Portsmouth, Ohio, is an excellent location to moor your boat. Like its adjoining town New Boston, Ohio, the locale is a great place to own a boat owing to the variety of aquatic activities available. Whether you use your boat personally or for business, knowing how to care for it ensures you will enjoy decades of owning one.
Though boats are generally sturdy and can weather the elements during storage, keeping them idle for extended periods can take its toll in several ways:
Damage from the Sun
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can compromise your boat’s interior. In addition to cracking upholstery, the sun can damage vinyl surfaces and make them brittle. The sun can also oxidize your boat’s paint and waterproof coating. A discolored or dull finish means the sun has substantially damaged your boat’s outer coating.
Water Damage
Water can also damage your boat through moisture buildup from rain or fog. Moisture and stagnant air create perfect conditions for breeding mold and mildew, which can damage your boat’s interior and upholstery. Mold and mildew are also challenging to remove. Moisture can also cause mechanical issues by corroding your boat’s electrical components.
Freezing Temperatures
Ohio’s winters can be harsh. When the weather drops, water left in your boat’s engine and plumbing systems may crack or burst.
Animal Intrusion
Animals, like raccoons and birds, may find your boat a cozy nesting area, leaving behind damage, mess, and waste.
Theft and Security Issues
Casual passers-by with a truck may easily haul away your boat when unattended. Moreover, unscrupulous individuals may vandalize your boat, especially if left in the open without security countermeasures, such as a closed-circuit TV camera.
Why Opt for Self-Storage for Your Boat?
Self-storage offers many advantages in keeping your boat safe and in good condition when idle. Proper storage can overcome the challenges posed by the factors mentioned earlier in the article. Come of the advantages offered by self-storage include:
Location: Stack and Go’s excellent facilities ensure your boat’s safety and well-being, especially for boat owners along the Ohio River. Taking your boat from storage to the docks will only take ten to twenty minutes.
Security: Stack and Go’s self-storage facilities are fenced, and only clients and employees have access. Moreover, security personnel constantly monitor the premises through cameras and regular patrols.
Easy Access: Stack and Go’s self-storage units have drive-up access. Passageways fit a truck and your boat’s trailer.
Ample Space: Self-storage facilities, can free up space in your garage or driveway. Moreover, students and temporary residents who own boats can use self-storage facilities for boats. Self-storage facilities like Stack and Go have flexible storage options for various boat sizes.
Preparing Your Boat for Self-Storage
Self-storage facilities provide a safe and convenient location, boat owners also play a role in ensuring that their boats are safe from the elements. Here are a few tips to keep your boat in top shape while it is stored:
Clean Your Boat Properly
Clean your boat’s exteriors with fresh water to remove dirt. Use only the recommended cleaning agents and rinse them properly to prevent discoloration. Use only mild soap, soft brushes, and rags on the hull, deck, interiors, and fittings. Wipe all surfaces dry to prevent the onset of mold and mildew. Lastly, inspect seals, hoses, and gaskets and replace worn ones.
Mind Your Engine
Rinse the dirt off your boat using fresh water. Change your boat’s engine oil and filter, and fog the engine with fogging oil, especially if you don’t intend to use your boat for at least a month. A fuel stabilizer should be to prevent fuel degradation.
If Storing a Boat Under a Cover
Choose a breathable cover that correctly fits your boat. Choose only high-quality covers specifically designed for boats. Do not cover your boat too tightly; allow proper ventilation to prevent condensation buildup, which may lead to the onset of mold and mildew. Use support poles to prevent your cover from sagging and collecting water. Inspect your cover regularly to check for damage.
Protecting Your Boat From Harsh Elements and Animals
Though Ohio has harsh winters, summers can be hot. To prevent weathering, apply protective wax to your boat’s hull and exposed metal components. Lubricate hinges, winches, and all moving parts to prevent corrosion. Lastly, cover exhaust ports to prevent insects and other pests from accessing your boat’s engine.
Why Choose Stack and Go Storage?
There are many reasons why Stack and Go Storage is the best place to store your boats in the Ohio River Area near Portsmouth and New Boston, Ohio. Aside from the minimum requirements of a self-storage facility for boats, such as security, drive-up access, and ample space, Stack and Go has constant on-site management, handicap accessibility, and 24/7 accessibility. Stack and Go also has an on-site store that offers boxes and moving supplies to help you pack the things you may need to store with your boat. Whether you need hauling, dock rentals, or other services, Stack and Go works with local businesses that can help with your boat storage needs
Aside from boat storage, Stack and Go also offer car storage and a wide range of climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled storage units and storage sheds to cater to all storage needs. With over two decades of serving New Boston and Portsmouth, OH, for boat storage, you can rely on Stack and Go storage to keep your boats safe. For inquiries or to book a storage unit, call (740) 351-0790.