Boat Storage Know How
By Adam Lenk, Thu Dec 8th

I know you don't want to admit it, but the days are growingshorter, cooler and Old Man Winter is just around the corner.Yes, it has been a great year for taking your boat out on thewater and trying out your angling skills against the feistiestof water creatures, but the time has come to put it all behindyou, store your prized boat, and dream of next year.

Properly storing your boat has many benefits. While it may takea little time now to get the job done right, following good boatstoring procedures can save you a great deal of headache andmoney when Spring comes and you once again take your beauty outonto the waters.

Proper boat storage only takes a little bit of your money andtime to complete and keeps your boat in tip top shape andrunning like new. To get your boat ready for storage you willneed: storage/fogging oil, fuel stabilizer, anti-corrosionspray, spray lube, trailer jack and tools.

Here's how to store your boat the right way:

1.Fuel Stabilizer. In order to avoid condensation in your fueltank and fuel lines, you need to add fuel stabilizer to yourfull tank of gas. First, fill up your tank completely withgasoline and add stabilizer according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. Most products call for 1 ounce of stabilizer toevery gallon of gas. Next, start the motor on the flusher forabout one minute to push the treated gas throughout the system.

2.Fogging Oil. Apply fogging oil to the carburetors. Mostmotors have fittings for applying fogging oil. If yours does notyou need to look for openings to apply the oil into. You mighteven have to remove the carburetor cover. Remember that thefogging

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oil will make the motor smoke more than normal on itsfirst few runs.

3.Flusher. Next, unhook the flusher and drain the gear case.Refill it with fresh lubricant. If you notice water in theflushed lubricant, this could be a sign that your shaft sealneeds replaced. If you suspect that it does, do not delay. A badseal could cost you $1,000 or more in repairs if left alone. 4.Spark Plugs. Remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil intothe cylinders. Clean the housing and coat electrical connectionswith anti-corrosion spray. Replace old spark plugs with new.

5.Inspect Steering. Inspect all of the cables on and in yoursteering column. Clean out all of the grime and let the shaftair out. Then, spray all cables with anti-corrosion spray.

6.Battery. Disconnect your battery and clean the terminals andspray with anti-corrosion spray. Properly store the battery andremember to put it on charge for a couple of days each month.

7.Motor. Store the motor in a downward tilted, running positionand recover with the motor cover. Do not use a plastic coverwhich will trap moisture against your motor. Instead, use acloth or canvas boat tarp that will allow the motor to breathe.

8.Trailer. Inspect the trailer and grease all of the bearings.Check the tires and spray anti-corrosive on any unprotectediron.

Now that you have properly stored your boat, you can finallyrelax and dream of all of the fishing legends that you will nodoubt inspire in the upcoming season. And with all of themaintenance behind you, you may be able to hit the waters beforeyour buddies even get their boats out from under wraps.

About the author:By Adam Lenk Visit my web site for more articlesand information at http://www.boatingproshop.com