Summer boat storage

[Hollada]

If your boat doesn't fit in your garage, what do you guys do to protect the boat from UV damage / fading, security, etc.? 

[Manxfishing]

Dan,

My boat doesn't fit in the Garage
And my other boat didn't fit in there as well

But there's plans for a dog house on the back (need 4' more)
Plus I'm looking at a Canopy for the driveway. That and a good cover will keep the boat dry
and out of the sun.
http://www.acecanopy.com/canopy12x20-1w120.html

[dartag]

A good tight well ventilated cover with ratchet straps to get it tight.  My boat is 12 years old and has never been inside in the summer.  The sun is your worst enemy.  Also you need to get the boat dry after days fishing in the rain.  I use a shop vac to get as much water out as I can.  Then a blower under the cover to circulate the air.  Nothing worse than a stinky moldy boat.

My next boat will be a center console with no carpet.

Or you could find indoor storage but that costs some serious money.

[fiker]

I echo what Dartag said.  I teat my boat the same way.   My boat is 11 years old and still looks and smells good.

[32eml24]

When you say the sun is your worst enemy... does it really cloud up the gel coat or what? I have been contemplating a new boat and have wondered about this same issue.

[Manxfishing]

When you say the sun is your worst enemy... does it really cloud up the gel coat or what? I have been contemplating a new boat and have wondered about this same issue.

Yes the sun isn't good for the boat
Best to use it when you can and if it's sitting at home to keep it covered

[dartag]

The sun will cause the white milky haze on gel coat.  Good thing is it can be rubbed out with polish.  If you notice most center console boats that are primarily used down south they are white.  White gel coat does fade but it is less visible. Seat covers and carpet are really affected most by the sun.  I live on a big lake and see boats every year that sit out uncovered and the wear on them is amazing.  Funny thing is most of them have a nice new cover stored somewhere on the boat.  People are just to lazy to cover them.