Heated v Cold Storage


kai330

kai330

Member
We're looking into heated storage at our Formula dealer in northern, MI this winter, as opposed to cold. We have quotes for both. Even taking into account the reduced cost for prep work with the heated, it is still a grand or more.

Both storage options are inside.

Is heated worth it? And why or why not?

Thanks!
 
Well, I've been in heated for the last 7 years. Problem is that I still "winterized" because they are not liable for damage if it gets too cold.

This year I've finally got smart and I am moving to cold inside storage....saving a ton of money.

So, is there an advantage to heated...I think ONLY if you have a ton of work to do over the winter, other than that I think it is not worth it. I don't think the boat really cares :)
 
Inside storage out of the elements is all you need to worry about. Temperature really does not matter as long as you are winterized. Just make sure critters like cats or raccoons cannot get into the storage building. If so, prepare your boat by sealing off all openings, but leave windows open and have good ventilation.
 
I believe there is actually an advantage to let the boat get below "the freezing point of water" (to avoid confusion between dig C and F)

If there is any moisture at all in the fabrics/mats of the boat, and of cause there is some, in a warm storage the fungi and bacteria and what ever can keep growing.
If cold enough the grow will stop, and potentially kill of the bad growing things.....

I you keep the boat in warm storage, a good idea would be to place a moisture meter inside the boat and check on it from time to time.
For that matter, also one on the deck, to see what boat storage climate you are paying top dollars for.
 
Wow - I learn something every day? But of course I would have 1,000 more questions :)

But interesting concept for sure!
 
Michael S said:
I believe there is actually an advantage to let the boat get below "the freezing point of water" (to avoid confusion between dig C and F)

If there is any moisture at all in the fabrics/mats of the boat, and of cause there is some, in a warm storage the fungi and bacteria and what ever can keep growing.
If cold enough the grow will stop, and potentially kill of the bad growing things.....

I you keep the boat in warm storage, a good idea would be to place a moisture meter inside the boat and check on it from time to time.
For that matter, also one on the deck, to see what boat storage climate you are paying top dollars for.
Click to expand...


I had not thought of this. It looks like we will do the heated storage, but I will acquire some moisture absorbing packs to place in the boat. I also think it best to leave the portlight windows open so fresh air can circulate through the screens.

Thanks.
 
I keep mine in heated storage. Radiant heated floor. Dry Heat! about 60 degrees during the winter. I put moisture absorbers in the cabin and they barely have any water in them by winters end. When I kept it outside and shrinked, i had to empty the water out every month or so.

Saves money on winterization if you know the heat has a backup system if electric was lost. If no backup then you should still winterize.
 
Castines said:
I keep mine in heated storage. Radiant heated floor. Dry Heat! about 60 degrees during the winter. I put moisture absorbers in the cabin and they barely have any water in them by winters end. When I kept it outside and shrinked, i had to empty the water out every month or so.

Saves money on winterization if you know the heat has a backup system if electric was lost. If no backup then you should still winterize.
Click to expand...

Gotta love radiant floor heat. We have it in our home and garage, powered by geothermal, and our total cost to heat, A/C is under $1000/year.

Our storage place has backup generators and temp alarms, so I think we'll be good with heated.

What type of moisture absorbent do you use?
 
Good info Michael S! If your inside storage that doesn't go below freezing is is better to leave the canvas up or take it down? I'm inside but I didn't know heated was an option. Do they let you have parties on the boat? Can you keep the systems running and hooked up. I like this heated thing.
Clueless ???
 
clueless said:
Good info Michael S! If your inside storage that doesn't go below freezing is is better to leave the canvas up or take it down? I'm inside but I didn't know heated was an option. Do they let you have parties on the boat? Can you keep the systems running and hooked up. I like this heated thing.
Clueless ???
Click to expand...


Sweet idea, boat parties in the winter.

Our heated storage will be in an insulated pole barn. We'll cover the boat loosely and leave the portholes open for air circulation and put moisture absorbers in the boat.
 
There are basically two ways of drying out a boat or RV.
-Keep the fresh air flowing, open up the port holes, doors and hatches.
This works if the ambient air is dry enough.

-use moisture absorbers. (chemical or electric condensation absorbers.)

To combine those doesn't work as well as one might think.
What will happen is that the absorber will try do dehumidify all the air circulating in the boat.
You will collect a lot of water from the circulating air, to no use.

If using moisture absorbers, close off all air circulation!
In that way the absorber can do its intended job with the moisture INSIDE the boat,
not having to fight moisture in the ambient air circulating through the open doors and hatches.
 
Just a tip for anyone winterizing their boat. One of the best ways to keep your headliner from sagging, mold growing and keeping it dry is go to Home Depot or similar and pick up a real dehumidifier. They are like 225 bucks and you can use it year after year. Put it downstairs after you pull the boat out close the cabin all up and let it do its job for a week or two. You will be so surprised how much moisture it will extract from all the different materials and you will be dumping gallons out of the dehumidifier tank.

Use if for like 2 weeks until it stops pulling water out and then shut her down till the spring. Once spring rolls around and the temps are going up and down (if you are outside) plug it back in and it will dry it all back up again and it will be fresh for the season.
 
No electric at all allowed in my inside storage. Not even to charge the batteries.
So much for the party!! :'(

Clueless ???
 
That I will do!!! There is a guy at the marina that has one of those house ones in the boat and it pulls alot of water and really dries out the boat. He lleaves it on from sunday night until tuesday afternoon. It does well in there. The dehumidifier in the boat (with the ac unit) sucks.
Clueless ???
 
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