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Boat Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

Speed boat going fast

We understand that your boat is a significant investment at South Rock Storage. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment. Whether you need to store your boat for the winter or you're looking for long-term storage, we have a unit that will fit your needs.

As you prepare to store with South Rock Storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to ensure your boat is ready for the next season.

Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Clean your boat

To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly and drying it completely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the hull, deck, upholstery, and carpets.

If you have a canvas cover, clean it and ensure it is dry before storing it.

Remove all items from the boat

Before you store your boat, be sure to remove all items from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, and any other personal belongings. This will help to protect your belongings and prevent them from being damaged during storage.

Drain all fluids

It's crucial to drain all fluids from your boat before storing it. This includes fuel, oil, and coolant. If possible, open all hatches and compartments to allow air to circulate.

Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this.

Use a dehumidifier

If you are storing your boat in an enclosed space, it is essential to take measures to prevent mold and mildew from forming. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry.

Mold and mildew need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated.

Remove the battery

When you're getting your boat ready for storage, one of the most important things to do is to remove the battery. If you leave the battery in the boat, it's likely to leak and cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

If you don't have a place to store the battery, you can always disconnect it from the boat and leave it outside. Just be sure to cover it so that it doesn't get wet or damaged by the elements. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat.

Cover your boat

If you're storing your boat for an extended time, we recommend covering it with a tarp. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it clean while in storage. Tarps and shrink wrap are relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by protecting your boat from the sun, wind, and rain.

Repair damages before storage

As the boating season closes, it's important to consider how you'll store your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and cause wear and tear on the hull.

For most people, storing the boat on land makes more sense. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. It would be best if you took the time to prepare your boat for storage properly. This means fixing anything that is broken, worn, or damaged. By taking care of repairs now, you can avoid long wait times and higher costs later. Plus, you'll be able to hit the water as soon as the weather warms up!

Double check your owner's manual

Many people believe that their insurance will cover any damage that occurs to their boat. However, most carriers only provide coverage for accidents and acts of God, not damages caused by a lack of maintenance. You could face a hefty repair bill if your boat is not properly winterized or stored.

Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model.

Prepare your boat to store

While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. Please consult with the owner's manual specific to your boat, but we recommend the following at a minimum.

Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. Besides cleaning your boat, this gives you time to discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. After cleaning your boat, apply a rust inhibitor to your steering and control cables.

Choose the right storage facility

Regarding boat storage, there are a few things to consider to ensure your boat is adequately taken care of:

  • First, you'll want to make sure the facility has proper security in place to deter any would-be thieves.
  • Next, you'll want to confirm that the storage unit is big enough to accommodate your boat.
  • Finally, you'll want to ask about the facility's policy on storing boats during inclement weather. This is important to know in case you need to make alternate arrangements for your boat in the event of a storm.

By taking the time to find a storage facility that meets all of your needs, you can rest assured that your boat will be safe and sound until you're ready to hit the open water again.

Being in the business since 2006, South Rock Storage understands the importance of finding the proper storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes.

The above tips on preparing your boat for storage are only recommendations. Make sure to consult your owner's instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to prepare your boat for storage.

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9 Surprising Self-Storage Uses You May Not Have Thought Of

Think self-storage is just for storing your extra stuff? Think again! Here are 9 self-storage uses for various purposes.

We all have a lot of stuff. Whether it's sentimental items we can't bear to part with or just plain old clutter, our homes can quickly become overwhelmed with excess belongings. And when that happens, we often turn to self-storage as a way to keep our things out of the way—but did you know that there are plenty of other uses for self-storage, too?Self-storage can be a great way to keep your things safe and organized, but it can also be used for much more than just storing excess belongings. Here are 9 surprising self-storage uses that you may not have thought of:1. Storing seasonal itemsIf you don't have enough space in your home for all of your seasonal items, a self-storage unit can be a great solution. 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8 Clever Climate Controlled Storage Ideas for a Small Home

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Our team would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Your life, safely stored.

Book your unit today!

If you are looking for an affordable storage facility with a clean atmosphere, top-notch security, and a friendly staff you've come to the right place.
FAQ

You have questions, we have answers.

When can I move in? 

If there is a storage space available that meets your specific storage needs you can move in anytime.

How much notice needs to be given before I move out? 

All contracts are month-to-month. However, we do require a 10 day notice before you move out.

What type of documentation do I need to provide in order to rent a space? 

We require a government issued photo ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

How do I make a payment? 

VISA, MasterCard and Discover (credit / debit) are the preferred method of payment. We also accept checks or money orders.

Are there any items that I am not able to store? 

Liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials and perishables. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding a specific item.

Does there have to be someone to let me through the security gates? 

No. At the time of signing you will be given your own security pass code that will allow you convenient access to your unit.

What forms of payment do you accept? 

For your convenience, we suggest signing up for automatic payments – using your valid credit card (VISA, Mastercard, or Discover) or debit card. There is no additional charge for this convenience and it avoids late fees. We also have a drop box for after hour payments.

Do I need to sign a long-term lease? 

No, we rent on a month-to-month basis unless the customer requests otherwise.

Do I need to bring my own lock? 

No. As part of the Move In process, a INSET lock is included with the small admin fee. This type of lock is nearly impossible to breach – and only you will have a key for it. In addition, you may double lock the door, if you prefer.

What are the office hours? 

Tuesday - Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Saturday: 9AM – 4PM
Monday, Sunday: CLOSED

We're conveniently located in Wichita, KS

8282 East Oak Knoll St.,
Wichita, KS 67207

Contact us

We're here to help you find the perfect unit.

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ready to assist you.

Office Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday: 9AM - 5PM
Thursday: 9AM - 5PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturday: 9AM - 3PM
Sunday: CLOSED
We look forward to speaking with you!
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