Boat Storage and Prep
Every summer, you look forward to that first nice weekend when you can take your boat out on the water. At EZ Storage, we have locations that can keep your boat safe during the week, while you’re on vacation, or even during the offseason.
If you don’t have the space to keep your boat on your property, or you don’t have a dedicated berth in the marina, bring it to one of our self-storage locations today. To make putting your boat in storage — and taking it out again — even easier, we’ve put together this quick guide.
Reasons to Consider Storing a Boat with EZ Storage
There are plenty of reasons you might consider placing your boat in a storage unit, and we’ll run through some of the most common reasons below.
- Cost savings. You may only have a few weekends during the summer when you can take your boat out for a spin, and it doesn’t make financial sense to pay for a spot at the marina. You know that your watercraft will simply sit there for weeks on end, and storing it during the week can be a more affordable option.
- Safety and protection. When you place your boat in a storage unit, it’s guaranteed to stay protected from the elements, including wind, rain, and UV damage. At the same time, thanks to EZ Storage’s security measures, you’ll rest easy knowing your boat is safe from vandalism and theft.
- Maintaining your property. Storing a boat in your driveway can create a surprising amount of wear and tear that can eventually need a pricey repair. Besides, storing a boat on your property can take up a large amount of space that you probably want to use for something else.
- Improve your boat. Placing your boat in storage will help keep it in tip-top shape, not only improving the overall performance of the boat, but also prolonging its life — so you’ll be enjoying it for years to come.
Most Popular Boating Locations Near EZ Storage Locations
EZ Storage® operates a number of conveniently located self storage locations in Michigan, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, and we’d be happy to help you store your boat for a week, a month, or even longer.
If our storage facility is between you and the water, it can make sense to store your boat with us over the summer. You can pick it up on your way to the lake, and drop it off on your way back home — it’s as easy as that.
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- Michigan. Whether you’re taking your boat out on Torch Lake, Grand Lake, or Detroit’s own Lake St. Clair, EZ Storage® Detroit is ready to help when it’s time to set your boat aside for a little while.
- Missouri. Spending a weekend at Cuivre River State Park? Or just stopping by Creve Coeur Lake for a few hours? EZ Storage® St. Louis can put your boat up in style whenever you’re finished enjoying yourself.
- Pennsylvania. From Lake Wallenpaupack to Lake Nockamixon and beyond, Pennsylvania has almost too many great boating locations to count. Let EZ Storage EZ Storage® Philadelphia and EZ Storage® Pittsburgh take the stress out of storing your boat when it’s time to head home.
Important Things to Consider When Storing Your Boat
Before you put your boat in storage, there are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure it stays in great condition while you’re not using it. Here are some important things to consider when storing a boat:
- Store your boat with a full fuel tank. A full fuel tank will prevent condensation from forming in the tank, which can eventually lead to staining, rust, and costly repairs.
- Protect your boat’s engine. Make sure there’s no water in your engine. It’s a good idea to follow your manufacturer’s recommended procedure for draining the engine of any water. You can also apply corrosion protection measures that might include fogging and other forms of lubrication.
- Disconnect the battery. Disconnect your battery when putting your boat into storage and place it in a cool, dry place. This will prevent costly corrosion from forming on the battery.
- Use a good cover. Make sure to clean your boat before putting it into storage, and select a specialized cover that will help to keep out the elements and any extra moisture, which will form mildew in storage.
Getting Your Boat Ready and Out of Storage
At EZ Storage, our self-storage units and facilities are the perfect solution for your boat storage problems. Below, we’ll look at some important steps to take to get your boat ready for summer.
1. Clean your boat top to bottom
It’s important to clean your boat from top to bottom, including the hull, the deck, and the topsides, with a mild detergent before taking it out on the water. Make sure to clean the windows and hatches, as well as any canvas. You can also apply a coat of wax and polish and oil any wood or metal surfaces.
2. Check the systems
Your boat has a lot of electrical systems, including the bilge pump, the battery, and the lighting. You’ll want to make sure everything is working as it should before you set sail for the first time. You’ll also want to check all hoses and clamps to make sure they’re in good condition.
3. Update safety equipment
Boat safety should always be a top priority, and before you get on the water, you’ll want to be sure that your ropes, cleats, and joints are all ready to go. You’ll also want to make sure that everyone has a life jacket that fits appropriately.
4. Check the engine
You won’t get very far with a faulty boat engine, so it’s a good idea to have a certified boat mechanic check everything before you head out. Whether you have an inboard engine or an outboard motor, you’ll want to be sure that the fuel lines are in good shape and that any moveable parts are properly lubricated.
5. Update your registration
It’s important to update your boat and boat trailer registration each year so that you don’t have to worry about being stopped by local law enforcement on the road or on the water. It only takes a few minutes, and you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the year!
Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Storage & Prep
Below, we’ve brought together answers to some frequently asked questions about boat storage and prep.
How do you prepare a boat for storage?
There are several things to do to prepare your boat for storage. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure your engine has been completely drained of water, your battery is disconnected, and the tank is full.
Can I leave my boat on the water all summer?
As a general rule, you shouldn’t store your boat in the water longer than 30 days. However, if you take precautions, like tilting the outboard out of the water and applying bottom paint or a barrier coat, you can safely leave a boat in the water for longer periods of time, including the summer.
What’s the difference between wet and dry boat storage?
Dry boat storage means your boat will be stored out of the water, typically on a boat rack that holds it several feet off the ground. Wet boat storage means your boat will be moored directly on the water with an anchor.