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After a long, cold winter, it’s almost time to bring your beloved water vessel out of storage. While it’s easy to find a facility to keep your boat in, it’s not always as simple to remove it for your first day back on the waves. There are many preparations to undertake once the boat is out of the storage unit to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe during your summer adventures.

3 Must-Know Tips for Getting Your Boat From Storage to Water

1. Check Your Engine

Check that the boat’s engine was not damaged while it waited in storage. Start with the belts, hoses, and cables, ensuring none of them are loose, brittle, or leaking. Then, focus on the fuel hose. This component should be flexible but sturdy, without signs of softness, prior freezing, cracking, or fragility. Once you’ve concluded the hoses are in good shape, move on to the electrical connection and check that your boat’s battery is fully charged. Look for signs of corrosion, as this indicates the vessel needs engine service before you take it on the water.

2. Protect the Propeller 

storageThe propeller on your boat is rendered useless if it cannot push water away from the engine. Your propellers should be in the same position as the day they were last replaced; any bending, warping, or dings will prevent your vessel from operating correctly. If you notice severe damage to the propeller or bearings, have the parts replaced before you take it out on the water. 

3. Test Your Trailer

Without a proper trailer and hitch, there is no way to move your boat from storage to the water. Carefully pulling your boat from the unit is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the vehicle and safety of the vessel. Make sure your car is equipped with the proper hitch and the parts are greased well enough to provide lubrication during the ride. Once the watercraft is connected to your vehicle, test the lights and signals so you can abide by traffic laws. 

 

Looking for a place to store your boat in Troutman, NC? Exit 42 Self Storage has a variety of unit sizes, as well as climate-controlled space, to suit your needs. For more than 15 years, this locally owned self-storage facility has made it their mission to provide each client with a safe area to keep their belongings. With 24-hour access through a computerized gate, your items will stay secure at all times. For more information, visit them online or call (704) 528-0300.

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