How to Prepare Your Boat for Long-Term Storage

How to Prepare Your Boat for Long-Term Storage

If your boat's going to sit for a few months or more, a bit of prep now can save a lot of money and frustration later. Long-term storage isn't complicated, but skipping the basics leads to flat batteries, fuel issues and weather damage.

This guide walks through practical, Australian-specific boat storage tips that owners actually use, whether the boat's in a yard, driveway or storage facility.

What "long-term" storage really means

For most owners, long-term storage means:

• Three months or more without use
• Stored on a trailer, not in the water
• Outdoors or semi-covered

That's enough time for fuel to go stale, batteries to die and UV to do real damage if you don't prepare properly.

Start with a proper clean

Before you store anything, clean it. Dirt and salt cause problems while the boat sits.

Focus on:

• Rinsing salt off the hull, trailer and fittings
• Cleaning out bait tanks and livewells
• Removing food, rubbish and damp gear
• Letting everything dry properly

A clean boat is easier to inspect when you take it out of storage, and you're less likely to find surprises.

Deal with the fuel properly

Fuel is one of the most common storage headaches.

If the boat will sit for months:

• Fill the tank close to full to reduce condensation
• Use a quality fuel stabiliser
• Run the engine briefly so treated fuel reaches the system

Old fuel causes rough starts and engine issues. This step alone saves a lot of trouble.

Change or check engine fluids

You don't need a full service, but basic checks matter.

Before storage:

• Change engine oil if it's due soon
• Check gear oil for water contamination
• Top up coolant if applicable

Dirty oil sitting in an engine for months isn't ideal. Fresh oil protects internal parts while the boat rests.

Look after the battery

Flat or dead batteries are almost guaranteed without prep.

Options include:

• Disconnecting the battery
• Removing it and storing it somewhere dry
• Using a maintenance charger if power is available

At a minimum, disconnect the terminals. Batteries left connected slowly drain and can fail completely.

Protect the boat from sun and weather

Australian UV is brutal, especially in northern states.

To reduce damage:

• Use a proper boat cover, not a tarp
• Make sure covers allow airflow
• Protect seats and clears from direct sun

Even in winter, UV damage continues. A good cover extends the life of everything inside the boat.

Check the trailer, not just the boat

The trailer is part of the package and often neglected.

Before storage:

• Inflate tyres to the correct pressure
• Check for cracks or flat spots
• Grease bearings if due
• Engage the handbrake carefully or use wheel chocks

A seized bearing or perished tyre can turn your first trip back into a breakdown.

Control moisture and mould

Boats stored closed up get musty fast.

To reduce moisture:

• Open hatches slightly if safe to do so
• Remove cushions and fabric items
• Use moisture absorbers in enclosed spaces

Mould damage is harder to fix than most people expect.

Think about security and access

Where the boat is stored matters as much as how it's prepared.

Ask yourself:

• Is it visible from the street?
• Is it fenced or gated?
• How often will you need access?

If you'll want occasional access for maintenance, make sure the storage arrangement allows it. Our safe and sound handbook covers security considerations in more detail.

How often should you check on the boat?

Even in long-term storage, don't forget about it completely.

A simple check every 4–6 weeks helps:

• Look for cover damage
• Check tyres and straps
• Make sure nothing's been tampered with

Ten minutes now can prevent months of issues later.

Common mistakes to avoid

These are the things that catch owners out most often:

• Storing the boat dirty
• Leaving old fuel untreated
• Forgetting the battery
• Using cheap covers that trap moisture
• Ignoring trailer maintenance

None of these are expensive to fix up front, but they're costly if ignored.

Getting the boat ready to use again

When it's time to take the boat out of storage:

• Reconnect or reinstall the battery
• Check fluids and tyre pressures
• Inspect safety gear
• Run the engine before heading out

A quick checklist avoids that sinking feeling at the ramp.

Not sure how much you should be paying for storage? Check our boat storage cost guide for 2026. And if you're unsure whether your boat and trailer will fit, the vehicle sizing guide breaks it down by dimensions.

The bottom line

Preparing your boat for long-term storage isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about covering the basics so nothing degrades while it sits.

A bit of time before storage means fewer repairs, fewer surprises and a smoother return to the water. Once the boat is prepped, find a storage spot near you that suits your access needs and budget.