Marine services are essential for anyone who owns a boat or loves to spend time in the water. One of the most common services you may need as a boat owner is boat storage. Keeping your investment in good condition will minimise maintenance costs and help you extend the life of your boat.
Unfortunately, many boat owners don't know the steps to take in protecting their boats during storage. Storing your boat in a marina is much different from storing it out of the water. Therefore, proper steps will be critical for you to ensure that your boat is kept in safe conditions when not in use.
Here's what you should know about preparing your boat for marina storage.
1. Don't procrastinate fixing any final issues
Perhaps the most common mistake that boat owners make is procrastinating to fix boat issues. A seemingly small problem (such as an oil leak or low coolant level) can escalate into an even more complicated mechanical issue when your boat is floating in the marina. This is why you should take a proactive approach when fixing your boat before keeping it away.
A good idea is to schedule one final ride before long-term storage. As you have your vessel out in the water, pay attention to any unusual operational issues. Is the boat steering correctly? Are all your fluids at the right level? Are there any uncharacteristic sounds? Detecting and fixing such issues will be critical before storage.
2. Dry out the interior
Another important storage step is to dry the interior of your boat. Keeping things dry will prevent the accumulation of mould and mildew inside your vessel while it's at the marina.
Start off by wiping any pools of water and raise the bow of your boat to drain it thoroughly. Mildew bags are also an excellent asset for keeping harmful organic elements out of your interior.
3. Carry out the recommended storage maintenance
Prior to keeping your boat in marina storage, there are essential maintenance steps you should take. These include fluid maintenance, coolant, greasing and battery servicing. In particular, make sure you change your oil so as to remove debris, acid and water.
You should also add some fogging oil to your spark plugs or carburettor during cold weather. And finally, charge your battery and disconnect devices (such as aftermarket stereos) that may cause it to drain when not in use.
4. Schedule regular inspections
Some marinas also provide inspection services for your vessel. Take advantage of this opportunity to keep your boat in good condition until you return to use it.
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