Many boat owners need places to store their vessels over the winter. A storage space will keep your vehicle safe until you’re ready to come back for it when the weather warms up. If you’re preparing to store your boat, here are some essential tips to follow to protect it from the elements. 

Do:

Winterize the gas.

Leaving fuel in a boat over the winter could cause it to separate over time. Additionally, the fuel could become dirty, leaving residue in the engine and causing corrosion. 

Many people pour winterizing fluid into boat tanks to stabilize the volatile liquids and prevent damage. Refer to your manufacturer’s manual for their recommendations on whether to empty your tank or use a fuel stabilizer. 

Clean the boat.

Leaving bird droppings, algae stains, or dried up dirt on the vessel during storage could make marks more difficult to remove later. 

Use a soap and water mix with a soft cloth to wipe down the interior. Make sure the boat is dry before applying upholstery cleaner to finish off this task. Then, use a pressure washer to wash algae and watermarks off the hull.

Don’t:

Leave the battery in.

When a battery is plugged into a boat, it will slowly lose its charge over time. Plus, the battery can freeze or corrode at the ports, damaging the fuel cell and the wiring.

Always remove the battery and store it in a warm, dry place, so it’s ready for use in the spring and summer.

Skip a cover.

Protect the exterior from moisture and dust by covering the watercraft before leaving it for the season. If you use a tarp, tie it down in many places to prevent the material from shifting.

If you’re storing it outdoors, you can also have the boat shrink-wrapped to keep snow, ice, and UV rays away from the vessel. 

Boat owners looking to store their vehicles should contact Galaxy Self-Storage in La Crosse County, WI. Their clean, easy-to-access storage facilities feature surveillance cameras, onsite property managers, and security lights. They have seven convenient locations throughout Wisconsin. Learn more about their offerings online or call (608) 526-9000 to discuss their options for vehicles.