
Fall is in full swing, which means it’s that time of the year again; all the summer toys have to be rounded up and stored safely till warmer days grace us with their presence again. If you’ve been taking your boat out and cruising Okanagan Lake all summer but now need to store it properly, you’ve stumbled on the right page. We’ve got all the right information on storing your boat in Kelowna, keeping its lifespan in check.
Keeping your boat clean and protected when you’re not out on the waters is vital, especially with the upcoming snow season. If you’re a boat owner committed to protecting your investment, you won’t be too keen to leave your boat out on the street or in the backyard with no protection. This means you must find suitable boat storage options for your yacht or motorboat.
When prepping your boat for off-season storage while ensuring its quality for several summers to come, you must consider the following factors:
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Shine up those exteriors: Clean the boat's exterior by removing salt and other residue before storing it. When saltwater dries, it forms salt crystals that can damage the surface of your boat if touched. A freshwater rinse will prevent these crystals from forming and keep your boat pristine. While at it, give your vinyl seats some love with a good wipe-down to keep the dust bunnies away.
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Protect the heart, aka, the motor: Flush your motor with salt water. Change the oil and filter and drain the gearbox oil before replacing it. Top up the fuel tank to ensure there’s no build-up of moisture.
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Be energy efficient: Fully charge your battery. Top up the cells with distilled water and clean the terminals. Remember to disconnect the negative terminal when you put your boat into storage. This will prevent discharging.
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Winterize your systems: The main task for preparing your boat for winter is to remove the freshwater in your boat’s systems and replace it with potable antifreeze — it prevents ice from forming and damaging components.
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Get your boat snug and cozy: Snow, wind, and rain can do a number on your boat while storing it outside for the winter. A tightly-fitting cover is the best defence to protect your boat. You may also consider getting your boat shrink-wrapped for the winter — it’s stronger than typical covers and is impervious to damage from the elements. However, we don't recommend using a tarp; it can potentially damage your vehicle and others around you, so playing it safe is necessary sometimes.
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Prevent moisture build-up: If you plan on storing your boat for an extended period, you need to ensure there isn’t any lingering moisture in the interior. Mould and mildew can form, and having to get rid of fuzzy surprises when you want to take your boat for a spin won’t be fun or ideal.
Why choose Space Centre Storage for your boat storage needs?
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Our outdoor stalls are extra wide and paved.
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Our facility is fenced, well-lit, and includes passcode entry and exit
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We have after-hours security
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Worried about outdoor storage? We’ve got indoor spots available, too!
For more tips on preserving boat longevity, check out our previous post on preparing your boat for storage season.
Space Centre Storage can answer any questions about safely storing your items. They are the largest facility in the Okanagan and have been serving residents since 1985. Contact them today to inquire about the perfect storage solutions.