Should You Store Your Boat With the Motor Up or Down?

Should You Store Your Boat With the Motor Up or Down?

Properly storing your boat motor is essential for its longevity and performance. This guide offers tips on avoiding corrosion, freeze damage, and ensuring your motor stays in top shape for the next boating season. Docked fishing boats with outboard and inboard motors in a harbor, illustrating considerations for storing a boat with the motor up or down.

Properly storing your boat is critical for maintaining its condition and extending its lifespan, especially when it comes to the motor. Storing your boat motor in the right position can protect it from various environmental elements, reducing the chances of long-term damage. Whether youโ€™re a seasoned boater or just getting started, knowing whether to store your motor in an upright position or tilted down can make all the difference for your outboard motorโ€™s health and performance.

Motor care goes beyond location. Whether your boat is in a driveway, dry stack, or moored in a marina, storing the boat with the motor up or down affects key components like the powerhead, propeller, and exhaust. With the right approach, youโ€™ll prevent corrosion, freezing, and wear that could shorten the life of your engine.

Why Motor Position Matters During Boat Storage

When you store your boat, where you put the motor is key. It keeps it safe from harm. Choosing to store the motor up or down affects its health and how well it works later. Proper boat storage involves more than just finding space; it includes taking care of your motor to ensure longevity and prevent damage.

Protection From Corrosion, Freezing, and Drainage Issues

The risk of corrosion is heightened in saltwater or damp conditions. Leaving the motor in the wrong position can lead to the accumulation of rainwater, leading to rust or barnacle growth in the prop hub and exhaust system. 

The lower motor unit, including the prop shaft and trim hydraulics, is especially vulnerable to corrosion. If water remains trapped in the lower unit, it can freeze and crack, potentially damaging the cylinder, propeller, or even the entire rig.

Storage ConditionMotor PositionBenefit
Saltwater or Damp EnvironmentsUpReduces risk of corrosion
Cold ClimatesDownAllows for complete drainage, preventing freezing damage

Reducing Stress on Transom and Mounting Hardware

The motorโ€™s position also impacts the transom and mounting hardware. Storing the motor in a way that eases stress on these parts can prevent damage. For example, storing the motor up can ease pressure on the transom, which is good for boats on land or trailers.

Knowing these points is important for boat owners. It helps them decide the best way to store their boat. By thinking about the storage place and the boat type, owners can pick the best motor position to keep their boat safe.

When to Store the Motor Up

Boat owners need to know when to store their outboard motor up. This choice affects its performance and life span, mainly in certain weather conditions.

Outboard Motors in Saltwater or Damp Conditions

Storing your outboard motor up is wise for boats in saltwater or damp areas. Saltwater harms metal parts in the motor. Keeping it up reduces water damage.

Damp places, like high humidity or near water, can cause corrosion and electrolysis. Electrolysis happens when different metals meet in saltwater, speeding up corrosion.

Preventing Lower Unit Corrosion and Electrolysis

The lower unit of your motor is at high risk for corrosion and electrolysis. Storing it up helps by keeping water away from these parts.

Storage ConditionMotor PositionBenefits
Saltwater or DampUpReduces corrosion and electrolysis risk
Dry ConditionsDown (for some models)Ensures complete drainage of cooling system

Storing a boat with the right amount of fuel in the tank is crucial for preserving its motor. Whether you store it with a full tank or an empty one can affect how well the motor performs when itโ€™s time to use it again. The decision on fuel storage impacts how well the engine is protected during the off-season.

When to Store the Motor Down

Storing your boat motor down is a good idea in some situations. It helps keep the motor running well and lasts longer. But, itโ€™s not always the best choice.

For Full Drainage of Water From the Cooling System

Store the motor down if you want to drain all water from the cooling system. This is key in cold places where water can freeze and harm the engine. Storing it down lets any water drain out, avoiding freeze damage.

In Covered or Dry Storage Environments

Storing your boat in a covered or dry place makes storing the motor down okay. These places have less risk of water or harsh weather. So, itโ€™s safer to keep the motor down.

Storage ConditionMotor PositionReason
Cold ClimateDownPrevents freeze damage by allowing water to drain from the cooling system
Covered or Dry StorageDownSafe storage as the risk of water accumulation is minimized
High Humidity or SaltwaterUp (as discussed in Section 3)Prevents corrosion and electrolysis

Choosing the right boat storage unit size ensures your boat fits well and is protected. The dimensions of the storage unit should match the size of your boat to avoid any unnecessary strain on its structure.

Additional Factors to Consider

Your boat storage plan should fit your unique situation. The motorโ€™s position is key, but other factors also matter a lot. They can affect your boatโ€™s engine life and performance.

Climate and Temperature Conditions

The weather in your area is important for boat storage. If it gets freezing temps in winter, you must protect your engine and other parts from damage. Proper winterization is key in colder climates.  If it gets freezing temps in winter, you must protect your engine and other parts from damage.

  • In cold places, keep water out of the engine and bilge to stop ice damage.
  • In warm or humid areas, fight corrosion and salt damage to your boat.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Storage Scenarios

How long you store your boat changes your storage plan. Whether itโ€™s for a short-term or long-term period, your preparation and storage will differ.

  • For short-term storage, you donโ€™t need to do as much, but still secure and protect your boat from the weather.
  • Long-term storage means more prep, like draining fuel, fighting corrosion, and keeping it dry and covered.

Trailered vs Docked vs Lifted Boats

Where you store your boatโ€”trailered, docked, or liftedโ€”affects your storage plan. Each method has its own needs to consider.

  • Trailered boats need a good trailer and secure storage in a dry place to avoid damage.
  • Docked boats must be tied down well to protect against waves and water level changes.
  • Lifted boats should be in a well-kept lift and checked often for any issues.

Proper preparation is essential when storing your boat for both short-term and long-term periods. The necessary steps will ensure that your motor and other components remain in good condition. Consider preparing your boat for storage beforehand as part of your overall storage plan

Manufacturer Recommendations and Best Practices

Storing your outboard motor right is key to keeping it running well and under warranty. Each maker has its own tips, based on their motorโ€™s design and tech.

What Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda Recommend

Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda lead in outboard motors. Their advice is a good starting point for boat owners. Mercury says to tilt the motor up to keep water out of the lower unit.

Yamaha also suggests tilting the motor, but more for saltwater use to avoid corrosion.

Honda tells owners to check their manual for storage tips. This advice can change based on the engine model and type.

Here are some key takeaways from the manufacturerโ€™s recommendations:

  • Mercury: Mercury advises flushing and rinsing an outboard after each saltwater use to clear corrosive saltwater and remove salt residue, preventing corrosion.
  • Yamaha: Store the motor in a tilted position, specially for saltwater use, to reduce corrosion risk.
  • Honda: Consult the ownerโ€™s manual for model-specific storage instructions.

By sticking to the makerโ€™s advice, you can store your outboard motor right. This keeps it running well and lasts longer.

Final Thoughts

Proper boat motor storage is essential for maintaining your motorโ€™s longevity and performance, especially when considering factors like corrosion and freezing risks. Whether youโ€™re storing your motor in saltwater or cold climates, understanding the best practices for motor positioning can save you time, money, and potential damage.

At RecNation, we understand the importance of keeping your boat and motor in top condition. Our secure and flexible boat storage solutions offer peace of mind, ensuring that your vehicles and equipment are safe from the elements. 

Whether youโ€™re storing your boat for the season or need a long-term solution, RecNation provides tailored storage options to meet your needs, keeping your boat ready for the next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does storing the motor up prevent rust?

Yes, storing the motor up can help prevent rust, especially in saltwater and damp conditions. It reduces exposure to moisture that leads to corrosion.

Can I leave the boat motor down on the trailer?

Itโ€™s not recommended to store the motor down on the trailer, as it can put pressure on the transom and mounting hardware. A motor support or transom saver can help reduce stress.

How do I prevent marine growth on my outboard motor?

Flushing the motor after each use and using an anti-fouling coating on the lower unit will help prevent barnacle buildup and other marine growth.

Should I store my motor with the propeller installed?

Itโ€™s best to remove the propeller during storage to prevent damage and to reduce the chances of barnacles and other marine growth accumulating on it.

Is it necessary to flush the motor after each use?

Yes, especially after using your boat in saltwater. Flushing the motor with fresh water will help prevent corrosion and remove salt and debris.

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