Honey Bee RV Storage's Guide to Boat Storage

From cruising the waves to fishing the shores to bathing in the sun—a boat provides endless adventures and happy memories. However, there comes a time to come ashore and take a break on land.

Storing your boat while not in use is a critical aspect of maintaining the longevity and condition of your vessel. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best practices you can employ to store your boat like a pro!

Choosing A Storage Facility

When storing your boat, one of the first things on the checklist is deciding what type of facility you’re looking for. Different boat storage facilities offer different kinds of storage, including covered or uncovered storage options. Here’s a short breakdown of what each type of storage is best for:

Covered storage: Covered storage offers protection from UV rays, extreme temperatures, and less-than-optimal weather like rain, hail, and snow. When putting your boat in storage or preparing to launch it for an excursion, covered storage offers you protection too.
Uncovered storage: Uncovered storage is generally a more affordable storage option for your boat or RV and is often adequate for the needs of smaller boat owners and for storing empty boat trailers. If you choose uncovered storage, you’ll want to use a boat cover to protect the interior of your watercraft from rain and other weather.

It’s also worth considering the other features and amenities offered when choosing a storage facility. Factors like security measures, paved roadways, and electricity hookups play a role in creating a convenient boat storage experience.

Preparing Your Watercraft for Dry Storage

Proper storage practices can make or break your boating experience. Preparing your boat or jet ski correctly for storage allows it to remain ready for the water when you are. Whether it’s long-term storage during the off-season or a short stay between adventures, following these best practices is essential to maintaining the condition of your boat while in storage.

Clean Your Boat

Before placing your boat or jet ski in storage, you should thoroughly clean and prepare it for the best storage results. This is especially important if your boat has been operated in salt water. Remove all belongings from your boat, drain the bilge, water, and waste tanks, and flush the water system to prevent mold and bacteria growth. At Honey Bee RV facilities with dump and wash stations, this is a quick and easy process and there is no extra charge.

Along with cleaning, be sure to check for any damage like cracks or wear. Arrange for the repair of any issues before or while storing your boat to prevent them from worsening over time or ruining your experience when you relaunch your watercraft. Secure all loose items in your boat to keep them from moving during storage.

Winterize Your Boat

If you’re storing your boat in a cold climate or simply storing it for the colder months of the year, winterization is essential. This includes draining the water system, using an anti-freeze treatment, and protecting all plumbing and water-related components from freezing, corrosion, or contamination.

Maintain Tires, Engine, and Fuel System

Making sure that all the moving parts of your boat are working properly will make your storage experience easier. Ensure the tires of your watercraft trailer are properly inflated and in good condition, inspect the trailer’s moving parts, place chocks by the wheels, and place a shim or block under hitches that are not equipped with retractable wheels or supports.

If your motor manufacturer’s warranty permits it, it is advisable to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before trailering your watercraft so that you can run the engine briefly to circulate treated fuel. Disconnect your battery before storage or if your storage space has power access, connect it to a trickle charger. Try to keep your battery at a stable temperature in order to prolong its life and prevent damage.

Rent Boat, Jet Ski, and Trailer Storage From Honey Bee RV Storage Today

With these tips on best practices for storing your boat like a pro, head to Honey Bee RV Storage for convenient boat storage! At Honey Bee, we offer all the dry slip boat storage features and amenities you need to keep your boat secure while you’re on shore. Our facilities are equipped with high-tech security systems and cameras, a fully fenced or walled perimeter, and controlled gate access so you can store with peace of mind.

Visit our list of frequently asked questions and storage tips for more information, or contact us with any and all questions. Rent boat storage in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Houston, and beyond today!