First time storing boat

[skinaughty95]

Hey guys bought my first boat 95 SN. Bringing it in for storage in a few days any pointers on what I should do to prep. Im in Chicago and the boat will be indoors. Boat is fully cleaned and waxed. Should I remove seats? Mildew precaution?Any tips are appreciated!

thanks

[Joshf]

Just a question to piggy back on this one. I store my boat in my detached garage in Salt Lake City, UT, non heated. I have not had trouble with mildew over the past 2 winters, but my concern is the cold on the vinyl and the interior of the boat. I had a friend tell me the vinyl on his boat cracked in the cold on his boat last winter. The engine is winterized, but I wonder about how the interior will hold up long term as the temperatures inevitably drop year after year. Due to the tower being down, I cannot use my snap on cover, so the mooring cover is draped over the boat.
If necessary, is there a heater that anyone has used that will be helpful to protect the interior? Only when it will be very cold, not all winter.

Thanks

[charlesml3]

Just in case, go to Lowes or Home Depot and get three of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DampRid-6...G50T/100391308

Put one up in the bow area, and two towards the back. If there's any humidity in there, these will grab it before it turns into mildew on your vinyl.

-Charles

[Quinner]

I am in the North Burbs of Chicago, Deep Lake.
Put some bounce dryer sheets throughout the boat, supposedly this deters rodents/mice. Be sure the interior is clean and has protectant applied, if your cover does not breath well then certainly add something that will absorb moisture. If cold storage yank the battery and keep it in a warm place and charge periodically, either way fully charge before storing.

[skinaughty95]

Great thanks for the help!

[DW SD]

If I stored in my garage, I'd keep it heated above freezing and then put a small fan within the boat to keep air moving (even just a PC cooling fan would work fine). To the best of your ability, separate vinyl seat cushions from adjacent cushions. Mildew / stains seems to grow where they touch.

Also, set the humidity collectors in something that if tipped over will catch all of the water, but also not prevent air from circulating (I use a large storage bin). If they were to overflow or tip over or break down, it'd create a helluva mess on the carpet.

Also, tip the engine lid open. Best off not having a highly humid environment around fasteners and things, too. You could want the bolt heads corroding.

My boat lives in the barn I built from PVC tubes and a custom billboard tarp, but I'm in San Diego county, so no freezing. I added a solar panel and solar charger to top off the batteries and have a 12V relay timer which runs for 4 days after I plug it in following a trip. I've never returned to wet carpeting. I'm lucky not to have mice / rodent problems, so far (almost 2 years)!

Doug

Doug