Storing boat in garage

[chambers1517]

I put my boat in the garage with the bow and cockpit covers on it. Now I am wondering if it would be better uncovered. I thought the covers would keep the dust off but will they keep moisture and gas fumes in?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Storing boat in garage

Take the covers off and throw an old bet sheet over it. Or 2 depending on the size. They are good to keep the dust off and breath well. Make sure your covers are dry before you put them away.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Storing boat in garage

Bed sheets are a great idea. I also use old e-z up canopy covers. When the canopy is done after a few seasons, keep the covers. They outlast the cheap frames by a long shot

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Storing boat in garage

just unsnap part of the cover, to allow circulation, open all hatches in the boat for circulation.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Storing boat in garage

I'm with Tash on this one. My pontoon is in the garage with the cover on, side gate open, the cover folded back leaving the gas fill (and the vent) exposed, and the back end of the cover is not tightly fitted so there is plenty of air flow. A timer powers the on board battery chargers for one hour each day. There is a large battery stowed in the console so the console door is also open for ventilation. If rodents are a problem buy a couple of the electronic rodent repellers and plug them in. They work great. I've seen mice and voles come up the driveway, get about 10 feet from the door and then turn away. Been using them for many years and have never seen another mouse in my garage.

 

[Thad]

Re: Storing boat in garage

Well, I guess I am on the other side of the fence here.
I have stored everyone of my glass boats with full covers. Every year since I bought my first one in '92. The first two were the snap covers and never had a problem. My boat now has a full custom cover that covers the entire boat. I store inside and have never had a problem with "odors" af any kind other than when I used moth balls. Now I use dryer sheets. They may or may not work...but hey, they smell great in the spring.
I store with a full tank of fuel so I was a bit worried the first year but did it anyway.
She is, at this very moment, fueled, covered, and sleeping for the winter.

Not advise, mind you. Just an example of what I do.

 

[gee cee]

Re: Storing boat in garage

Just remember that you've got a tank of gas in your garage. Make sure that there are no fuel vapors leaking. If you go into your garage smell gas, park the boat in the yard, I also disconnect my batteries, if you have a onboard charger, disconnect everything but the charger.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Storing boat in garage

take the battery out and set it on a block of wood on the garage floor. It's an easy way to eliminate actual and potential problems.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Storing boat in garage

I've kept my boat in the garage for the past 10 years. I don't have a cover so it does get a little dusty - but that comes off pretty easy with a nice saltwater rinse. About every two months I'll hook up the battery charger, otherwise the battery disconnect switch stays in the OFF position. I've never noticed the smell of gas fumes in the garage. (At least not coming from the boat.) If I had to store it outside I would definitely have a cover.

Either way, inside or outside, cover or no cover, you've got to keep dry bilges. Pull the drain plug(s) and tilt it up at the bow.

 

[davhusn]

Re: Storing boat in garage

I really want to keep my fishing boat in the garage but my fuel tank ends up about 6 feet away from our furnace which I'm not real comfortable about. Once winter comes I'll just empty the tank but spring and fall when I still use it occassionaly I don't want to keep taking it out.
I suppose it will be all right as long as I keep the vent shut ??????????

Just remember that you've got a tank of gas in your garage. Make sure that there are no fuel vapors leaking. If you go into your garage smell gas, park the boat in the yard, I also disconnect my batteries, if you have a onboard charger, disconnect everything but the charger.