Owning a boat can be a ton of fun when you’re out on the water. However, when it comes to storage, it’s not all fun and games. In fact, there’s quite a bit of work involved in storing a vessel the proper way. To keep your boat in great condition all year long, consider these essential home boat storage ideas.
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Two Types of Boat Storage
It’s important to differentiate between the two types of boat storage. First, there’s summer storage, which will accommodate the boat in between uses. Then there’s long-term winter storage, assuming you live in a climate where the winter months make boating a no-go.
For summer storage, you’ll want to have a safe, secure place to park your boat, such as a carport. Getting this kind of structure is one of the most essential home boat storage ideas on our list! A carport will shield your craft from rain and tree debris when it’s not in use. In addition, parking your boat under a covered structure will make it easier to hitch it up and head out whenever you have time—which is the point of owning a boat in the first place!
Winter storage is not so simple. Sure, you’ll want to park your boat in a protected spot, but there’s a little extra work and maintenance involved. Let’s take a look at some keys to proper winter storage.
Prep Work for Winter Storage
There’s a variety of prep work that will need to be completed before you put your boat in storage for the winter season. However, it’s important to note that the list below is only a partial accounting of what you may need to do. The specific requirements of your boat will depend on the make and model. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual for instructions. With this in mind, most boats often need the following:
- Fresh antifreeze. This is a particularly important step in cold climates.However, even those in relatively moderate climates will want to add fresh antifreeze to their craft, as it will prevent it from freezing during the long winter months. As mentioned above, it is important to do this in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Disconnect the battery. If you keep your battery connected all winter long, it’s likely you’ll return to your boat in the spring only to find it completely out of charge. Keeping the battery hooked up will slowly drain it all winter, even if the electronics on the boat are shut off.
- Fill the gas tank. It’s also a good idea to keep your gas tank full during the winter. This will prevent condensation from building up and potentially causing rust. You may also be able to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to keep it in good condition while it sits throughout the season.
- Cover it up. Finally, if you own a boat cover, use it to protect the interior from the elements. This is an important step even if you are going to park your boat under a carport or other structure. The interior of your boat will be in much better shape when spring rolls around if it has been protected by a cover throughout the winter.
The Wrap Option
Above, we mentioned that using a boat cover is a good way to protect the interior. However, some boat owners decide to take it a step further and opt for shrink-wrap. The advantage of shrink-wrapping is that it provides excellent protection from moisture, performing much better than a standard boat cover.
So, what’s the downside? The cost, of course. Shrink-wrapping your boat is a rather expensive form of protection. In addition, you will need to have it done fresh every winter, as the wrapping doesn’t carry over from one year to the next. Generally speaking,this is a service that is best left for large, expensive boats, where the importance of protecting the vessel is amplified and the cost of shrink-wrapping is justified.
Order a Carport for Your Boat Today!
At American Carports, Inc., we offer high-quality, affordable metal structures for a variety of purposes. If you need a reliable home storage solution for your craft, our carports and garages are perfect for the job. Plus, you can use our Build& Price Tool to fully customize your structure, view a 3D rendering, and receive an instant quote! We look forward to serving you.
