With the off-season rapidly approaching, you must know how to best store your boat to keep it in good condition. Read this post by Marlo Enterprises in Newark for all the information you need to know. 

Pull the Boat Out from the Water

There are a few steps to prepare your boat for going into storage during the off-season, but the first one is to get it onto dry land. Depending on your boat’s size, you’ll need a forklift or a trailer that will help you transport your boat to the place where you’ll store it.

Performing boat maintenance is essential before storing it for the off-season. Marlo Enterprises has excellent products to help you do just that. Call today at (315) 331-4642 for advice from oil experts. Also, don’t forget to check out AMSOIL's online store to see their full range of products designed for marine use.

Take Care of the Boat’s Fluids

After taking your boat out of the water, the next step is to take care of its fluids. Some, you should change before storing, while others need to be stabilized. Keep reading to learn what steps to take.

Change the Oil

Changing the oil filter and engine oil is essential before storing it. Flush out the oil to help remove any water that could’ve made its way into the oil system. Then, replace the old oil with new one to prevent it from corroding your boat’s components.

Replace the Coolant

Replacing the old coolant with new one is also essential as it can help avoid corrosion. To do this, drain the old coolant by flushing the cooling system with water. Follow the boat manufacturer’s specifications to fill the coolant tank with new liquid.

Use Fuel Stabilizer

When storing your boat for the off-season, your first thought might be to store it without fuel, but this could lead to condensation buildup inside the fuel tank. This condensation can cause rust and corrosion. To prevent this, fill up your boat’s fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel in good condition while in storage.

Products like AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil are excellent options for your boat maintenance. To speak to an oil expert today, call Marlo Enterprises at (315) 331-4642, and they’ll answer any questions you may have. Once you’re ready, place an order at AMSOIL's online store 24/7.

Prepare the Boat’s Engine for Storage

Loosen Up the Drive Belts

Once you’re done with your boat’s fluids, it’s time to tend to your drive belts. While your boat is in use, these belts are kept tense for them to work correctly, but while it’s in storage, you should loosen them to prevent unnecessary wear and cracks. It’s also possible to remove them entirely for storage.

Use Fogging Oil to Prevent Rust

Fogging oil helps lubricate the internal parts of your boat to avoid rust and corrosion while in storage. Using fogging oil ensures that your boat’s internal mechanisms will be nice and lubricated once it’s time to take it onto the water again. For best results, while using fogging oil, check your owner’s manual and the fogging oil instructions before using it.

Care for the Battery

Caring for your boat’s battery is also essential to ensure it will be in good condition next season. To do so, disconnect it and use a marine battery tender to ensure it doesn’t lose its charge while in storage.

Wash, Seal, and Cover Your Boat

The last step before you store your boat is washing, sealing, and covering it. Wash your boat to remove water stains and bird droppings. After you’re done washing it, wax it to prevent rust and corrosion and keep it looking good for longer. This is especially important if you plan to store it outdoors. Next, seal your boat to prevent bugs and animals from making it their home for the off-season. Seal the exhaust port and any other entryways a small animal could make their way into. You can use exhaust plugs or duct tape to seal the entrances. Lastly, cover your boat with a properly fitting boat cover. This will protect it from moisture and dirt that could cause corrosion in the long run. If adequately covered, your boat will be in great shape once the season starts.

We hope these tips help you store your boat better for the off-season. Call Marlo Enterprises at (315) 331-4642 if you need additional advice or guidance on the best products to use in your boat’s maintenance. Don’t forget to place your order in AMSOIL's online store!