage: This is typically a parking stall for your boat. Without the constraints of a covered roof, it can accommodate even the largest boats.
  2. Unit Sizing and Height Considerations
    • Always calculate the measurements of both your vessel and its trailer.
    • Small boats, jet skis, skiffs, and small drifters can often fit into units as small as 10 by 15 feet.
    • Most small and medium-sized boats (e.g., 14 to 24-foot fishing boats, small pontoons, and speedboats under 24 feet) stored indoors will typically require a 10 by 20 or 10 by 30-foot storage unit to accommodate both the boat and trailer.
    • Measure your boat's height, including any racks, lights, speakers, or skis on top, as most standard storage units are around 8 feet tall.
    • Today's boats often need 12-13 feet of clearance. Therefore, door openings should ideally be at least 14 feet tall to ensure you never have to turn a boat away due to height.
    • Boats with wakeboard towers or other tall structures may need a special indoor unit (if available) or will need to be stored outdoors or in a covered parking space. Uncovered outdoor storage has no height limit.
  3. Drive Aisle and Turnaround Room
    • A critical factor for easy access, especially for larger rigs, is sufficient turnaround room.
    • You need at least 50 feet between stalls to comfortably maneuver modern, longer trucks (like F-250s, F-350s, long beds, four doors) towing boats with extended motors. Some prefer closer to 1.5 to 2 times the unit depth for driveways.
    • Making the turnaround room "luxurious" helps facilities fill up faster and prevents damage to the buildings from tenants struggling to back their rigs into stalls, especially at night or when tired.
    • Angled (herringbone) parking layouts, typically at a 60-degree angle, can reduce the necessary driveway space compared to 90-degree parking. Buildings themselves can also be angled.
  4. Facility Amenities and Features
    • Many modern boat and RV owners, especially those with expensive vehicles, seek facilities that offer more than just a parking spot. They are often willing to pay a premium for protection and services.
    • Security: Look for gated facilities with keypad entry and remote access. High-quality video surveillance cameras and ample lighting are paramount for safety and deterring theft. Some top-tier facilities even have security on individual doors with alarms. Fencing is good, but good lighting and cameras are crucial for safety.
    • Electrical Hookups: Some units offer individual electrical outlets, often for a separate fee (e.g., $25-$40 per month), on their own circuit breaker. While convenient, be aware of fire risks associated with electrical hookups.
    • Dump Stations and Wash Bays: These are highly valued amenities. A dump station allows RV owners to dispose of waste conveniently. Water stations for adding or draining water are also beneficial. Some facilities offer wash bays or even detailing services.
    • Paved Surfaces and Drainage: While gravel parking can be cost-effective, paved surfaces (concrete or asphalt) offer a more professional feel. Crucially, ensure the facility has excellent drainage to prevent water pooling or getting into units, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt. Facilities should be graded with a slight slope (e.g., 1% grade) towards retention ponds to prevent ponding and ice issues. Snow management, including plowing right up against unit doors, is important to prevent snow buildup that can freeze doors or cause water intrusion.
    • Marking and Labeling: Well-organized facilities will have clearly marked parking spaces with lines and numbers. Durable methods for gravel include yellow and black barricade tape with stakes or rubber bumpers with numbered signs.
  5. Location and Access
    • While proximity to a lake is an obvious benefit, boats are also stored closer to owners for convenience, even if they don't go to the same lake every time.
    • Easy access to highways or major interstates is critical for boat and RV owners, as they prefer to avoid maneuvering large vehicles on back roads.
    • Check how a facility handles tenant defaults. Some facilities opt to tow vehicles rather than try to auction them, due to the low amount of rent owed versus the value of the asset and complexity of the process. Most require specific documentation, including serial numbers and insurance policies, for storing vehicles.

By thoroughly preparing your boat and carefully selecting a storage facility that meets these detailed criteria, you can ensure your valuable asset remains protected and ready for your next adventure.

Get Your Boat Storage Unit Today!

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