Getting a Family Boat? Where and How to Store it in the Off Season

Taking the family boat out for a sail can be a great way to bond, enjoy nature, and increase general marine knowledge or experience all at the same time. However, depending on where a person lives, only some months out of the year are considered “boat season.” In many cases, boat owners will need a place to store their crafts when sailing is not viable. Understanding where and how to do this can help current and future boat enthusiasts.

Do Some Cleaning

Boat owners will want to invest in marine maintenance parts supplies to perform your seasonal boat maintenance and cleaning. This can involve regular maintenance such as folding the sails or giving the hull a good waxing. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that above all, a clean boat is also a safe vessel. Even if a boat owner finds a storage facility in pristine condition, a dirty boat can attract insects or rodents. Without cleaning the boat properly first, the owner might return for it to find it in deplorable condition.

Service the Engine

A boat’s engine needs to be clean and in good working order to help ensure that there are no unexpected problems when out on the water. A boat owner or prospective buyer can visit a marine mechanic shop to ask about getting the engine looked at and stock up on supplies that can protect the whole craft. Engine servicing and general maintenance should happen at least once a year for optimum performance and safety.

Find the Right Storage Space

A boat owner usually has the option to store the boat in their garage during the off-season. Depending on the size of the garage and how many cars are in it, this may not be something for everyone. Many owners will need to find dedicated storage spaces elsewhere. A dock is another option, but there could be fees associated with it, and security might be an issue. A proper storage facility will give owners a place to house their boats and protect them well.

Weatherproof Your Boat

This is an important point that many boat owners forget when they store their boats inside facilities. The exposed metal or wood parts still need to be protected from rust or mold. Doing this means the owner can won’t have to worry about damage from the cold and weather during the off-season, and the boat will be ready for summer prep when the season comes around again.

Storing or maintaining a boat during the off-season means that it should stay in great shape longer and be ready for the next outing when boating weather comes along again. Both current and future boat owners can protect their investments and their family relaxation time by following a few simple tips.