Storage Disasters

ONE OF THE worst things you can do to a modern outboard-powered boat is to let it sit on a trailer or in a slip, unused, where it will slowly deteriorate.

Outboard engines like to be run on a regular basis, moving parts need to move to remain lubricated and corrosion-free, and pumps need to be run now and again or they won’t run when you need them most.

Unfortunately, between work schedules and weather there will be times when your pride and joy may be forced to sit for weeks or even months at a time. If this is true in your case, take careful measures to be sure you avoid these boat storage disasters.

Feeling Blue: You think it might be a good idea to cover up that boat with one of those cheap blue tarps? Covering a boat so it’s protected from the sun and weather is a smart move, but think again when it comes to what you choose to cover it with.

Those blue tarps may be a lot less expensive than a properly fitted custom canvas cover, but they can also do severe damage to a boat’s gel coat, teak and brightwork—and the paint job on an outboard. That checkerboard-pattern of filaments you can feel on those tarps is ever so slightly abrasive.

If a tarp isn’t secured well it can shift back and forth in the breeze for days on end. If you haven’t covered the part of the boat being subjected to this abuse with an added layer of protection (such as wrapping the outboard cowl or a teak rail with an old towel or sheet) eventually, that tarp will wear away the very finish you were trying to preserve.

Angle of Attack: Whenever you park your boat trailer, we certainly hope you make sure the bow is angled up. Otherwise, water won’t drain properly, and you could end up with what amounts to a very expensive tadpole pond in your driveway. While we’re at it, we mighty as well remind everyone to pull the drain plugs (or the boat won’t be able to drain in the first place) and also remove the plugs from livewells, integrated coolers, and other parts of the boat that might hold water.

Tilted Perspective: If your outboard boat is going to be left on dry land for a while and you leave the motor tilted up, you might be in for a rude awakening. Outboard motors are designed to drain completely in the tilted-down position. If you tilt up on the ramp, tow the boat home, and leave it that way, parts of the cooling system will hold water from then on.

Not only can this speed corrosion, but if you live in an area subject to freezing temperatures, freeze damage can occur.

(A note about trailering with the outboard motor up—make sure you use a transom saver. Otherwise the weight of the powerhead and lower unit swinging fore and aft creates a fulcrum as the boat bounces down the road. This can stress the transom to the point of causing serious damage.)

Inaction Kills: The very worst thing about letting an outboard boat sit is letting outboard motor sit idle. Seals dry out, and parts lock up. Whatever you do, don’t allow this to happen.

If you can’t use the boat for an extended period, at least hook the engine up to a sufficient freshwater supply and crank it over. Let it run until it comes up to a normal operating temperature. You should do so at least once a month, no matter what.

Critter Conundrum: Just imaging covering your boat up tight for an extended slumber, then when you can finally get back to using it, puling the cover off to discover that some critter has made the boat its home – and it’s chewed on the helm wiring, seat cushions, and bilge pump hoses.

This is a lot more common than one might think, and it can result in substantial damage to your boat. Just how you’ll prevent it depends to some degree on where you live and what lives around you. However, you should be aware of the issue and be prepared to deal with it. That might mean getting a few glue traps to place in the boat, or spritzing peppermint oil around the perimeter every so often.

All Charged Up: The number-one difficulty boat owners report after an extended lay-up is a dead battery. Even if you turned the battery switch off, this will often be an issue.

Fortunately, it’s an easy issue to solve. Any time the boat’s going to sit unused for a while, remove the battery(s) and put them on a trickle charge.

Side note: Considering how common battery problems are and how small today’s jump-starters are, there’s really no excuse for not tossing a jumper pack into the glove box. Chances are it will save the day more than once whether your boat sits around a lot, or not.

Run for the Money: If your boat sits in a wet slip, even the best anti-fouling paints usually allow a coat of slime or a layer of growth to eventually form on the bottom after a long period of time. Many paints also require motion to “sluff” off microscopic layers, which exposes fresh biocide.

In any case, actually moving the hull through the water is the only way to keep it slick. So if the boat’s going to sit, cast off the lines every couple of weeks. Run it up to planing speed for a minute or two, just to “scrub” the bottom clean.

That last item, folks, is the most important one—because running the boat solves most of these issues or at least helps to some degree. It also gives you a chance to eyeball the boat’s condition and discover whether anything’s gone amiss.

If it’s completely impossible for you to run your boat, think about asking a friend to do so. The worst thing that can happen to an outboard boat is to sit there unused, slowly deteriorating.

 

Email Lenny Rudow at ContactUs@fishgame.com

 

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