Originally Posted by
wmitch2
Never store outside with the jack down, ALWAYS jack up enough to move the water to the rear, have the drain open, and leave the bilge lid cracked open. ( I open it then put the handle in the lock position and then close it.) This will allow the water to drain out and allow air flow to avoid mildew. Also, since you already have had this situation, and something you should do at least once a year, ( I do it in the spring and again in the fall) is to dump about 5 gallons of water in the bilge (Plug in ) and a few squirts of Dawn dishwashing liquid. then drive to the lake.( If you have an automatic bilge pump, you'll have to disable it. I put mine on a seperate switch in the bilge just for this.) Stop a few miles before you get there and pull the plug. This will swish back an forth and clean your bilge pretty good. WHen you get home, plug out, pour another 5 gal in thru the drain in the deck. There should be one just in front of the seats. If you store under a tarp, it's a good idea to put a plastic pan of Kitty liter on the seat area to absorb moisture. Mildew sucks, is hard to get rid of, and it smells up everything on the boat. If you have it already, add bleach to the mix. If you have it inside your storage compartments you'll have to wash them down with bleach. I store my boat in a garage and crack ALL my compartments when not in use, EXCEPT the live wells and the cooler, those I leave WIDE OPEN. YOu live in Texas, so you have humidity to deal with, so this is very important to do. Good luck and good fishin' !!