There is something unbelievably special about taking the family and friends out for days on the river and lakes during the summer months. It offers a chance to reconnect with one another in a way that is truly unique.
Whether it’s taking the kids out and teaching them how to fish just like your old man did with you, bringing the boys out for a few lazy days of fishing and camping, tracking the missus on a romantic excursion, or combining all of the above into a fun-filled weekend, owning and operating some sort of watercraft really opens up new opportunities to bond and simply enjoy life.
But while all of that is good and well during the hot summer months, most boat owners have the entire rest of the year to consider how they’re going to store their boat or other water-going machine safely and securely so that as soon as the next year of fun rolls around, they can whip it out with minimal fuss and get going as soon as the first sign of sunshine peeks through the winter clouds.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we’re offering up all that you need to know about storing your watercraft when not in use, and even if you believe that you already know what you’re doing (we don’t doubt you), you may discover a couple of tips that you may not have considered before.
The Surprisingly High Cost Of Neglect
Before diving right into your options, you need to fully understand just how vital choosing the correct storage solution is. While longtime boat and jet ski owners may already be aware, failing to keep your pride and joy safe when not in use can cost you more than time getting it ready the next season. Without taking the time to select the correct boat or Jet Ski Storage for your machine, you can face a hefty bill to get your machine back up to a standard that is legal and safe to use on the water. Even if you’re happy to forgo storage and are lucky enough that nothing goes wrong, you’ll eventually discover that the surface materials are becoming dull and potentially even brittle from exposure to the elements. This can cause more than cosmetic damage and possibly even ground your boat until you have some costly bodywork repairs performed. And that’s just the beginning.
If you live in areas prone to inclement weather, the sorts of damage you can run into can be truly cataclysmic. Frozen fuel lines that result in engine failure, moisture buildup inside expensive electrical systems, and more are often enough to make a grown man cry.
Pre-Storage Checklist
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you of the need to stow your machine away when not in use for any considerable amount of time. However, it’s not simply a case of towing it into your garage or stage unit and calling it a day. There is some prep that you’ll have to perform to ensure that when you put it to sleep, it’ll wake up raring to go, even after a long hibernation.
Deep Cleaning And Inspection
Depending on the type of watercraft you own, this will be relatively straightforward or downright tricky. For larger vessels, you might need to hire a dedicated dry dock to perform the various inspections and cleaning processes required to keep them in top condition. But for most others, in most cases, all it takes is a wash down with your pressure washer and a look around to check for any damage or anything else untoward. Some of the most crucial processes to perform include:
- Removing all personal gear, life jackets, and towels to prevent mildew.
- Check for hull cracks or stress fractures.
- Inspect the propeller or impeller for dings or fishing line tangles.
Engine And Fuel System Preservation
As the beating heart of the machine, and quite often the most expensive component (or set of components), your next task is to check the engine and ensure all is in order. In most instances, you will want to add fuel stabilizer to stop it from clogging up and becoming old (or drain it into the correct containers if you know how). If you’re handy with the tools, you can also perform an oil and filter change to give it a new lease of life. If you live somewhere where frost is an issue, you should also drain all fluids that are likely to freeze.
Battery And Electrical Care
Perhaps the most straightforward job to perform is caring for the battery. All you really need to do is disconnect it, clean away any corrosion that might have built up on the terminals, and store it in a warm, dry environment. Just remember to remove the negative terminal first, followed by the positive (and reverse the process when reconnecting the following season).
Comparing Storage Options
Once you’re satisfied that you’ve performed all the pre-storage checks, you can put it to bed in whatever storage unit you use. For most, this will likely be their garage, but if you don’t have enough space and are considering keeping it under cover outside, you ought to seriously consider investing in a dedicated storage unit for complete peace of mind.
| Storage type | Pros | Cons |
| Indoor heated | Maximum protection; no winterization needed (but still recommended) | Most expensive and potentially limited mobility. |
| Indoor unheated | Protection from snow/UV; lower cost. | Requires a lot of upfront work to prepare it for long-term storage. |
| Outdoor (covered) | Most affordable option and highly convenient for the average Joe. | Risk of pest intrusion and heavy snow load. You also have to contend with the issue of far lower security and potential theft or vandalism. |
| Dry stack (marina) | Easy access and professionally managed. This option is particularly beneficial for owners of larger watercraft who require constant supervision. | High monthly fees and, unless you live near the marina, quite inconvenient to check on your boat and prepare for an upcoming season. |
Having access to some sort of water-borne vehicles opens up so many possibilities, especially when the summer rolls around, and you want to spend high-quality time with those you love. As long as you prepare it for storage before the winter months and select the correct option for your circumstances, you should find that it remains in tip top consditon and is ready to go as soon as the weather becomes more clement once again.