Tips For The Best Ways To Store A Boat During The Off-season

Dude, where do I park my boat!?

As much as you don’t want to think about it, you know that it’s only a matter of time.  

The kids are getting ready to go back to school, you can see a couple of leaves on the maple tree in front of the house turning yellow and you even had to pull the hoodie out of storage the other day.  

Yes, sadly, another summer is coming to a close. As a boat owner, that is especially sad. You are running out of time to get out on the water and to escape to your happy place. Soon, you’re going to need to get the boat ready for another 6-months in storage.  

As tempting as it is to put off planning for this task, it’s better to be prepared. The final days of summer are the exact time to nail down your off-season plan.  

What to look for in boat storage

There are several key things to keep in mind when looking for winter boat storage. They include:

• Is the facility clean – a messy storage facility shows a troubling lack of attention to details
• Do the staff seem professional – You don’t want to leave your boat somewhere without proper supervision
• What kind of security is available – Is it gated? Are there cameras?  ‍
• Does the facility have an emergency plan – Your boat is a big investment. You’ll want to make sure it is protected in case of a major storm or other disaster.  ‍
• What access will you have to your boat – how easy is it to get in to perform small maintenance tasks during the winter ‍
• Is the staff insured and bonded – Again, you want to feel assured that your investment is in safe hands.  

MoveBuddy can help you find the right self-storage option for your boat

Finding the right self-storage facility for your boat can be tricky. Luckily, MoveBuddy allows you to search for locations amongst more than 300 verified partners. That way you know that you are picking from only the highest-quality self-storage locations.  

Other things to think about when storing your boat

Once you have chosen where to store your boat, you may be wondering about some other aspects of storage. Here are some common questions boat owners have when storing their boats for the winter.  

Should I store my boat with the motor up or down?

When storing a boat out of water you always want to have the motor in the down position to allow for full drainage and to protect it from the elements.

Should you cover the outboard motor in winter?

Absolutely. Putting a cover on the boat motor keeps dirt and other debris out of the motor. It is important to keep a clean motor to prevent expensive damage.  
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Do you drain the gas when winterizing a boat?

As with any engine, you should drain the motor prior to storage. Otherwise, the gas will go stale and cause damage to the motor.  

Other, than the fact that you can’t use it until next summer, storing your boat doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow MoveBuddy on Instagram to be alerted of more storage and moving tips!