Remove accessories before storage??

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Just wanted to check and see what other people did when storing the boat for the winter. Do you remove accessories like boardracks, mirrors, amps, EQ, subwoofers, tower speakers, ropes, life jackets, etc??

Personally my boat is currently stored outside under supported cover and tarp. Minneapolis, so it also gets snow and ice on top. Concern about theft is only 2/10, I am more concerned about any possible cold damage to items like speakers or EQ.

Thanks! I would post a pic but since moving I have yet to unpack that box the camera is in, whichever one it is.

[michael hunter]

Make sure you put a bunch of dryer sheets in the boat to prevent mice and other varmints
from getting to your interior.

[chautauquasun]

One thing you may want to consider removing is the Ingition Coil. I know that on old boats we owned we found that the coils would freeze over the winter and go bad. After we started removing them and storing them we found they lasted a lot longer. I didnt remove mine last year and ended up having to replace it this year. Any one else have a similar experience?

[wotan2525]

Just wanted to check and see what other people did when storing the boat for the winter. Do you remove accessories like boardracks, mirrors, amps, EQ, subwoofers, tower speakers, ropes, life jackets, etc??

Personally my boat is currently stored outside under supported cover and tarp. Minneapolis, so it also gets snow and ice on top. Concern about theft is only 2/10, I am more concerned about any possible cold damage to items like speakers or EQ.

Thanks! I would post a pic but since moving I have yet to unpack that box the camera is in, whichever one it is.

I wouldn't worry about much of the electronics, but do be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA certain that everything is dry before you store it. Last year I wasn't as diligent about drying things out and there ended up being some wet ropes in the front.... and it had been outside and had been rained on and the carpet in the bottom of the storage areas was wet. When I cracked it open in the spring I found some mold and my huge sub box/rear bench had finally rotted out (it was probably overdue to be replaced anyway...)

This year, I've had mine covered for the last couple of weeks with a dehumidifier rocking in there. I've got all ropes/jackets/soft-things out and will be winterizing and applying dryer sheets this weekend.

[87SunSportMikeyD]

That is a good idea my bow storage is pretty full of parts and junk. Also I need to get the prop puller out and send that back to ACME to be reworked.

[Blackntan90]

Personally, I remove everything that is not bolted down! I feel it lets air circulate better to help keep it drier. It also is easier to work on winter projects with all that stuff out of the way. Michael, thanks for the tip about the dryer sheets- the first year I owned my boat, a cat had kittens in the "basement" under the playpen!! Good thing I had those cushions out!!

[chautauquasun]

I have never heard of the dryer sheets idea. Last year I put in moisture bags...but they didnt work as well as I thought they would. Where do you put the dryer sheets? What do they do?

[wotan2525]

I have never heard of the dryer sheets idea. Last year I put in moisture bags...but they didnt work as well as I thought they would. Where do you put the dryer sheets? What do they do?

All they do is keep the rodents/mice/etc out... I just buy a box and stuff them in all the cracks in the upholstery and in every nook and cranny throughout the boat. Cheap/easy insurance. My dad had mice eat his drivers seat a few years back.... I've always used dryer sheets and have never had an issue.

[87SunSportMikeyD]

At my parents house I stored my boat for ONE WEEK and when I came back I found over 35 large black walnuts in my boat. They put them EVERYWHERE even in the cupholders. Also chewed a little at the plywood on my bench seat - they got in the gunnels and got all over the boat the little bastards. Funny tho

[chautauquasun]

Do they not like the smell? Is that what keeps them out? I will definitely use them this year. Maybe I can use them in my house. We have something dead (chipmunk, squirrel or mouse) some where in my finished basement. The ceiling is all drywall so I cant get at whatever it is unless I start tearing out the ceiling. Ugh...damn varmits.