Super-Long Storage

[IndyCJ]

Have some questions for the group.

Between the possibility of my wife losing her job in the not too distant future, my daughter playing a TON of AAU basketball games for the next two years, and the very real possibility that we will be moving in three years, we've decided to haul our boat for quite awhile. Probably won't even think about boating again until Spring, 2022. We will just be too busy to warrant spending money on a slip and all of that, so I've decided to haul it for the time being. (Silverton 37 convertible, paid off)

With that in mind, thinking long long term storage. Any thoughts? Specifically gas storage (completely empty or full?), winterizing the engines and all of that (obviously), changing oils, etc., is there anything I'm not thinking about that could be a factor? Changing out impellers, coolant.

We're going to have some 'projects' done while it's out, we've got time (bottom paint, canvas, etc). but honestly most important is that we don't destroy it while it's sitting for some time.

Thought about selling it, but not at that point right now and kind of don't want to, so I'm going to be stubborn about it.

Thanks!

 

[wahlejim]

My first instinct would be to sell it and see what you can get for it. Sink that money into a CD at about 3% for a boat budget and shop again when you are ready. If something happens financially you have that money available if needed. It is much easier to sell a known working boat than one that has sat for over a year unused. I know you don't want to, but after you weigh the cost of dry storage nd the projects you are going to do to it, it could be the best way.

if you don't go that route, a couple of suggestions:

-Store with as little treated gas as possible. I would imagine that boat has some hefty tanks and pumping out and disposing of over 100 gallons of bad fuel is no picnic.

-Anything with rubber can wait until closer to re-launch. Rubber doesn't like to sit dry

-Fog the hell out of the engine(s)

-Tape off any vents, particularly any fuel vents that insects can get in and build nests.

-Get fresh oil in there now and change it again before relaunch

-Proper winterization of course. I would absolutely use anti-freeze in your case since it is being stored for an extended period of time.

-Shrink wrap it and look into one that has a zipper built into it so you can access the boat when needed. Put moisture absorbant cannisters, materials, etc inside to keep humidity at bay.

-Look at any source of rodent entry possible and stuff it with steel wool to minimize the chances of rodent intrusion.

-Get to the boat and inspect frequently. Look at upholstry, electronics, etc that rodents like to eat (some rodents love copper).

-Cross your fingers and hope for the best

 

[four winns 214]

Sell it.

 

[alldodge]

Never said what motors or drives. Being a Silverton 37 convertible I'm thinking inboards
Unsure of the time it will sit, and not going into what it takes to winterize

Drain tanks empty and remove fuel filter after winterizing.
Winterize fresh water system using air not antifreeze
Remove impellers from pumps and leave out

 

[Texasmark]

3 years from now things will be different, guaranteed and the boat, that boat, or any boat may not fit into the picture. Kids for sure are a driving point. When we were raising 4 it was fishing every Saturday and Sunday afternoon off to family boating. When the kids got into their teens, they had other interests.....dahhhh, grin, and the boat was wifey and I. Lot different! That's when I sold my family boat and bought a bass boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Have some questions for the group.

Between the possibility of my wife losing her job in the not too distant future, my daughter playing a TON of AAU basketball games for the next two years, and the very real possibility that we will be moving in three years, we've decided to haul our boat for quite awhile. Probably won't even think about boating again until Spring, 2022. We will just be too busy to warrant spending money on a slip and all of that, so I've decided to haul it for the time being. (Silverton 37 convertible, paid off)

With that in mind, thinking long long term storage. Any thoughts? Specifically gas storage (completely empty or full?), winterizing the engines and all of that (obviously), changing oils, etc., is there anything I'm not thinking about that could be a factor? Changing out impellers, coolant.

We're going to have some 'projects' done while it's out, we've got time (bottom paint, canvas, etc). but honestly most important is that we don't destroy it while it's sitting for some time.

Thought about selling it, but not at that point right now and kind of don't want to, so I'm going to be stubborn about it.

Thanks!

fuel tank - completely empty.... under the best circumstances fuel will only last 12 months
cooling system completely filled with PG designed for long-term storage (corrosion prevention)
remove impellers from pumps
pull the valve covers and back off all the push rods to relax the valves