Long Term Storage

[blu]

Hi all, Been off line for some time so could be on the wrong thread, but here goes. Looking for info /advise on preparing a boat for long term storage, as I've never done it before. What to use to flush and prep engine, fuel tanks, water tank treatment, can we stop the mould or at least slow its progress..etc. Looking at Port Stephens area in oz.. so temperate climate coming onto winter, fibreglass boat, diesel tank (80ltr), be there for 9 months. Already insect screened all openings, need to slow corrosion etc. Any help gratefully accepted.

[JPA Cate]

blu:

We had to leave the boat in a bit of a hurry for last year without knowing how long we'd be gone, but knew over 6 months.

We packed away everything we could. We took off the genoa and staysail, and would have removed the main, if we could have stored it below decks (long story there). We left tanks as they were. And were fortunate to have a friend, Weyalan, from CF, who came to the boat every so often, opened her up, ran the engine, and generally checked on things.

When we got back, here's some of the things we realized we should have done...

1, chafing gear for where the dock lines go around the dock cleats--in Noumea, people use flip-flop "jandals" for this.... We had two nylon lines chafe through, some 12 mm, some 14. Not all the way through, but one or two strands. May be age-related. But (here's an opinion coming, watch out), do not trust silver line for a long time unattended. Silver line is made from recycled grocery bags: polyethylene. Nylon is stronger for a given size, and IMO, lasts longer, too.

2, take everything susceptible to UV damage below that you can.

3. make rope bags to protect the greater part of your lines.

4. We had severe fender cover chafe. I've replaced three of them, and some damage to the topsides paint, where the fenders rubbed...Those covers were old, and made of track suit material (cheap from Spotlight in those days). New ones are polyester canvas.

5. Another thing, if you're not already aware of it, empty the toilet bowl, and then refill with fresh water. If you leave salt water there, it will smell bad.

6. close through hulls, unless needed for bilge pumps to be able to pump out rain water.

7. Wipe everything down with vinegar before you leave, the residue will discourage mildew for a while.

8. Generously deploy cockroach baits. And take off all foodstuffs. Leave the refrigerator open to the air, but without pressure on its sealing gasket.

9. Leave horizontal surfaces clear, so that a quick wipe with a sponge cleans off all the air-grunge that comes in. Leave dorades open for ventilation.

Pre-wash and bag up all non-skid materials you may use on horizontal surfaces, so they're ready to go upon your return.

10. If you have drop cloths, place them over the berths, so that you can whisk them up and everything underneath is clean for you. Just mop the cabin sole, and all's clean, bunks ready to go, etc. when you return laden with boat gifties.

I'm sure I've left something out, but it's a start.