Ottawa Boat Storage Tips

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to find a home for all of your summer toys. We’re talking about your kayaks, canoes, and boats. Acceptable Storage is Ottawa’s leader in safe and reliable self storage. In addition to heated, non-heated storage units and RV storage, we also offer secure boat storage options. We’ll even shrink wrap your boat for $2.50 per square foot! But before you bring your boat to our Bank Street location, there are a few things you will need to do to get it ready for storage.

1. Final End of Summer Cleaning

While canoes and kayaks require significantly less preparation than sailboats and motorized boats, they do still need a good solid scrub before they go into storage. For your canoes and kayaks, simply ensure that there isn’t any water hiding out anywhere, and then give them one last clean before you shrink wrap them for the winter. By cleaning your boat thoroughly before storing it, you will save time next year when you’re anxious to get back on the water! Once you’ve washed the exterior it doesn’t hurt to put a new coat of wax on the topsides. Next, make sure that all of the hardware is spotless. You will want to ensure that any canvas has dried completely before folding it up.

2. Flush the Cooling System and Check the Fuel System

Inboard and sterndrive boats will have raw water cooling systems. Before you store your boat for the summer these will have to be flushed to get rid of the accumulated salt, and dirt. These can quickly lead to corrosion if you’re not careful! You may even use antifreeze to get the job done. Outboard motors on the other hand can simply be cleaned out with freshwater. While you’re at it, make sure that there isn’t any water in the engine. Lastly, top up the fuel tank. This will limit how much condensation can build up over the winter. You can add a fuel stabilizer to the tank at this point as well.

3. Check in on the Engine, Lubricate Moving Parts

Your boat’s engine serves an incredibly useful purpose. It’s in your best interest to make sure it’s operating properly before you put it in storage. Remove the debris, gum, varnish, and carbon that has accumulated throughout the engine. You will need to clean the intake port valves, the pistons, and the combustion chambers. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, have a professional take care of the procedure. Another task to check off before you store your boat is to make sure everything has been properly oiled. Start with the large components and move towards the smaller ones like hinges, switches, ratchet mounts, and latches.

4. Conduct a Visual Inspection

Before you bring your boat to Acceptable Storage, make sure that you have visually inspected your boat. Take note of dings or scratches by either keeping a written or visual record. You might also want to keep a record of any repairs or mechanical concerns you would like to have addressed in the spring. As you know, Ottawa winters are long and it can be easy to forget what was on your to-do list!

5. Tidy Up, Cover Up, and Shrink Wrap!

Take out everything that you don’t need to leave in the boat. Life jackets, flash lights, first aid kits. All of these items can either be stored at home or in your storage unit. While you’re tidying up, give everything one last look over. Make sure that there is no standing water or debris lying around. Once you’re happy with the state of your boat put on the boat cover. Invest in the best boat cover you can afford, this will help keep your boat safe over the winter. And lastly, if you have chosen to do so, have your boat shrink wrapped!

If you have any questions about Acceptable Storage’s boat storage options, call us today at 613-822-7666.