When it’s time to take your boat out of the water for winter, there are a few things that you need to know. It’s not as simple as pulling it out of the water and hauling it to your storage facility. Frigid weather and/or long periods of storage can result in expensive repairs and unnecessary maintenance. Storing your boat at Mountain 24hr Storage is your perfect solution. Our storage units in Mammoth Lakes, CA, are close to neighboring lakes; and, at the end of a relaxing day on the lake, you don’t have to haul your boat all the way home. You never have to worry knowing that your boat is safe in our storage units in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
When the season is over, here is a list of steps you can take to ensure that your boat is ready for storage until next year.
1. Add a Fuel Stabilizer and Fill the Tank: Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer so that you don’t have problems with condensation. This could cause corrosion or worse.
2. Change the Oil: Change your oil filter, flush it out so that no water remains, and add new oil. Water or acids in your oil can corrode the engine.
3. Refresh the Coolant System: To protect your engine from freezing and corrosion, drain the current coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Be sure to dilute the antifreeze to specification.
4. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect your battery and top it off with distilled water. Charge it periodically so that it’s ready to go when you hook it back up to your boat. Connect battery to battery charger.
5. Grease the Steering Mechanism: Grease the steering and control mechanisms so that they will be moving smoothly when it’s time to take your boat out again.
6. Remove the Drive Belts: Before storing your boat, loosen and remove drive belts. They could crack under the stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.
7. Maintain the Interior of Your Boat: The interior elements of your boat are vulnerable to cold and moisture. Remove electronics prior to storage. If possible, organic fabrics such as canvas and leather should be removed to protect against mold and mildew. Empty water tanks and run antifreeze through the pipes.
8. Clean the Hull and Deck: Clean the hull and deck so that your boat will be spotless and free of trash when you’re ready to put it in the water next season.
9. Wash and Wax the Exterior: Wash your boat and cover the body with a coat of wax. This will prevent rust and is of particular importance if you are using outdoor storage.
10. Use a Cover: Whether storing inside or outside, cover your boat to protect from the elements as well as dust, grime, and moisture.