How Long Can Boats Sit Without Running?

It’d be nice if we could be on our boats 24/7, 365 days a year. Unfortunately, that’s not a possibility for the majority of boaters! While going a few days without running your boat doesn’t cause any harm, you need to be careful about letting it sit for extended periods. One of the most commonly-asked questions we get is, “Is it okay if my boat isn’t running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” The answer is yes—but you have to do some maintenance beforehand.

As long as it’s well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades. Neglecting to prep it for storage, though, will necessitate massive repairs or even a total rebuild. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your boat for long-term storage.

Hull

First, perform a thorough inspection of the hull. Any cracks in the fiberglass need to be addressed before the cover is put on, as they can worsen as time goes on. You’ll also want to scrape off any barnacles and do a deep clean of the hull. Before covering your boat, wax the hull for further protection while it sits in storage.

Engine

If the engine isn’t prepped before storage, it could certainly lead to your boat not running in Fort Lauderdale, FL. First, be sure to check all wires, hoses and other connections to ensure there aren’t any problems. Any connection issues may worsen as the boat sits in storage. Next, change the oil and the oil filter and flush the engine with fresh water. Before storing the engine in an upright position, pull out the spark plugs and spray the cylinders with fogging oil.

Fuel

You probably wouldn’t think to fill up your car’s fuel tank before putting it in long-term storage, but you should do that with your boat! Filling up the fuel tank prevents water vapor from entering the tank. You’ll also want to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank, which will help prevent fuel degradation.

Bilge

An issue with the bilge or bilge pump can also result in your boat not running in Fort Lauderdale, FL the next time you try to start it up. We recommend using a wire brush to clean up any oil spills. Next, spray the bilge pump with a lubricant to ensure it’s ready to hit the water when it comes out of storage.

Interior

Last, but certainly not least, take care of the inside of your vessel. Thoroughly clean the upholstery inside and remove any perishable items that might attract pests. You should also set up a moisture absorption product that can suck any moisture out of the air as your boat sits in storage.

Store your boat with Starboard Yacht Group LLC!

If you need to store your boat for a long period, be sure to bring it to our crew at Starboard Yacht Group LLC. Not only can we answer all of your questions, including “Is it okay if my boat isn’t running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” but we can also handle all of your storage and maintenance needs. Give us a call today to learn about our services.