Posts Tagged ‘boat storage’

With the passing of the recent Labor Day holiday, many of us are faced with the ominous task of preparing our boats to be laid up for the winter. Winter can be harsh on a boat, and if you want to get out on the water next spring without any unwelcome surprises, it’s important to store it properly.

• HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WINTERIZE YOUR BOAT ENGINE

Fill the fuel tank with fresh non-ethanol gasoline. Add a sufficient amount of gasoline stabilizer which is specified for marine engines and then run the engine sufficiently to bring it up to normal operating temperature while allowing the treated/stabilized fuel to circulate through fuel system.

• LUBRICATION

Change oil and oil filter. Lubricate all items like Throttle and Shift Cables, Steering, Coupler, U-Joints, Transom, Gimbal, Propeller Shaft, etc.

• MARINE COOLING SYSTEMS

Flush the cooling system. Refer to each manufacturers specific flushing procedure as indicated in the owners manual. Drain seawater section of cooling system, as specified in the owners manual.

• FLAME ARRESTOR

Clean flame arrestor and vent hoses.

• GENERAL ITEMS

Service the batteries as required by the manufacturer of the battery. Wash/Clean the outside of engine and allow to dry. Repaint any areas where bare metal is exposed, and allow to dry. Completely cover/spray the engine with some type of corrosion inhibitor or wipe down with SAE 20W engine oil or spray with WD-40.

• STERNDRIVE AND TRANSOM

Inspect U-joint bellows for cracks or weathering.
Check the bellow hose clamps to ensure they are tight.
Check engine alignment.
Change sterndrive unit oil.
Make sure the Sterndrive is in the DOWN position. This is required not only for draining of the unit but also to ensure that the bellows do not take a set which can lead to pre-mature failure when returned to service.
Use a piece of wire to check that water drain holes in sterndrive unit are open and allowing drainage.
Clean sterndrive exterior surfaces and repaint any bare metal surfaces.
Cover the entire sterndrive with some type of corrosion inhibitor.

Read More about Winterization of Mercruiser Inboard & Sterndrive Engines

Read More about Winterization of Yamaha 4-stroke Outboards

COMMON PRODUCTS WHEN WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT

MARINE FUEL SYSTEMS SHOP NOW FLAME ARRESTOR SHOP NOW

COOLING SYSTEM SHOP NOW STRENDRIVE & TANSOM SHOP NOW

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Inflatable luxury fishing motorboat wrapped in cover standing over trailer for winter period seasonal storage at backyard. Shrink-wrapped vessel winterized on parking.

Winter can be harsh on a boat, and if you want to get out on the water next spring without any unwelcome surprises, it’s important to store it properly. Not only will cold water and ice cause expensive damage, but improper boat storage can also leave it vulnerable to theft or damage from a storm. When spring arrives next year, you don’t want to spend time scrubbing mildew and fixing the engine – you’d rather be all set to get back on the boat. Here is how to store your boat through the winter.

Secure all items and seal your boat

The right boat storage includes removing any valuable items from your boat, including electronic guidance systems if possible, to protect them from extreme weather and theft. You should also remove anything that could be prone to mildew and mold over the winter, such as flotation devices. Once you’ve removed all loose items, wrap the boat using boat wrap and cover it with a custom waterproof cover that fits snuggly. If the cover is too loose and saggy, water can collect in parts and damage the cover. Even if you’re storing your boat inside, a cover can protect it from unexpected roof leaks.

Fuel treatment

Fuel treatment is also a necessary step for boat storage. Treating your boat’s fuel with a stabilizer will keep it fresh for long-term storage (usually up to 24 months). This will prevent you from having to waste a tank of fuel at the end of each season.  Also, it guarantees quick and easy start-ups after storage.  Additionally, it ensures that the carburetors and fuel injectors won’t be clogged with varnish deposits. This kind of build-up can ruin your fuel system.

Boat Lift

Boat lifts offer you the ability to store your boat high and dry yet ready for use in minutes. However, lifts do not fare well in hurricanes and strong nor’easters. Wind waves and surges can shift the boat, and torrential rains or heavy snow can increase the boat’s weight to the point of breaking the lift. One way to avert these problems is to keep your boat on a trailer—but if you desire to keep your boat on a lift, make sure that the lift is well maintained, of the correct capacity, and that the boat is properly covered to keep rain and snow out.

Because boats stored on lifts are surrounded by air, they are more vulnerable to a sudden freeze than boats surrounded by water. This means that you will either have to winterize the boat or implement measures, such as a bilge or engine room heater, to avert damage should a freeze occur.

Engine Drainage

Most boat engines use surrounding water to cool the engine as it runs.  If the engine isn’t drained properly, residual water in the cooling chambers can freeze, expand, and crack the engine block and manifolds. This can spell disaster for your wallet, as repairs for this kind of damage can run you $5,000-$20,000 depending on the kind of boat you have.

The boat storage balancing act

Keep your boat off the ground during winter storage. Use wood blocks or keel stands to support the keel, paying careful attention to the load-bearing areas. Make sure the boat is up high enough to keep propellers and rudders off the ground.

Add several jacks stands to balance the boat, and make sure those stands are supported against wind and storms. If you opt for outdoor storage, cover the boat with a tarp or vinyl cover for protection from the elements. Make sure the cover is vented enough for airflow, but secure enough to stay on your boat all winter.

Remove your battery

This is the last step for proper boat storage. Because of inconsistent use during the summer months, your boat battery may not be fully charged each time you use it. The problem is compounded if you leave it in your boat while it’s stored for the winter. More than likely, your battery will be dead when spring arrives. It’s a good idea to remove your battery and store it in a warm dry place. Consider using a trickle charger to keep your battery in good shape during the winter months.

At Performance Products Technologies, we help you to keep your boat in good shape by offering you winterization products and guidelines. Contact us to learn more and get started.

I know, I know, it’s way to early to be thinking about Boat Storage issues. Or is it? I find there is no better cure for cabin fever than getting out to the garage, storage shed, or what have you and tinker with my boat. Granted, there’s not a lot you can change right now without risking wasting money on parts that may go bad sitting around waiting to hit the water, but you can make a check list and tinker a few things to make it easier to start sailing or fishing when Spring hits.

Check your fuel system for leaks, cracks, or any other visible damage. Grab hold of lines and give them a squeeze. If fuel leaks out or they show cracks, mark them on your list to change. Belts cables and hoses are also made of rubber which makes them susceptible to becoming brittle and failing on the water. Check hoses the same as fuel lines, pull and twist on belts watching for cracks or bad spots. If there are any loose belts, these you can tighten now; one less thing to do in the Spring. Run a hand and an eye over control cables paying special attention to connections and search for swells and cracks.

Inspect all your electrical components for corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean them and add a dab of grease to the outside connections to keep corrosion at bay. List all worn components and check to make sure the battery still holds charge. If it is low, put it on a charger, get it to full charge, then let it set for a few days and check the charge again. Check all your fluid levels. Now is a good time to change any that weren’t done during winterization. Look over the hull and fix any dings cracks or scratches. Check propeller bearings and change if necessary.

Finally, the most important part, safety gear. Make sure you have a well- fitting life jacket for each passenger and that they are in good condition. Make sure you have the right fire extinguishers for your boat.

Following these simple steps will make your Spring a happy launch to the boating season. For more tips and advice, contact us today.

Once you buy a boat, the first thing you will need to know is what are your Boat Storage options.  Deciding where to store your boat isn’t really difficult; however, you do need to do a little research before making any decisions.  There are several things you’ll need to consider such as location, budget and the available options for your particular situation.

Three Different Types Of Boat Storage

1.  You can trailer your boat depending on the size of your boat.   Trailering is the most inexpensive option for storing your boat over the short-term.  When you trailer your boat, you can easily store it in your driveway or in your back yard.  This means you won’t be paying any storage fees or slip fees.  However, this option isn’t for everyone as it requires the most amount of work on your part. Another consideration with short-term storage is that the cost in the longrun may be higher as boats tend to weather and deteriorate quicker when stored outside in the elements.

2.  Dry rack storage is another option for small boat owners.  Dry rack storage’s are large storage buildings that have stacks of boat cradles in them and are open on one side for easy access.  With dry rack storage, you will call the facility before your boating trip.  Once they receive your call, they will use their forklift or lifting machine to remove your boat from its cradle and launch it for you.  When you return from your outing, you dock your boat and the facility will then return your boat to its cradle.

3.  Many boat owners find that storing their boat in a marina slip is the best option, and if you have a large boat, marina storage may be your only option.  Wet slip storage is very convenient as all you have to do is drive yourself and your family to the marina then load up your gear for the day.

Wet slip storage rates will vary from place to place.  However, the rates are usually calculated based on the length of your boat and the length and width of the boat slip.  Most marinas also supply electricity connections with your slip, but they will charge you for the amount of electricity you use each month.  Additionally, some of the better marinas will also offer a wash down area for your boat and connections for phone, TV and internet.

You may also find that keeping your boat in a marina will give you the opportunity for socializing, if that’s something you like to do.  Marina members often gather around the dock or their slip areas for parties, BBQ’s and fun-filled gatherings.  Boating is the ultimate experience that offers a multitude of fun things to do including skiing, fishing, swimming, eating, tanning, sight-seeing and so much more.

If you would like more information about buying, upgrading or storing your boat, please contact us today.  Performance Product Technologies has years of experience and would love to help you with all your boating needs.

Let’s Talk Winter Time & Boat Damage

We all know that the freezing weather can damage every single part of your boat, right? Not only is maintaining a boat during the winter months difficult, it can be expensive if you don’t do it properly because the pieces and parts of the boat structure and engine can break, needing replacements.

Insurance Experts Say…

Are you keeping your boat on the water for the winter, or are you planning to store it indoors at your marina? Either way, you should understand what you need to do to maintain your boat and keep it safe during the winter months. While we’ve gone over some of these points previously, come from GEICO, and as an insurance company, they’ve seen pretty much everything when it comes to accidental problems with storing a boat.

According to GEICO Boat Program Manager Eric Baillargeon,

“Extreme cold can wreak havoc on your boat’s engine and ultimately your wallet.”

GEICO also noted that if you  check with the company that insures your boat, you might just find that the company will offer you a discount for storing your boat out of the elements and protecting your boat from winter’s harsh wear and tear.

This is especially true if you decide to store your boat indoors, in a marina for example. Because it is indoors, the chances of having to repaint or replace engine parts are lowered, thus decreasing the chances that you would file an insurance claim to pay for the replacements.

Stop Damage – Save Money

Many insurance companies appreciate this type of proactive thinking. In fact, Baillargeon made specific mention of the fact that storing your boat in the water is a sure way to damage it – and that you should store it anywhere but in the water if you don’t want to throw money out the window.

Boat owners have a number of options available as to where they can store their boats, depending on the type of boat they own.

Trailering: We’ve talked about tailoring your boat a couple of times, and this is something that GEICO recommends if you have a small boat that is easily manageable without excess help.

Simply trailering the boat in your backyard and winterizing the engine before throwing a tarp over it, then weighting down the tarp ends should be enough to keep it safe at your own home.

Marina Storage: On the other hand, you could store it in marina, as we’ve also mentioned previously. In fact, some marinas offer “blocking services,” that help boat owners store their boats atop blocks or jacks. This ensures that the boat cannot possibly move, fall, or otherwise be damaged during the winter months.

Additionally, because the boat is kept inside during the winter, it is possible that your issuance company would offer you an even bigger discount on your monthly premium. No matter how you decide to store your boat during the winter months, talk to your insurance agent first, as he or she can help offer you options that will protect your boat and save you money on your insurance.

Budget vs. Convenience

Storing a boat or a yacht is important to help keep it in tiptop shape over the winter, or any other time you take it out of the water. The amount that the boat weighs can have an impact on storage, as can its foot length.

Trailering Your Boat

Boat Trailer By Tawker via Wikimedia Commons

If you have a small budget, then storing your boat via a trailer is something that you might want to consider. Trailers are the most popular option among boat owners who do not have the funds to dry dock the boat in the marina over the winter. There is honestly nothing more inexpensive than trailering your boat. You can take a trailer to your home, and set it in the driveway, or off to the side of the yard – on the street if necessary, and if you have proper registration for the trailer to do so.

Trailering offers the added benefits of being able to bring your boat to any marina, beach, or other place with a dock or boat ramp. This allows you to come and go with your boat as you please, instead of being stuck to the schedule that the marina sets for you.

Marina Storage

However, if you have a budget that might permit the possibility of storing your boat or yacht at the marina instead, you might want to opt for this instead of a trailer to ensure that the boat is stored correctly and taken care of during the times you cannot be there to attend to the boat’s needs. While the trade off is the hours at which you can go to the marina to see or sue the boat, it could be worth it if you do not have the facilities to store your boat at home in a driveway, or if you do not have a car that is big and strong enough to tow it.

Rack Storage

Another option is rack storage, which is a good option for boats that are smaller. Rack storage facilities dry dock the boat in a rack inside a warehouse of sorts. They cover the boat and keep it clean and dry.   You can come and go according to the facility hours, the facility will retrieve the boat when you want to take it out and will store your boat for you when you are finished.

Are you ready to sacrifice the ability to come and go as you please so that you do not have to do the storing? On the other hand, do you know how to hitch a trailer and keep up with the boat’s maintenance if you keep it at your home? We ask these questions because the answers will make the difference between the choices you make. Ultimately, while the main differences between the three options are money and convenience, the decision on how to store your boat is entirely up to you.