Three Steps For Preparing Your Boat For Storage
During the winter months, you will be unable to use your boat, and this will require you to prepare it for these dormant months. If a boat is not properly prepped for storage, it can be far more prone to experiencing problems and damages that will need to be addressed before the boat can be used again. In order to help you with preparing for boat storage, there are some steps that you should be mindful to avoid overlooking.
Flush The System
Thoroughly flushing the system will be one of the more important steps that you can do for protecting the boat. Over the course of the spring and summer months, it can be possible for water to seep into the engine, coolant system or other vital components. By thoroughly flushing the system, you can remove any water that may have seeped into the system. This will reduce the risk of the mechanical parts of the boat corroding during the winter months.
Thoroughly Clean Any Upholstery
It is common for high-end boats to have upholstery and carpeting to improve the comfort of those in the boat. During the time when the boat is being stored, any dirt, crumbs or other materials that are on the upholstery or carpeting can cause fairly noticeable damage. In addition to this damage, it can also be possible for these substances to attract the attention of a variety of pests that could further damage the upholstery. You can drastically reduce the risks of these issues arising from having the carpeting and upholstery steam cleaned before going into storage.
Remove The Battery
The battery is one of the most important mechanical parts of the boat. When the boat is placed into storage, you should disconnect and remove the battery from the boat. Otherwise, it will be possible for large amounts of limescale to accumulate or the battery may become corroded. In particularly severe instances, it can be possible for the corrosion to cause the battery to rupture, which could spill damaging acid into the engine. To increase the chances that the battery will be in a usable condition when the boat is taken out of storage, you should be sure to store the battery in a cool area that will be extremely dry. Additionally, you should have the battery tested before you put it back into the engine. Otherwise, you may find that the battery fails to start the engine when you are out on the open water.