Preparing Collectibles and Valuables for Storage: Tips

Posted on: 14 November 2017

Boats are great vehicles to own, especially if you have a family, as they provide a lot of fun. Once the summer days are over, though, you need a safe place to store it until next season. Storage facilities give your boat full protection. Before storing it for the winter, take these steps first. 

Dry It Thoroughly

Before your boat goes in a boat storage facility, it needs to be fully dry. Otherwise, wet areas could cause mildew to spread and cause severe health problems if you're not careful. Drying the boat is much easier if the bow is raised. Use microfiber towels when drying so you don't scratch any surfaces. 

You also might consider setting up an industrial floor fan. This powerful machine quickly blows out hot air that reaches crevices, corners, and the hull. It also has a compact, lightweight design that makes moving it around the boat a simple process. 

Replace Crucial Liquids

There are several liquids that need to be refilled before the winter season approaches. These include the oil, antifreeze, and gasoline. Oil that's been sitting in your boat for a long time may contain contaminants, which could corrode the engine. Avoid this catastrophe by flushing the system and adding new oil as a precautionary measure. 

Fresh antifreeze should be added for the same reasons, but make sure it's diluted based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Not only does this prevent you from corroding the engine, but it protects important parts from freezing once the temperatures begin to suddenly drop. Lastly, your boat's gas tank needs to be filled. Otherwise, condensation could corrode the empty tank. 

Clean the Boat

To ensure your boat is ready for operation right when it comes out of storage, it needs to be clean before going in the facility. Focus on cleaning the boat's deck with vinegar and warm water, a solution that effectively gets rid of dirt and debris. 

Also, focus on soaping the sides and scrubbing them thoroughly. Doing so helps remove barnacles, dirt, and slime that may have built up over time. To speed up your cleaning job, consider using a pressure washer. The pressurized water helps remove tough grime that doesn't come off by hand. 

Before saying goodbye to your boat one last time and storing it in a facility, make sure that you take the right maintenance steps. They will ensure your boat is safe and ready for the next season. Click for more info.