15 Dec Tips for Storing Your Boat or Watercraft

If you have a boat, jetski or other personal watercraft, we hope you’ve been having fun out on the water! With summer winding down, it’s important you store your boat properly so it’ll be protected over the winter and ready to go once it’s warm again. We wanted to share with you some of the important steps to take to ensure your boat is stored in a way that will keep it safe and dry.

Check with a professional about winterizing your engine

There are lots of things you can do yourself, but in regards to storing your engine, fuel tank and battery, we recommend asking a professional who knows about your specific engine. 

Remove appliances

Remove your radio, GPS and any other electronic devices and store them in a warm, dry place. 

Clean and air out your upholstery

After cleaning your seats, it’s a good idea to use something like Armor All to protect them from getting dusty or dirty while in storage. Make sure all of your surfaces are aired out and dry before covering your boat up.  

Wash and Wax the Hull

If you’ve had your boat in seawater, you should wash it off with fresh water to prevent salt corrosion. While you’re doing that, it’s also a good idea to inspect the hull closely to see if there are any cracks or holes that need repair. Once that’s done, give your boat a coat of wax to protect it.

Store your trailer

Make sure the tires on your trailer are inflated with at least 20 lbs. of pressure. You should then use something to elevate the frame. You don’t want the tires sitting on the ground for months.

Cover Your Boat

You’re almost done! After you take all of the above steps, be sure your boat is completely covered and sealed off from potential damage by dust, dirt, sun exposure or rain. 

Maintain Your Insurance

Despite the fact that you’re not using your boat while it’s out of the water, it’s important to maintain your boat insurance. Your boat is still susceptible to theft, fire, vandalism and damage from bad weather even when in storage. 

Whether you’re taking steps right now to store your boat or you’re hanging in there for a few more weeks of fun, we hope you’ve been having a blast out on the water this year. If you have any questions about your boat insurance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 704-821-4460. And be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest for more tips and updates.