When your boat’s up for grabs on runboats.com.au, you might not sell it overnight — especially if it’s off – season or a niche rig. Keeping it in top nick during that wait is crucial; a dusty, rusty wreck won’t impress buyers when they finally rock up. Long – term storage done right keeps it sale – ready and protects your investment. Here’s how to park your pride and joy without it turning into a headache.
Why Storage Matters
A boat sitting idle can rot — salt eats metal, sun fades gelcoat, and critters move in. “Left mine uncovered — cost $500 to fix the mess,” says Mick from Sydney. On runboats.com.au, buyers want “ready to go” — not “needs a scrub.” Prep it proper, sell it faster.
Pick the Right Spot
Location’s your first call:
- Dry Storage: Shed or garage — best bet. “Kept mine indoors — looked mint at handover,” says Jen from Perth.
- On Trailer: Driveway’s fine — cover it tight.
- In Water: Marina slip — last resort, more upkeep.
Dry’s king — water invites barnacles and corrosion.
Clean It First
Before it sits, scrub it:
- Hull: Hose off salt, scrape growth.
- Deck: Soap up, rinse down — no grime.
- Interior: Vacuum, wipe — dry as a bone.
“Cleaned mine stem to stern — buyer loved it,” says Tom from Brissy. On runboats.com.au, “freshly cleaned” pulls eyes.
Drain and Dry
Water’s the enemy — get it out:
- Bilge: Pump it dry, sponge the rest.
- Tanks: Empty fuel and water — stale stuff stinks.
- Cushions: Store ‘em inside — mould loves damp.
“Drained it all — zero mildew,” says Lisa from Tassie.
Protect the Engine
A dormant motor needs love:
- Flush it — fresh water through the system.
- Fog it — spray oil in the cylinders (petrol engines).
- Oil change — fresh lube, new filter.
“Fogged my outboard — started first go for the buyer,” says Baz from Darwin. List “engine prepped” on runboats.com.au.
Cover It Up
No cover? Big mistake. “Sun bleached my seats — dropped $1k off,” says Sarah from VIC. Full boat cover — breathable, UV – proof — or a tarp tied tight. Trailer? Jack it up, blocks under — tyres hate sitting flat.
Battery Care
Dead battery screams neglect. “Pulled mine out, charged it monthly — sold with juice,” says Rob from NSW. Disconnect it, store indoors, trickle charge every 4 – 6 weeks. On runboats.com.au, “battery maintained” reassures.
Fuel Fix
Half a tank’s fine — full invites condensation, empty risks rust. Add stabiliser — keeps it fresh. “Stabilised my fuel — ran sweet after 6 months,” says Tash from the Sunny Coast.
Check the Little Stuff
- Lines: Stow ‘em — rats chew ropes.
- Electronics: Remove or cover — damp fries circuits.
- Prop: Grease it — stops seizing.
“Kept my gear safe — buyer saw the care,” says Dave from the Gold Coast.
Ventilate It
Trapped air breeds mould. Crack a hatch or use vents — airflow’s gold. “Vented my cabin — no musty pong,” says Sam from Adelaide. Dehumidifier bags help — cheap and easy.
Regular Check – Ins
Don’t set and forget — visit monthly:
- Peek under the cover — spot leaks or critters.
- Run the engine — 5 minutes keeps it alive.
- Wipe condensation — stops rot.
“Checked mine weekly — sold in top shape,” says Mick from WA.
Tell Buyers
On runboats.com.au, flex it: “Stored dry, maintained monthly — ready to roll.” Buyers love “looked after” — proves value.
Avoid the Oops
- No cover: “Rain wrecked my deck — $300 fix,” says Jen from VIC.
- Fuel left: “Gummed up — buyer baulked,” says Tom from QLD.
- Forgotten: “Spiders moved in — lost a sale,” says Lisa from NSW.
Why It Pays
A stored boat that’s fresh beats one that’s faded. On runboats.com.au, “well – kept” listings fly — buyers see care, not chores. “Prepped mine right — sold in a month,” says Sarah from the Sunny Coast.
Final Word
Prep your boat for long – term storage, and it’ll shine when the buyer knocks. Clean, dry, cover, check — on runboats.com.au, it’s your edge. Park it smart, sell it swift — get cracking!