Fall Service Recommendations

The seasons are upon us. Summer and Fall have come and gone, the days are shorter and the nights longer. As a Florida boat owner, it is now time to winterize your boat and get it into storage if possible. We here at Parker Boats hope that this article provides a few tips and tricks for ensuring a safe season for your watercraft while waiting for its next outing.

Before you start researching storage options (dry, rack, self-store, your cousins yard...) take some time to find a good checklist of things to do prior to putting your favorite water toy away. There are hundreds of excellent articles and actual lists available on the internet, so find one you like and run with it. Here are some that we like:

• http://www.trails.com/list_10565_winter-boat-storage-tips.html
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Proper-Boat-Storage&id=438669
• http://www.ehow.com/way_5438377_small-boat-storage-tips.html
• Storage - http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/storing.aspx

Although most of them are very complete, you should always modify the boat storage checklist that you choose with some of your own custom steps or information that is specific to your particular make and model of boat. Be sure to also take into consideration the weather where you live whenever you are planning to put your craft into boat storage for the season.

If it has been all season you gave the old "once over" to your boat, take the time to:

• correct and repair any dings, cracks, etc on your boat before putting it into boat storage for the season.
• always give it a good and thorough cleaning - no mess now means no smell later
  
• change your fluids and top off fuel with stabilizer
  
• schedule any needed repairs or service prior to storage - get to use it faster in spring
  

How and where you will store your boat is an important decision. If you dont live on the water and/or have access to a wet slip all-year, your choices include exterior storage or climate controlled storage. Personally, my preference is to store my boat indoors in a climate controlled storage environment even though it is more expensive. It affords the boat much more protection that simply covering it and leaving it outside in the elements. By keeping the boat indoors, it is totally protected from anything that nature can throw at it.

If you are leaving your boat outside, be sure to check all your coverings and tarps for tears, leaks, etc. Be sure to lube all your clasps, buttons and zippers on the boat with a good lubricant. Head to your local marine store or visit the Parker Boats online store for any repair kits, replacement parts or protection products you might need.

We hope that this post has given you some good tips and starting points for your Fall service needs. If you have any questions, concerns or comments about how to prepare your vessel for seasonal storage or if you have something to add, we would love to hear your comments. As an added bonus, Parker Boats Service department is running a Fall Special with savings on our Annual/100 hour service and our Annual Service Plus service packages. There is also a 10% off coupon for our store for your marine products needs.