TIPS FOR TOYS

Asset Storage provides a safe and secure self-storage environment in a clean and well-managed facility. Our customers know that we are a company that will help with their short or long term storage needs. As an interested host we want to help make your stay with us as pleasant and trouble free as possible. To that end we have created this page where you will find helpful suggestions that you can use to better protect and enjoy your recreational equipment and other stored possessions.

WINTERIZATION

Here in our Southeastern paradise it's hard to imagine that we might need to winterize our boats and RVs; after all, with the beautiful winter weather here in the Cape Fear area, we can use them year round. But if you think about it even a few hours of temperatures in the 'teens' will freeze small amounts of water that can play havoc with your favorite toy. Over the next few months Asset Storage will be offering some helpful hints or reminders for newbies and old salts about protecting your boats, RVs, cars and don't forget PWCs. We want to help make your stay with Asset Storage as pleasant and trouble free as possible.

Seven Common Winterizing Mistakes:  

1. Failure to winterize the engine. Temperatures drop below freezing in all of the United States during the winter, but here in the Southeast  because of our temperate climate and extended boating season we are less likely to properly prepare our engines for freezing temperatures.
2. Using Bimini tops as winter storage covers. Bimini tops are meant to provide cover from the sun and aren't designed to protect a boat from winter water. These fair-weather covers will fail prematurely and offer little protection for your boat. Consider the use of a “shrink wrap” covering system or tarps to keep rain out of your vessel. Ensure there is good ventilation under the covers to reduce corrosion or fungal damage to the boat.
3. Failure to close seacocks. Boats being stored in-water should have their seacocks closed. Follow good management practices for maintenance of thru-hull fitting, ensure connecting hoses are in good condition, hoses are double banded to barb hose fittings, and seacock valves are well exercised. If there are no seacock valves connected to the thru-hull fittings, the boat shouldn't be stored in the water for the winter. The only exception to this rule are cockpit drains.
4. Clogged petcocks. Petcocks for engine cooling systems can be clogged or blocked by rust. Petcock drains may be cleared with wire from a hanger or removed for more through cleaning. Severely corroded petcocks should be replaced.
5. Failure to properly protect auxiliary water systems and holding tanks. Even a short dip into the 'teens can result in damage that will show up later as balky or leaking valves, broken, pumps, leaking tanks and lines, etc.
6. Failure to protect the bilge pump, a little water here can do a lot of damage. Too late when you realize your taking on water off shore and your bilge pump is not at its best. Don't forget to remove your drain plug and store it where you will be reminded to reinstall before launching. 
7. Failure to drain water from sea strainer on larger boats and lower drive units on outdrives and outboards. While taking steps to properly winterize your boat engine, take time to address your seawater strainer or drive units as well. A small amount of water left in the strainer can freeze and damage seals. Small amounts of water left in nooks and crannies in the lower drive units will freeze, expand and can crack your drive housing. Damage won't be obvious until the spring when water starts to flood the bilges or overheating occurs due to a shortage of cooling water.

Some Useful Websites:

PWC  

Thanks for your interest, and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help with your storage needs.