When selecting a boat storage facility, consider these issues:

1. Insurance. When your boat is stored, your boat insurance will usually cover your boat, boat damage, theft, etc.  Your storage facility’s insurance will usually cover any damage or loss caused by the storage facility.  However, the storage facility’s insurance generally does NOT cover acts of God incuding tornados, hurricanes, flood, etc. If you wish to cover your boat for that type of loss, you will need to obtain additional insurance.

2. Protection. Consider whether your boat might be exposed to the elements during storage.  While outdoors, your boat should be covered.

3. Winterization.  If you store your boat where the temperature reaches the freezing mark for any substantial period of time, your boat should be winterized.  The boats fluids should be stabilized prior to storage.  Ask your storage facility about their winterization services.

The Rochelle Storage Company provides Illinois marine storage and surrounding areas. Winterizing and other maintenance services are available.

When storing your boat, you have several options depending on where the boat will be stored and the degree of protection your boat need.

Wetslip storage is storage of a boat in the water.  Wetslip storage is used mostly for boats larger than 25 feet.  Wetslips may be covered to protect the boat from direct rain and sunlight.

Dry storage allows you to store your boat in a secured facility.  Dry storage protects your boat from the elements and is far less expensive than wetslip storage.

The Rochelle Storage Company provides dry Chicago boat storage and maintenance and surrounding areas.

Your boat engine is different than a car engine. Your boat engine runs at high RPMs when used and then sits idle for months when stored.

Follow these tips to maintain your boat engine and enjoy many years of trouble free operation.

1. Replace the impeller of your water pump every couple of seasons.  The impeller picks up impurities during usage which cause wear and tear.  The rubber of the impeller may also become dry and damaged when stored for many months.

2. Change the oil and oil filter at the end of every season.  Leaving used oil in the boat while storing it can cause it to turn acidic and damage the engine.

3. Prior to storing, mix fuel injector cleaner with the last tank of fuel. The cleaner will prevent thickening during storage.

4. When storing your boat, disconnect the battery cables.

5. Inspect the drive once a year to insure that it is full of fluid and water is not present.

6. Anodes, designed to attract stray voltage and deteriorate, should be checked once a year for decay.  Replace any anodes that have decayed significantly.

The Rochelle Storage Company provides Chicago boat storage and maintenance and surrounding areas.

If you store your boat for winter, either at home or at a storage facility (boat storage Chicago), use proper winterization to extend the life of your boat and protect the boat components from freezing temperatures, corrosion, and the effects of lying idle for long periods of time.

Winterization involves preparing your boat for storage. Winterization services include maintenance of the engine, checking fluids, thorough cleaning and protecting the boat from the elements.

Your boat storage Chicago facility may provide winterization services that you can purchase.

Car Storage Chicago — Protect your car from the elements in winter and summer.