As the days of summer start to wind down and you bid farewell to the fun of the water, you want to be sure you find a trusted and secure Hawthorne storage facility in which to keep your precious vessel safe. Research will help you understand what steps to take in order to properly prepare your boat for seasonal storage. But instead of the same boring old list with tips on how to be successful, here are some ways to make sure you will NOT keep your boat in tiptop shape while it is tucked away in self-storage: First, do not clean your boat at all. If anything, leave it as dirty and gross as possible. Less work for you to do! Also, any dirt buildup will cover possible cracks or damage, so you don’t have to bother with pesky repair jobs. Leave the gas tank empty so that the condensation really builds up. It will only hurt a little. Keep the battery connected. Don’t check for signs of corrosion. Do not empty the boat’s water tanks or pipes, so there is a better chance of freezing when temperatures dip. Completely avoid the mess of “fogging” your engine if you have an inboard motor. Who needs a protective barrier for the engine? Bring on the rust! Do not cover your boat or its wheels. Cracks and fading on your vessel are a good way to build character and add some charm. And little critter friends will need a place to go when it’s cold! (For good measure, leave those little guys some food out-they will get hungry.) Make sure to choose a local Hawthorne boat storage facility with no security cameras, no gated access and absolutely no inside storage. This particular location should be poorly taken care of and have a history of break-ins. Your boat may be one of your biggest investments, your prized possession, and your family’s summer retreat. If you want it to last a long time, do not follow the list above. If, however, you have an endless flow of cash and you don’t mind buying a brand new boat every season, the tips listed here are perfect (hey, it’s sure beats all the work it takes to winterize!). Call or visit today to learn more about our boat storage solutions. US Storage Centers 14680 Aviation Boulevard Hawthorne, CA 90250 (424) 571-9833