If you’re lucky enough to own a boat you know it can be a source of great joy and fun. There’s nothing like being out on the water with friends and family, making memories that will last a lifetime.

When the fun is done, though, one of your most important responsibilities is to store your boat correctly. After all, the better you care for your boat, the longer it will provide good times and fun adventures.

To help, NSA Storage put together the following list of nine must-know boat storage tips to protect your boat. If you cherish your time on the water and want to keep it going for years to come, read on!

Top Tips for Boat Storage

1. Rinse Everything with Fresh Water after Every Outing

Salt, dirt, grime, algae and other gunk can damage or ruin your boat. Because of this, it’s important to rinse everything with fresh water after every boat excursion. That way, all the salt and other nasty stuff will get washed away. Be sure to include:

• The entire boat
• Lifejackets
• Seat cushions
• Fishing and other gear
• Ropes and chains
• The engine(s)

2. Drain Everything Fully and Let it Dry Completely

Large or small, your boat will have water that builds up in some spots. The bilge tank, for example, as well as fish holding tanks, plumbing systems, wells, etc. If left to sit, this water can corrode and otherwise damage your boat and its parts. 

To prevent this, drain everything every time you use your boat. Once drained and rinsed, let everything dry completely. This will prevent mold and mildew that can also damage your boat. 

3. Use a High-Quality, Well-fitting Boat Cover

If there’s one thing that can damage a boat over the years, it’s the sun. That’s because the sun’s UV rays are very damaging in the long run. There’s also rain, sleet, hail, snow and anything that might fall from the sky.

To keep your boat in pristine condition, a well-fitting boat cover is your best solution. A fitted boat cover will protect your boat well and, more importantly, won’t blow off if the weather gets ugly.

Storing your boat outside over the winter? If so, shrink-wrapping it might be your best choice. Like food in your kitchen, shrink-wrapping your boat will provide excellent protection and keep it fresh and ready for next season.

4. If Possible, Store Your Boat Under a Hard Cover or Indoors

A boat cover and shrink wrap are great ways to protect your boat, no doubt. However, for ultimate protection, parking it under a hard cover or in a garage or shed can’t be beat. 

Of course, your garage or outbuilding needs to be large enough for your particular boat. That’s why some folks build a boat port for their boats, a structure with a roof and open sides. The roof not only protects from sun, rain, and other weather, but also from heavier items like branches and hail. 

5. Remove Valuable Boat Parts and Accessories when Storing Long-Term

This tip won’t help you protect your boat, per se, but will prevent theft and loss. Things like GPS units, radios, fishing rods and reels, bluetooth speakers, lifejackets, and more can be quite expensive. Unfortunately, they are also easy to steal, especially when your boat is in storage for a few weeks or months.

To make sure no theft occurs, remove anything that’s high-value after every boat outing. You can then store it inside your home or somewhere else that’s safe. Either that, or you can store your boat indoors where everything will be safe and secure. A storage unit large enough to fit a boat is a solution many boat owners use, for example.

6. Don’t Forget to Maintain Your Boat’s Trailer

If you trailer your boat to and from the water, taking care of that trailer is also important. After all, a flat tire on your trailer, or one that’s falling apart, can ruin your well-laid boating plans. Here are a few things to check regularly to make sure your trailer stays in good shape:

• The tires, including tire pressure and tread
• The bearings and hubs
• The brakes (if your trailer has brakes)
• The winch, straps, and safety chains
• Any protective carpeting
• The coupler, hitch ball, and lock latch

7. Oil and Wax Your Boat Often

Like a car, your boat should be waxed occasionally to prevent damage from the sun and other stuff. If your boat has any teak or other wood, you should also use the appropriate oil to keep it in good condition. The more you oil and wax, the longer your boat will stay in running condition.

8. Keep Your Boat Insurance Active During Storage

Even though you’re not using it, it’s highly recommended to keep your boat insurance active during storage. Remember, mishaps, acts of God, and other things can happen even when your boat is stored.

9. Remove the Battery During Long-term Storage

This last tip will help your boat’s battery(s) to stay in working condition for a longer amount of time. Simply remove them and put them in a secure, dry area. Experts also recommend you hook the battery to a trickle charger to make sure it stays fully charged during storage.

Store Your Boat With NSA Storage

By using the tips provided today you will keep your boat in great condition for many years. Doing so will ensure that it’s always ready for some fun in the sun!

At NSA Storage, we provide storage units and covered storage for boats all across the country. Safe, secure, and convenient, you can store boats big and small with us, and take them out whenever you like. Simply reserve your storage unit or covered storage space online and it will be ready when you arrive. Until then, be safe on the water, have fun, and say hello to any mermaids you might meet!