Re: Bought a boat that's been in storage for years
N2B, <br />I would recommend cleaning out all the debris You can with a shop-vac. Then check all of the drains in the floor etc. and clean out anything that might be caught up in them preventing water from getting to the back of the boat. Remove the battery. Tilt the trailer up so that the bow is in the air and wash the boat inside and out with warm soapy water and brushes (carpet and all). Check again that all drains are flowing freely and that all of the water is coming out the bilge drain. Rinse everything down and towel dry whatever you can reach. Get way down into the folds in the upholstery, etc. Put fans in the boat to help dry out the carpet and compartment areas you can't reach. Getting everything nice and dry is important!<br /><br />Now that the real filth is gone you may detail the boat as you like with vinyl conditioners etc. I found out on my boat that Armor-All scrubbed into the carpeting really improves it's color! It makes it a little slippery though.<br /><br />Since you had mice in your boat you should check over your wiring wherever you can see it to find out if they chewed any of the insulation off, motor too! Test all accessories to be sure they work properly. Charge up battery and test it, or buy a new one.<br /><br />Inspect the rest of the boat for damage or worn/broken parts and make note of it so you can prioritize any repairs you may need to do.<br /><br />Check the trailer tires out, service the bearings, check the lights, check to be sure the hitch coupler works properly. Check emergency chains. (More specifics available in the forum's trailer section.)<br /><br />Read posts in the engines sections of this forum regarding start-up procedures (very important) and/or ask questions there.<br /><br />If you have ratty old PFDs toss 'em. Buy enough new ones for each person in your boats capacity plus a couple of throwables. Have good ropes, an anchor, a paddle.<br /><br />Read your area's boating regulations. Check into insurance. Find manuals if you can.<br /><br />Hang around here, there are a lot of great ideas from smart people!
