Winter Boat Storage

[nautique_stealth]

Going to be putting it away soon as it gets cold up here in IL quick

I have a 10x30 unit that is $125/mo (5months) which is very good rate for Chicago area.

My question... Is there any specific I should be looking for in a storage unit? Do I need an electrical outlet (there are none at this place)?

How about storing it... Anything special I need to do besides winterize?

No reason to leave the cover on it, right?

I've never stored a boat (or anything) before, so tips are welcome!

[TxJole]

I take the carpet out and cover it, you'll be surprised the amount of dirt you get after it sits.

[GCSuper]

I guess some would call me anal, but I store my boat in a 12 X 26 insulated metal bldg that I built just for off season storage. I always put the cover on mine. Dust, spiders, bugs, etc. No reason not to cover it. With the Texas drought predicted to continue, it may stay in storage longer than I would like.

[nautique_stealth]

Thanks for the input guys. Either of you put damprid under the cover?

[TxJole]

I do use damp out if I see water during regular year.

GC, what are you talking about i've been on the water every weekend on Cedar Creek. i'm the only boat with butter right down the middle.

[BrennanK]

I would also recommend using some Bounce dryer sheets. They keep things smelling fresh and repel spiders. I use them in the glove box, storage areas, bilge, etc. I also like to prop up my motor box and the observers seats. Anything that is closed, I generally put a block of wood under them to keep some air flow.
I use a cover as well, but is is just a 'dust cover' so I just lay it over the whole boat; no tying it down. I also bring my teak platform inside the house, in addition I also disconnect one side of all the gas shocks to leave them in the extended position.
I am anal about my boat.

[NCH2oSki]

Also good to disconect battery, and taping exaust flap shut will keep mice out. Ditto on the dryer sheets, add them to any storage area, bilge etc.

[TxJole]

Oh I also put tape over ballast holes to keep the mud dudders out.

[mdvalant]

Cover for sure, we put towels over the motor as well (not sure why) and towels over the dash pod, also moth balls to keep the rodents out ie: mice and rats

[2004196]

Winter Tips

I use three of the "Davis Air Dryers" 2 500's (one under rear trunk, one under engine) and one Davis 1000 under front hull. Overkill for sure but never a problem, they are plugged into a temp sensing outlet that turns on at 40 +/- degrees and off at 45 degrees (got these at Lowes for about $10). I also keep a battery tender on the battery through the winter so electrical is a must for my storage. I also built a 12' x 30' "man cave" to store the boat in the winter and keep the trailer in year round, cannot let my trailer sit outside. Boat is covered and checked often, be careful with mothballs, that "stench" can linger long after you remove the balls. Wipe interior down with 303 protectant, vacuum well. I also have never had a problem with mold or mildew growing but make sure it is DRY before it is covered.

Ron

[GCSuper]

I do use damp out if I see water during regular year.

GC, what are you talking about i've been on the water every weekend on Cedar Creek. i'm the only boat with butter right down the middle.

Yea, we took the boat out last weekend. Even at 10 ft low, PK still has very deep water. We're just spoiled at having a dock/lift. There are only two boat ramps open currently, but now the BRA has started a water release that will go on uninterupted until late OCT.

[GoBig]

Besides the typical winterization steps...
1) DampRid is a must. I store inside all year and will still gather a cup or so of water in the DampRid over the winter months
2) Full tank of gas to keep condensation from forming in your tank and add STA-BIL fuel stabilizer to keep your octane fresh
3) Cover on for sure but I keep it loose to allow for more ventilation
4) Check tire pressure on your trailer, make sure they're full before you put away
5) Disconnect the negative terminal on your batteries

I think that's about it...

[nautique_stealth]

Guys, thanks for all the tips!

I'll weed through all these and make a list this weekend and get going on it.

Have to go back to drawing board on storage as they called me back and said door is only 8ft wide.

[TxJole]

Yea, we took the boat out last weekend. Even at 10 ft low, PK still has very deep water. We're just spoiled at having a dock/lift. There are only two boat ramps open currently, but now the BRA has started a water release that will go on uninterupted until late OCT.

We use to have a place on Hogs Bend by the lower D&D, sold it and moved to Cedar Creek. I'm ready to get back in my boat house that way everybody can load thier own junk and I don't have to work to get on the water. Come on rain.

[2004196]

Nautique_Stealth

May be to your advantage, I would really look for something that has power available. Good luck!