Eventually there comes a time for every boat owner where boat storage needs to be considered. Today we will share some tips regarding boat storage units, options you have, and costs to consider. We are Mouser Self Storage, serving South Fort Worth, Alvarado, and Johnson County with affordable self-storage solutions. Call us at 682-800-3949 for more information about self storage prices and availability.
Boat storage options
In no particular order, your boat storing options are:
- Outside space, in the water, at a marina
- Indoor unit, in a boat locker, at a marina
- In your driveway or yard
- At a self storage facility
There are pros and cons to each of these, and perhaps we will write a separate article, at a later day, listing those pros and cons, but that is not the purpose of this article. We are here, today, to tell you how to prepare your boat for the harsh winter weather.
Below we have listed the important steps in winterizing. One, or two, of them may not be necessary, depending upon where you winter your boat. For example, if you have access to a heated room, out of the water, you definitely do not need to follow all of the steps listed below. Still, what would it hurt to do them all? Seriously, for a major investment like your boat, doing a little “extra” care can never be a bad thing.
Steps for winterizing before storing your boat.
Here, then, are our suggestions for steps to take in winterizing your boat:
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and run the engine to circulate it.
- Change the fuel filters and the fuel/water separators in the engine.
- Drain fresh water from the boat’s plumbing system.
- Prepare the batteries for storage.
- Replace engine oil.
- Grease and lubricate.
- Clean and wax surfaces
- Remove any valuables from the boat.
- Either remove or cover any deck furniture you may have.
- Cover the entire boat or find a similar option to protect it from the elements.
Do those things and no matter where you winter your boat, you can feel fairly confident that it will winter well.
Pay now or pay more later.
Does that list seem like a bit too much? Consider this: your boat is a major investment, most likely costing as much, if not more, than your car. Any major investment needs to be protected, and Mother Nature is just sitting on the sidelines, waiting to find out who protected their boat and who didn’t. Please don’t wait until you need to replace an engine to understand the importance of winterizing your boat.
A final word about Mouser.
Mouser Self Storage is locally owned and operated. We are located in the 917 Industrial Park, just outside Alvarado, Texas, with easy access to I-35W, Highway 287, Highway 67, and FM 917. We have all of your solutions, from car storage to RV protected spaces to boat units to simple spaces for your household items. Call us today for the latest self-storage pricing and availability. And ask us about our NOKE protection system, designed to provide the very best in secure self-storage.