Storing Your Boat During The Off-Season
When a person has invested the money into buying a motorboat, they will need to make sure that the boat is being protected when they are not using it. This is particularly important when the boat will be stored for long periods of time, such as during the winter months. Failing to effectively protect the boat during this time can result in it being more likely to require major repairs to keep it suitable for use.
Spend The Time To Prepare The Boat For Long Periods Of Storage
Prior to storing the boat for a long period of time, you should make an effort to prepare the boat for this period of dormancy. This should include draining the fuel, oil, and other fluids from the vessel. Also, you should thoroughly clean and detail the vessel's interior and exterior. Failing to thoroughly clean the interior of the boat can lead to the upholstery developing foul odors, stains, and even mold growths during the storage period. Cleaning the exterior hull of the vessel before storing it can remove some of the growths that could develop on this part of the boat.
Take Advantage Of Indoor Storage Options
Individuals will often assume that all of the storage options for their boat will involve keeping it outdoors. However, indoor storage options can be an important solution for minimizing the wear that the vehicle suffers while it is being stored. Luckily, there are many marinas that may be able to provide individuals with indoor storage options for their boats. However, there will be limits on the size of the boats that these facilities will be able to accommodate, which can be an issue for those with larger vessels.
Thoroughly Inspect The Boat Before Using It After A Long Storage
When you are wanting to use your boat after it has been in storage for a long period of time, it is important to make sure that the boat is thoroughly inspected before being used. During the time that the boat was being stored, there is a chance that it may have developed problems that could lead to it taking on water. To avoid discovering that your boat has this problem until it is too late, the exterior hull should be inspected for signs of stress fractures, punctures, or cracks. This inspection should only take a few minutes, but it will greatly reduce the risk of your boat suffering major damage or even potentially being lost.
For more information on motorboat marine storage, contact a storage facility.