Storing your boat outside may be the most cost-effective option, but it comes with a few challenges. You’ll need to take measures to protect your boat from the elements, and you’ll need to be mindful of security.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to store your boat outside. Make sure you go through the whole list so you do not leave out any important factors to consider.
Contents
How to Store your Boat Outside
Choosing a Location
The first step is to choose a location for your boat. You’ll want to find a spot that’s out of the way, but still easily accessible.
You’ll also want to make sure that the ground is level and free of debris. Once you’ve found a suitable location, you should mark the area with flags or stakes.
Preparing your Boat
Before you can store your boat, you’ll need to do some preparation.
First, you’ll want to clean the hull with cleaning products compatible with its materials and dry it to remove any stubborn dirt.
Next, you should apply a coat of wax to protect the hull from the elements, including UV rays, water, heat, etc.
Make sure you disconnect the battery and drain the bilge completely before storing the boat to avoid damaging the engines.
Securing your Boat
Once your boat is prepared, you’ll need to take steps to secure it. You’ll want to use straps or lines to tie down the boat so that it doesn’t move.
Storing your Boat
Now that your boat is ready, you can start storing it. You’ll need to jack up the trailer and block the wheels if you’re using a trailer. This step will keep the trailer from moving and damaging your boat.
If you’re not using a trailer, you can simply place your boat on blocks. Once your boat is in position, you can cover it with a tarp or canvas to shield it from harsh weather.
How to Store a Boat Outside in Winter
There will be more things to consider if you want to keep your boat outside in winter, especially when there will be snow and the temperature will drop dramatically.
Preparing the boat should be done thoroughly, so do not leave out any important steps.
Check and Clean the Boat
After various trips, your boat parts might be damaged; you should get everything fixed or replaced before storing your boat. Some damage might become more severe due to harsh winter conditions after months.
Then, when the replacement and fixing are done thoroughly, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the boat.
You should also remove any debris or trash from the boat so that it doesn’t attract rodents. You can do so by using a vacuum, some mild detergent, clean water, a brush, and a clean cloth.
Make sure to take the food out or anything that can go bad over several months to avoid them going bad and emitting horrible smells. Leftover food can invite unwanted guests that might damage your boat’s interior.
Winterize the Boat
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your boat for winter is to winterize it. Here’re what you should do:
- Replace high-quality filters and oils for the engine
- Draining the bilge and cooling water
- Add marine fuel stabilizer to avoid corrosion
- Replace the gear oil
- Disconnect the battery
- Apply a coat of wax to protect the hull from the elements
- Lubricate moving parts – apply a thin layer of grease or oil to all hinges, latches, and other moving parts on your boat
Cover the Boat Entirely
Once you’ve winterized your boat, you’ll need to take steps to protect it from the elements. You’ll want to use a tarp or canvas to cover the boat. You should also secure the tarp or canvas so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
Remove the Batteries
One of the most important steps in winterizing your boat is to remove the batteries. Batteries can freeze and burst in the cold weather, so it’s best to store them indoors. You should also disconnect any other electrical components and store them indoors.
Remove the Moorings
If you’re storing your boat in a marina, you’ll need to remove the moorings. Moorings can damage your boat in the wind and waves, so it’s best to remove them. You should also disconnect any other lines or cables that are attached to your boat.
These are just a few tips on how to store your boat outside in winter. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your boat is protected from the elements and safe from theft.
Can you Store a Fiberglass Boat Outside
You can, but it’s not recommended.
Fiberglass boats are designed to withstand the elements and can be stored outside without any issues. The Gelcoat finish on fiberglass boats is also very durable and will not fade or discolor over time.
However, fiberglass is not indestructible. If you store your fiberglass boat outside without proper protection, it will eventually succumb to the elements and suffer damage.
Assuming you have to store a fiberglass boat outside, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to do so.
- First, fiberglass is not impervious to UV damage from the sun, so it is important to cover the boat when it is not in use
- Second, fiberglass can be damaged by extremes of temperature, so it is important to avoid storing the boat in an area that gets too hot or too cold
- Finally, fiberglass is susceptible to damage from chemicals and other substances, so it is important to keep the storage area clean and free of debris
How to Store a Boat Trailer Outside
One option is to simply park the trailer on level ground, chock the wheels, and cover the boat with a tarp.
This is a relatively simple solution, but it does have some downsides. For one, it can be difficult to find level ground that is also out of the way enough to not be an eyesore.
Additionally, if it rains or snows heavily, the tarp can become weighed down and even tear, leaving your boat exposed.
Another solution is to construct a makeshift storage shed for your trailer.
This will take some time and effort, but it will provide much better protection for your boat. You can use anything from PVC pipe to lumber to build the frame of the shed, and then cover it with a tarp or a tarp-like material.
This option will likely be more expensive than simply parking the trailer and covering the boat, but it will provide better protection in inclement weather. It is important to make sure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent condensation build-up.
If you decide to store your boat trailer outdoors without a cover or in an enclosed space, it is important to check it for signs of rust or weather damage regularly. Inspect the tires and make sure they are properly inflated.
It is also a good idea to invest in a boat trailer jack stand to keep the trailer level and prevent it from sinking into the ground over time.
Conclusion
Storing your boat involves cleaning, draining, and most importantly, securing it to avoid thieves and other unwanted visitors. In winter, winterizing your boat is essential to protect your boat’s engines and other parts. So, make sure you follow all the steps in the list and check them off, so you do not have to worry about storing your boat outside.