Maintaining Deep Cycle Batteries Over The Winter
A deep cycle battery is designed to undergo extreme discharge levels throughout regular use. Keeping it fully charged all of the time using a trickle charger is a bad idea, and can actually decrease its lifespan.
If you have a deep cycle battery, let it sit inside your house until it has an extremely low charge level. Keep checking the levels every week, but do not do anything until it discharges completely.
Once the battery is almost out of any charge, plug it in to the charger. Charge it up to the maximum level, then let it sit again. Repeat this cycle to ensure the longevity of your battery.
Boat Storage: Should I Keep My Boat At Home In A Drystack Or A Marina
Jack HainesMay 13, 2021
There are a few boat storage options available depending on the boats length and how you intend to use it.
If the boat is relatively small and you have enough boat storage space at home you can keep it on a trailer.
This is the most cost-effective way to store a boat but you need to be certain that you will be able to launch it easily when you want to use it and that there will be adequate parking for your car and trailer while youre out on the water.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Storage
We know At this point, you may be thinking: why do I need to store my boat indoors? Cant I just leave it outdoors at the docks? Im paying for the place, after all. Well, you can but this doesnt mean that you should. There are numerous reasons why you may not want to leave your boat outdoors, among which are included:
- Sinking: If you do not visit your boat regularly , it might become a victim of small underwater fitting failure. Normally, you could catch and fix this problem quicker but if you dont see your boat, it could sink and sink every day, until its bye-bye, boat.
- Blisters: It may be more inexpensive to store your boat in water but think about it: when the boat remains continuously in the water, it will not have a chance to dry out properly. This makes it prone to developing blisters around the hull, which can shorten the life of your boat.
- Storm Damage: Winter is tough, regardless of where you live. You may have violent snowstorms, rainfalls, and even high winds something that can be quite harsh on your boat. The more you leave it in this kind of weather, the more you will also shorten the lifespan of your boat.
- Theft: If you store your boat in a gated facility, the chances for thieves to break in are very low. Otherwise, the chances are that they wont steal the boat altogether. However, if they know you arent likely to come in anytime soon, theyll have no issues breaking in to steal your electronics.
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Storage Unit Size For Jet Skis
A 15×20 storage space, or half of a garage, will easily fit your jet ski. Since jet skis are smaller than most other watercraft, they’re typically easier to store. Finding a permanent indoor storage solution is optimal since jet skis aren’t designed to be stored outdoors for long periods of time. When preparing your jet ski for storage, cover it properly and store the vessel on its trailer. Small boats like skiffs and small drifters can also be stored in a 15×20 storage space. Just be sure to measure the dimensions of your boat on the trailer when determining the right size of storage unit for your boat.
Should I Keep My Boat In The Water All Year Round
If you think you are likely to want to use your boat in the winter and can still find time to do the necessary boat maintenance work then there is no harm in keeping your boat in the water all year round.
In fact, some of the most pleasant days afloat may come on a crisp, bright winters day when you have the harbours and waterways to yourself.
A swing mooring can be a cost effective option
If the boat is unlikely to be used regularly and could end up sitting unused in the berth then its probably best to look at onshore boat storage.
Even if you decide to keep the boat in all year it will still need to be lifted to clean off any fouling, apply antifoul and service the mechanical parts.
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Start With The Red Tape
Before you go any further, the first step in this process is to make sure there is nothing stopping you from parking a boat on your property. Specifically, if you are part of a Homeowners Association, youll want to consult those regulations for any restrictions on the long-term parking of boats or RVs. This kind of storage might not be allowed at all, or there might be rules that you need to follow. Check this point off your list first so there are no unwelcome surprises later on.
Youve Winterized Your Boat: Now What
Off-site storage can be expensive, and storing a boat at home in the garage is typically not an option. You could always leave the boat out in the yard, but that can be unsightly , and constant exposure to the elements can cause damage to your boat. While a stored boat should be covered with some form of tarp, the need to brush the snow off of the covering all winter can quickly become a nuisance. A good solution to this problem is to consider adding your own boat storage. Carport options can not only protect these vessels from snow and other elements but also protect them from vandalism, trespassing, and even theft of parts. Metal boat storage sheds are also a more visually appealing option for stowing your boat.
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Examples Of Boat Storage
It is important to note that all boat storage facilities will have their own storage options and rates to offer. Make sure that you shop around to find a boat storage solution that really caters to your budget and needs.
Take the time to learn more about the storage on offer and how much protection will be provided to your boat. You dont just want somewhere to park it. You want to leave it somewhere it will be safe and protected.
The more protection that is provided for your vessel, the higher you can expect the storage cost to be.
Sometimes the extra spend warrants the cost, especially if it will prolong the lifespan of your boat.
What Type Of Boat Storage Building Do You Need
There are three types of boat storage ideas you can consider:
- Build a carport-style storage structure that isnt fully enclosed
- Install garage-style storage with four walls and a roof
- Rent dry boat storage space
If youre short on boat shelter ideas, you may think that renting storage is the easiest option. It may be low-effort but keep in mind thatll have to keep paying rental fees every year. Those costs can really add up, but when you invest in your own boat storage once, you can use it for many seasons to come, saving yourself money in the long run. Building storage for your boat can also be a lot easier than youre imagining.
The type of boat storage cover thats best for your needs depends on the type of boat you own, what size it is, and what type of climate you live in. A carport-style covered boat storage area might suffice if you live in a warmer climate and youre placing the building in a spot that doesnt have high exposure to sun and wind. A fully enclosed boat garage is a better option if theres accumulating snow where you live, lots of direct sunlight, or heavy winds.
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Where & How To Store Your Boat During The Off
As temperatures get colder, the day must come when you need to come up with some ideas to store your boat for the season.
Whether its your first time storing your boat or if youre an experienced boat owner, youve probably asked yourself these questions before:
Where do I store my boat? What options are available? Will it be safe? Will it be weather-controlled?
There are plenty of options available, but before you store your boat its a good idea to do your homework and make sure your boat is ready to be stored.
Practical Boat Storage Options For The Offseason
There are so many different ways to store a boat that it can be hard to pick one. Find out which boat storage option is right for you and roughly how much it will cost you.
One of the more costly aspects of owning a boat is docking and storing it. Boat storage options can be as simple as pulling the trailer into your garage or as complex as needing your boat to be stored on a lift.
The storage options available to you will mostly be dependent on your budget, the climate, and the size of the boat in question. Some boats can be stored inside a regular sized storage unit for less than it would cost to keep the boat at a marina. Other larger vessels might need to be stored outside on jack stands or in the water.
Well discuss the differences between the types of boat storage units and how you can decide which option is right for you. We also have some tips that will help you save money in the process.
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Types Of Boat Storage
Choosing the best type of boat storage you need will depend on a variety of factors, ranging from the type of boat you own, to your local climate, to how often you want to access it. There are a variety of types of boat storage options available for all types of boat owners and their needs. Consider these types of boat storage solutions to determine the best type of boat storage for you.
Jump to a type of boat storage:
Wet slip storage
Known for its convenience, wet slip storage means storing your boat in a designated spot in the water called a marina slip. This method is typically recommended for areas that don’t experience temperatures that drop below freezing. Sometimes lift slips are available to allow you to lift the boat out of the water. Whether the boat is in the water or lifted, it’s best to purchase a fitted cover to protect your boat from the elements. This storage method makes for an easy launch, but some watercraft are not meant to be stored in the water for long periods of time. Make sure wet slip storage is recommended for your type of boat before deciding on this storage method.
Pros of wet slip boat storage:
- Convenience
- Damage from barnacles and algae
Lift slip storage
Pros of lift slip boat storage:
- Convenience and easy access to the water
- No need for a boat trailer
- Quick water access at all times
Cons of lift slip boat storage:
Boatyard storage
Pros of boatyard storage:
Driveway or parking spaces
- Peace of mind
Storage Unit Size For A Yacht
Yachts can range from 30 feet to over 100 feet, so storage sizes can vary widely. Additionally, your yacht may have one to three levels of living space. This means the height of your storage space also has a wide range. Due to the massive size, height, and weight of these vessels, the best way to store your yacht is to use wet slip storage or a specialty yacht lift. Using a lift can be expensive and cumbersome depending on the size of your watercraft, so wet slip storage, or dockage, is the recommended storage method. You can find dockage space in the private sector for a reasonable price or look for slip space at a storage yard.
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How Much Does It Cost To Store A Boat
The type of boat storage you choose will have a large effect on the cost. For example, wet boat storage, like at a local marina, is typically more expensive than dry storage at a boat storage facility or dry stack storage. Other factors such as the size of your boat, indoor vs. outdoor, uncovered vs. covered and storage amenities will also influence the cost. In general, more protection and amenities will increase the cost, but also give you the best peace of mind if youre looking for the utmost protection.
Boat Storage: Where Should You Store Your Boat
If you own a boat, chances are boat storage is an issue for you. As a kid growing up near the Mississippi River, we had several boats. But our first and most memorable was our 15-foot Cacci Craft tri-hull runabout. It was the perfect vehicle for water skiing and tubing. But where to store it during the summer and winter months was always something of a challenge. Over the life of that boat we stored it every way you can. In the process, I learned the pros and cons of each.
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Block All Entry Points
Before storing your boat outside, its vital to clean all limber holes and drainage pathways to prevent the ponding of moisture and debris.
Exhaust outlets should be plugged or taped to prevent insects from nesting in them.
Once you have blocked all moisture entry points, apply absorbents to different parts of the boat to keep it dry.
Winter Battery Storage Checklist
Just like with any battery, you must perform regular maintenance. This including watering and removing corrosion. For maintenance tips and instructions, check out our Safety First Guide.
Worried your battery is failing? Ask your battery service center, technician, or dealer about load-testing. Your battery manual may also offer strategies for load-testing and other battery inspection procedures.
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Faqs On Storing Your Boat
How much is winter boat storage?
It varies in different parts of the nation and according to your boats size. To get a general idea of the potential costs, you can figure on spending somewhere between $50 and $200 per foot of boat indoors and $20 to $50 per foot of boat for outdoor storage, per season.
How much does boat storage cost?
The cost of storing a boat year-round is no different during summer and winter months for most dry stack facilities, and if you store your boat on land through all four seasons, again, the above mentioned prices can give you some guidelines. When storing your boat in the water in a wet slip, the costs will vary by geography and boat size.
How to wrap a boat for winter storage?
The best way to wrap a boat for winter storage is to have it shrink-wrapped by a professional. The blue tarp method helps to protect your boat, but if the tarp isnt supported and secured just right, leaks, rips, and complete collapses are common.
How much does dry boat storage cost?
As we mentioned earlier theres a wide variation in cost depending on boat size and geography, however, remember that covered boat storage is more expensive than open storage and indoor dry boat storage costs significantly more than outdoor boat storage. If youre wondering, where is covered boat storage near me? then you have some searching to do, but remember, in parts of the nation where boating is popular there are usually plenty of options.
How to cover a boat for winter storage?
A Little On Flushing The Engine
Id like to also add to this by speaking on flushing the engine as well. The same concept will apply here for flushing the engine.
There are many people that flush their engines with freshwater religiously after every use. Dont get me wrong here, there is nothing wrong with that. What Im saying is that if you are going to use the boat again in a few hours, , then not flushing it isnt going to hurt anything either.
Vice versa, if you are leaving or dont plan on using the boat for a week or two. Then you definitely want to make sure you trim it up and flush it out.
Being clear here, we are talking about Outboard engines. Also, there is a misconception that people believe that you need to run the engine in order to flush it. That is not true. If the engine has a flushing port, you can hook up the garden hose, turn it on, and with the engine tilted up, let it run for 5, 10, or 15 minutes, or as long as youd like.
This will flush the engine out just fine. You can even run the engine like this if youd like too. Just be careful not to be advancing the idle and revving the engine up to 3,000 RPMs. That is, just to run it at idle!
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