Indoor Heated storage for the winter precautions

[xedelatorre]

Hi guys, new to the forum and posting for the first time on here, bought our 2015 ar192 late in the season and it was sad to store it so quickly... anyways, got a good indoor weather controlled storage for the winter (place stores all kinds of boats and other leisure crafts) and was wondering if other than winterizing, should have taken other precautions such as removing the carpets, or cushions covers on or off, etc,

Any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

 

[biglar155]

Mouse traps. I fight a running battle with the little buggers at my storage unit. Fortunately, I've only had one make it as far as the boat.

In addition to winterizing the mechanicals, I take everything out, roll up and store the carpets, and put blocks under the cushions to let air flow in the compartments. Since I'm inside as well (unheated in my case) I leave the cover on loose. I figure the longer you leave it stressed by pulling it tight, the shorter its life will be. I actually pull the cover away from the swim platform to let air in there.

The mousetraps go on the swim platform since that is the potential entry point.

 

[Bruce]

Welcome Aboard!

Our boat lives in our basement garage. It is not heated but the temp does not drop below the 50s. The temp and humidity are pretty stable. I just add some stabilizer to the last tank of fuel and start the engines a few times over the winter to circulate oil. I like the leave the cushions partly open so air can circulate.

You may wish to fog your engines instead of starting them to circulate oil. Most change their oil before storing for the winter. I choose to change the oil and spark plugs in the spring.

 

[xedelatorre]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the advice! I know everyone has different ideas on how to make sure our boat is safe and ready for the next season, unfortunately for us, I can't access the boat until spring so I'm gonna have to keep my fingers crossed and trust the indoor/heated option works well

 

[bronze_10]

Somewhere on here we were given a tip to place dryer sheets all over the boat to prevent mice from making a home out of the boat... also it keeps them from chewing wires and stuff... im.not sure if it is true but we did it last year and we had no issues....... other than constantly finding dryer sheets all spring...

 

[Bruce]

Dryer sheets make the boat smell good if nothing else.

 

[xedelatorre]

Of all the possibilities... what puts me on edge is I can't see the boat until spring so whatever happens during storage is a big unknown!! Lol sorry guys it's a new boat and that's why we r a bit worried! I just wish we had the space to keep it close and an eye on it. Thanks a lot on all the ideas to keep unwanted guests on board.

 

[mraz72]

might be a side topic, but I was going to call my insurance company and find out who is liable if the storage place burns down and you are out a boat. Does their insurance cover it or your boaters insurance?

 

[AZDANSX230HO]

I would recommend spraying some insect killer in the boat, you don't want spiders and other critters living there.

 

[xedelatorre]

Some storage places will either offer the insurance for an extra cost and/or may be included in the storage fee. Else, your boat insurance should cover this but I wouldn't assume either one.

 

[xedelatorre]

Anybody wants to share their experiences of how the boat looks after 5 or 6 months of indoor heated storage? Is it dusty, spider webs, muggy ....

 

[Brad_Ct]

Pull the batteries out and keep them on a battery tender at home.

 

[tocelli]

I store mine in an underground storage facility here is their website I am not sure if anybody else has someplace similar around the country. http://www.kentuckyunderground.com/services/boatsrv/ I have never had an issue with my boat in the Spring when i pick it up except a little bit of dust on my shipping cover as I store my mooring cover at my house during the winter months. I place 3 dehumidifiers in buckets in the boat to attract any potential moisture as a precaution. I prop open all my storage compartment areas as well and remove towels, pillows etc from the boat.

 

[xedelatorre]

That's what I'm hoping for, some dust and that's it!!! thanks for sharing, I'm counting the days t'ill pick up. Do they allow you to see or visit the boat while in storage or is it pretty much off limits until you pick it up in the spring? fyi , ours is also underground and I'm a bit worried about the humidity, too late to add dehumidifiers so they won't let you at your boat unless u request to have it taken out and they charge $100 in that event ...

 

[tocelli]

You can go to your boat and do little maintenance/upkeep but there is no electric or lights to that is tough. If you want to pull it out they charge an additional $35.00 ($17.50 out + $17.50 in)