Long term storage

J

jackson2088

New Member
Jun 26, 2012
18
Oak Harbor
Boat Info
2001 Sea Ray
215 Express Cruiser
Engines
5.0 Mercruiser EFI w/ Alpha One Drive
Looks like I may be moving to Japan for three years. I would like to keep my boat however, will three years of the boat sitting do more harm than good? I'm in Rhode Island and it would be stored outdoors with a full cover. With a boat sitting that long what actions should I take to keep the boat in good shape?
 
Three years is a long time. Not just for an unused boat but in personal life as well. A lot can change.

Unless you have already made your mind up to keep he boat, I think you should make a list of things to consider.
Depreciation, storage costs, worrying, insurance, damage from the elements(if outside), trailer tires?, recommissioning cost like impellers, fluids, batteries, anything rubber like seals, bellows, hoses. Plugs & wires, electronics? These items as regular maintenance over time is one thing. Hitting all at once could add up pretty quick.

Not trying to dampen your plan. Just thinking out loud.
 
It is a simple boat with simple systems. Have the engine pickled for long term storage and decommission any systems like water, remove the battery and she'll sleep fine, provided rats, squirrels, etc leave it alone.
 
If it were me I would sell. Do to the tremendous loss of boats in your area you will probably get a premium for it now. Invest the money in PM's and buy another when you get back.
 
As long as you take the proper precautions (don't skip any steps) it'll work out just fine. Some other things to think about... Remove anything you can (including seat cushions), prop open the engine hatch and the floor storage (bin above your gas tank) a few inches for air circulation.

I would have it shrink wrapped, instead of relying on a cover over the winters (snow load). Be sure to use a few vents. Use the blue shrink wrap as that will last longer. Get the thickest mil possible - even if this means buying a new roll for yourself.

Be sure to lock your cabin door. You can buy desiccant in bulk at craft stores. Put some small containers (plastic, Chinese food container size) in the cabin - put these in a larger container in case they overflow. Put one or two in the engine bay - leave your garboard drain plug out, but tape a piece of screening over it.

Spray the engine and other mechanicals (along with trailer parts) with CRC. It may not last the entire 3 years, but it's better than nothing.

Spray rubber and vinyl things (seats, tires, bellows hoses, etc) liberally with 303 protectant. Cover the tires that will get hit by the sun. Leave your drive trimmed down as far as possible (but make sure the boat is still "bow high").

Clean and wax it really well!
 
Have all the fuel drained, especially the fuel in the carb.
 
The more I think about it, I think I may try to sell. Three years is a long time. Still have to fix the water in oil issues this winter though.
 
fwebster said:
It is a simple boat with simple systems. Have the engine pickled for long term storage and decommission any systems like water, remove the battery and she'll sleep fine, provided rats, squirrels, etc leave it alone.
Click to expand...

Lazy Daze said:
As long as you take the proper precautions (don't skip any steps) it'll work out just fine. Some other things to think about... Remove anything you can (including seat cushions), prop open the engine hatch and the floor storage (bin above your gas tank) a few inches for air circulation.

I would have it shrink wrapped, instead of relying on a cover over the winters (snow load). Be sure to use a few vents. Use the blue shrink wrap as that will last longer. Get the thickest mil possible - even if this means buying a new roll for yourself.

Be sure to lock your cabin door. You can buy desiccant in bulk at craft stores. Put some small containers (plastic, Chinese food container size) in the cabin - put these in a larger container in case they overflow. Put one or two in the engine bay - leave your garboard drain plug out, but tape a piece of screening over it.

Spray the engine and other mechanicals (along with trailer parts) with CRC. It may not last the entire 3 years, but it's better than nothing.

Spray rubber and vinyl things (seats, tires, bellows hoses, etc) liberally with 303 protectant. Cover the tires that will get hit by the sun. Leave your drive trimmed down as far as possible (but make sure the boat is still "bow high").

Clean and wax it really well!
Click to expand...

blaster said:
Have all the fuel drained, especially the fuel in the carb.
Click to expand...

WHAT THEY SAID....
PLUS throw a couple of big boxes of mothballs around the upholstry and floor to help keep the critters out
 
It can not argue with some of the advice posted here. You have probably the most respected member of CSR telling you the boat will be fine. A second technical contributor, that actually works at a boat dealership up north, agrees and offers some additional tips. Point is, I'm not saying they are wrong. You asked if the boat would be ok, & I'm sure they are right.

My comments were more directed at the overall situation, not just if the boat would survive. Now add in that water has been introduced to the oil & I feel even stronger about what I would do.
 
I would follow all the advice given but - I would really try to store the boat indoors if possible. Also, if you do have to store it outdoors, having someone check on it periodically would be very helpful. Not sure if shrink wrap would last three years or not. You may need to have someone re-do that every year.
 
this past fall, I purchased a 1987 SeaRay 210 Monaco that had been stored inside for 8 years. Winterized however. Beyond the dust and dirt and two new batteries, motor started right up and hull is in excellent shape. From my standpoint, it was quite a gamble but a good friend of mine said from his experience and since it was stored indoors and dry, not much will go wrong. He was right.
 
mwph,

Current plan of action is to fix engine issue in March or April depending on weather and try to sell. Worst case I can't sell and will store with the advice of all the posters. You were right, there are too many variables to worry about. It would be a shame to store it for 3 years and then come back and be stationed in an area with limited boating.
 
Boat wrapped-up on the hard = three+ years of worries, checking RI weather for freezing temps, asking friends to check on boat and lots of stress.
Boat sold = hard CASH in the bank and NO worries or stress.

Seems like you made the easy choice.
 
Last edited:
jackson2088 said:
mwph,

Current plan of action is to fix engine issue in March or April depending on weather and try to sell. Worst case I can't sell and will store with the advice of all the posters. You were right, there are too many variables to worry about. It would be a shame to store it for 3 years and then come back and be stationed in an area with limited boating.
Click to expand...

Jackson,

With all of the variables mentioned I think you are making the correct call.

Also, thank you for your service. This is just another small example of one of the many sacrifices those in the military make for our country.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
First, Thank you for your service. Second, Sell the boat. BTDT! Mine was under cover in Florida for three years while stationed in Italy. When all was said and done, I spent as much if not more getting her back in shape than the loss I would have taken had I sold three years sooner.

good luck!
 
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