Whether you’re moving or winter is coming, investing in boat storage saves you space, hassle, and worry over your boat when it’s not being used. Before putting it in the storage facility, you need to make sure it’s clean and protected to prevent damages. Here are the four most important steps of preparing your boat for storage.

How to Clean Your Boat Before Storing It

1. Clean Exterior Surfaces

Wipe down all exterior surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove loose dust and grime from the surface, including the deck, hull, motor, and exterior of the cabin. You should then give them a deep cleaning with approved boat cleaning supplies, such as scrub brushes or specialized polish. This prevents dirt from staining or scratching the finish, protective sealant, and paint.

2. Organize & Clean Interior Areas

Go through the internal spaces of your boat – whether it’s just a cabin or several rooms – and tidy up. Remove any unnecessary items like coolers and old bait, and secure loose items to prevent them from shifting during transport. Wipe down all hard surfaces and deep clean any upholstery to prevent unpleasant odors, and make an inventory of everything on your vessel so you know if anything is missing when you remove it from boat storage.

3. Get It In Optimal Shape

When you take your boat out of the storage facility, you’ll want it to be ready to get on the water. To achieve that, examine your vessel inside and out for potential problems. This can include algae and barnacle growth, broken lines or windows, or rusting hardware. Your boat should be as clean and pristine as the day you bought it, so take this chance to do final cleaning touches. If there are any issues, correct them before investing in boat storage, or they may worsen while the boat sits, costing you more in labor and parts to repair it.

4. Keep It Covered

The final step should be applying a durable, professional cover. Even though your ship will be in long- or short-term storage, it’s susceptible to dust accumulation, insects, and accidental damage. Reusable boat covers available in materials like polyurethane offer protection, easy application, and cost-efficient storage. It may be difficult to find one that fits your boat without assistance, though, and most only cover the upper half. Another option is professional shrink-wrapping services, which will safely and easily provide lasting protection. Shrink-wrapping ensures a snug fit, and it can cover more of the boat’s underside and hull.

Parrish Storage has offered Parrish, FL, and surrounding areas secure, affordable boat storage options they can feel good about. The 350 units in this storage facility provide varied conveniences to suit your storage needs, including open, carport, and enclosed boat storage options. With 24/7 gate access, elite security systems, and drive-in access to units, you’ll rest easy knowing your boat is secure and can be taken out whenever you need it. Read their latest reviews online, then call (941) 479-7877 to reserve your long- or short-term storage unit today.