Boats storage question

[Bowersdjr]

OK, I am heading to Iraq for a year so the boat will probably sit for about 14 months. What are your opinions of storing the boat outside for that long of time. Besides the normal winterization of course.
Thanks for the input

[dukhntr]

Since I know that you already have a boat cover, I would also put a heavy duty tarp over the cover. Have your wife uncover in once in a while to be sure it stays aired out. I can take care of that part if needed....Another reason I like a tarp in because I have seen/heard of gel coats getting ruined by the sun even through the cover...... Be safe over there Denny. If Mrs. Bowers needs anything at all let me know.

[Beetle]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another reason I like a tarp in because I have seen/heard of gel coats getting ruined by the sun even through the cover...... Be safe over there Denny. If Mrs. Bowers needs anything at all let me know. </TD></TR></TABLE>Yep happened to my boat. When I left I put a tarp over the cover, but when I came home on R&R I didn't put the tarp back over the cover. 6 months is all it took! BIG MISTAKE!!


Modified by beetle at 12:48 PM 8/3/2008

[Bowersdjr]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by beetle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yep happened to my boat. When I left I put a tarp over the cover, but when I came home on R&R I didn't put the tarp back over the cover. 6 months is all it took! BIG MISTAKE!!


Modified by beetle at 12:48 PM 8/3/2008</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks, great tip. Did you drain the fluids and pull the batteries or leave everything full?

[Bowersdjr]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dukhntr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Be safe over there Denny. If Mrs. Bowers needs anything at all let me know. </TD></TR></TABLE>

RJ, will you take my boy fishing next summer? He talks about riding in that Champion alot since we went that day. He likes the speed!

[dukhntr]

You bet I will! I was thinking about that as I first saw this thread. That little man is a good little fisherman and he can come with me any time he wants. Not sure I'd go that fast again without you though.

Also, I would remove the batteries from the boat. At least disconnect them. Charge them up every month or so....

[Bowersdjr]

Anyone else have any othe suggestions

[Tagg007]

Put you trailer on jacks so the tires don't sit in one spot and it is also easier on the springs. Make sure you have some stable and add extra grease to all the zerts. Denny stay safe bro and thanks for your service

[Richard F.]

All good advice and Denny you stay safe and thanks.

[Jiggernaut]

Find someplace inside to store it. There are a number of economical options that would be well worth it....

[caseysmith14]

I hear of some guys who get their boat wrapped in cellophane for the winter; of the guys I know who do this, they all have wakeboard boats, never have heard of a bass boat doing it, not sure why and not exactly sure what the benefits are but I'm sure it protects pretty well against oxidation.