How to Clean and Prep Your Boat for Storage
Joe Collins
February 24th, 2024
Whether you’re heading into a long layoff after a season of California sun or just storing it for a bit, prepping your boat properly keeps it safe, fresh, and ready-to-go. Here’s the simple roadmap to follow before parking at MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage.
Deep Clean Inside & Out
A sparkling clean boat is a well-cared-for boat.
Exterior: Wash thoroughly with freshwater and marine soap, especially if it's salty or dusty. Follow up with marine-grade wax to shield against UV and grime.
Interior: Empty all compartments, lockers, and the fridge. Vacuum floors, wipe surfaces, and remove crumbs to avoid mildew and critters. Let everything air-dry completely, this prevents musty odors.
Inspect Hull, Prop, & Hardware
A quick walkthrough catches small issues before they become big headaches:
Hull & deck: Look for cracks, blisters, or peeling. A professional patch now beats an expensive repair later.
Propeller & shaft: Check for nicks or corrosion; clean and grease them to prevent rust.
Through-hulls & seacocks: Ensure they're clean and operational, which is crucial for leak prevention.
Drain, Flush & Winterize Plumbing
Stagnant water spells trouble. To help deal with this, drain everything, freshwater tanks, bilges, plumbing lines, and if needed, run non-toxic marine antifreeze through the system. Open all faucets and lockers to ensure it's dry and prevent mold.
Servicing the Engine & Fuel System
Protect the heart of your boat:
Engine oil & filters: Change both while the engine’s warm, flush coolant lines, and apply fogging oil if it’s an outboard.
Fuel: Either fill the tank to minimize condensation or drain it. Always add a high-quality stabilizer, then run the engine briefly to circulate.
Sterndrive/lower-unit: Drain, refill with antifreeze, grease fittings, and plug ports to keep water and pests out.
Disconnect Battery & Electrical Prep
Smart steps to avoid corrosion and drain:
Remove the battery or disconnect it, clean the terminals, coat them with protectant, and store it in a cool, dry place, ideally on a trickle charger.
Electronics: Unplug sensitive equipment like GPS units or fishfinders and store them safely inside.
Cover It Right & Ensure Ventilation
A breathable, secure cover protects your boat:
Use a marine-grade, breathable cover or shrink-wrap that fits snugly to block sun and debris, but also allows airflow.
Ensure vents or bilge ports remain slightly open so moisture doesn’t trap inside.
Seal off openings to deter pests, but avoid tight seals around vents to keep circulation going.
Pick the Right Storage Spot & Pop In Occasionally
Location matters: MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage offers covered and uncovered spaces with gated access, surveillance, and wide lanes for easy loading.
Make a habit of visiting monthly: check for moisture, pests, tire pressure (if trailer-stored), and adjust the cover if wind has loosened it.
Your Pre-Storage Checklist
☐ Deep clean + wax
☐ Interior vacuum & dry
☐ Inspect hull & prop
☐ Drain plumbing & antifreeze
☐ Engine oil & fogging
☐ Fuel stabilized & circulated
☐ Battery removed/charged
☐ Electronics stored
☐ Boat covered & vented
☐ Secure spot at MoreSpace
☐ Monthly check-ins
Final Thoughts
Proper prep isn’t just about storage, it’s about peace of mind. A little elbow grease now means fewer surprises next season. Plus, MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage gives you the perfect place to store: secure, easy to access, and worry-free.
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