Interior Design & Decor

A very important thing for a boat owner to think about is of where to keep his boat when it is not in use, how to store the boat in the off season. It’s necessary that the storage is reasonable and fairly convenient. If you don’t have basic engine and maintenance skills, you will have to pay someone to prep the boat for you. Start with the engine, check for the loose parts and tighten them up. Lubricate the propeller shaft and fill the fuel tank with fuel and good fuel conditioner.

Disconnect the fuel line and let it run until the motor stops. Use appropriate flush kit according to the owner’s manual. For inboard and outboard motors, make sure to flush the cooling system and drain all water from the engine. Change oil filters and refill them according to the manual. Clean the boat thoroughly both inside and outside. Remove all the things you have on boat like electronics, life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc. Pump the holding tank to discard bathroom waste. Cover the boat in a way making sure that there is no air circulation. For outside storage, construct a tarp support system that will prevent it from the weather elements.

Different ways are available for boat storage. Make sure to pick on a way which falls in your budget and is most convenient for you. The least expensive way is to keep a boat in your driveway or backyard. A boat trailer has the added advantages of allowing you to boat on different bodies of water and can save fees for winter boat storage. Be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for safety rules, tips and complete instructions on boat towing capacity. This will help make sure you’re selecting the appropriate boating equipment for the model that you own.

The are many benefits from storing your boat correctly and while it may take a little time to get the job done right by following good boat storage procedures will not only save you money but a lot of stress as well. Fogging oil has to be applied to the carburetors. You will find that most boat motors have fittings for applying fogging oil. However, if yours does not have such a fitting then you will need to find openings where this oil can be applied (you may even have to remove the carburetor cover to do this). However, what you should remember is that fogging oil will make the motor of the boat smoke more than is normal when you run it the first few times.

The spark plugs should be removed and spray fogging oils into the cylinders, also clean the housing and coat electrical connections with an anti-corrosion spray. Also replace the removed spark plugs with new ones. Next you will need to unhook the flusher and drain the gear case and then refill with fresh lubricant. If you happen to notice water in the flushed lubricant this may be a sign that the shaft seal needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that a bad seal if not replaced could cost you a lot more in repairs.

Next you should inspect the steering all of the cables both on and in the steering column and clean out any grime and then let the shaft air out. Ensure that all cables have been sprayed using anti-corrosion spray. Now you will need to disconnect the battery and clean all the terminals and spray these with anti-corrosion liquid and then store it properly. Also remember to put the battery on charge for a couple of days each month while the boat is in storage.

The motor of your boat should be tilted downward in the running position and cover with a motor cover. It is important that you do not use plastic to cover the motor as it will trap moisture against the motor instead use either a cloth or canvas covering (it allows the motor to breathe). If your boat is being kept on a trailer inspect it fully and grease all the bearings on it. Also check the tires and spray any unprotected metal or iron parts with an anti-corrosion spray.

Carefully consider where and how you’ll store your boat. Storing the boat inside can be a costly affair where as storing it outside, welcomes the risk of snow and rain damage. Now you have correctly stored your boat by following the tips above you will be able to relax and look forward to next season.