After a beautiful day out on Lake Travis, properly storing your boat is key to keeping it in top condition. Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned boater near Austin, knowing how to store your boat correctly can help prevent costly repairs, protect your engine, and extend the life of your vessel.
Conditions on Lake Travis, especially the central Texas heat, sun exposure, and debris, can wear down your boat a lot faster than you may expect. Following a consistent post-boating routine helps keep your boat properly maintained and always ready for your next day out on the water.
10-Step Checklist: How to Store Your Boat After a Day on Lake Travis
(Because new boaters—and even seasoned pros—sometimes need a friendly reminder)
1. Pumpout
Pumping out your boat’s holding tank should be done every time you put your boat up after a day on the lake. Learning how to use a pumpout station is an important part of boat ownership. VIP Marina on Lake Travis provides easy-to-use pump-out stations and a friendly staff eager to assist you. The average pump-out time for a 15-gallon holding tank is just a few minutes.
2. Throw out Food and Drink
Gather up food, drink, and garbage, then dispose of it immediately. You might be out on the water, but trust us… the bugs will find it! Likewise, the stench of that half sandwich left in the boat for a few weeks is not easy to get out.
3. Check or Change the Oil
The oil and filter are paramount to your boat. Without maintaining proper levels and viscosity, your engine will ultimately fail. Missed or late oil changes result in viscosity breakdown and premature engine wear. Check your levels before and after every outing, and carry a couple extra quarts on board – just in case.
4. Check Transmission Fluid
Transmissions in boats used for high performance undergo significant torque, stopping, and starting. We recommend proactive fluid checks after every outing and fluid changes every 250 hours of use.
5. Check Inline Water Filter
Waterways like lakes and canals can have grassy areas with muck and trash that can be sucked right into your inline water filter. It only makes sense to check the filter when you call it quits for the day. This will help keep your engine cool, and most are easy to see and clean.
6. Check Propeller
Inspect propellers of outboard and sterndrive boats for nicks, dents, and debris. Damaged props can cause vibration, reduced performance, and undue stress on bearings and seals. If you need to remove the propeller to pull out debris, be sure to inspect the shaft thoroughly and apply a liberal layer of waterproof grease to prevent corrosion and “freeze-up.”
7. Check Impellers
Ideally, impellers should be inspected every 100 hours of runtime. It doesn’t take much effort on most models to remove the lid and look at the blades – and possibly head off potentially expensive repairs.
8. Wash and Wax
Washing and waxing your boat after an outing is optional, but you should wipe it down with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water. This removes loose dirt and debris, allowing you to find any previously unseen minor damage.
9. Phone, Keys, and Wallet
It happens every season. Folks meticulously store their boat and walk all the way out to their vehicle only to realize they left their keys, phone, and wallet in the boat and under the cover. Do yourself a favor – put them on your person before you cover the boat.
10. Cover
Covering your boat during storage is optional but highly recommended. It not only protects it from the elements, but also serves as a deterrent for unsavory characters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Travis Boat Storage
Where can I find boat storage on Lake Travis near Austin?
Boat storage on Lake Travis is available at several marinas, with convenient options for both short-term and long-term storage. Many boaters near Austin choose VIP Marina for easy access, elite customer service, and reliable on-the-water services. VIP Marinas hosts five marinas on Lake Travis, including Northshore Marina, Sandy Creek Marina, Waterford Marina, and Jones Harbor Marina.
What is the best way to protect a Lake Travis boat from heat and sun exposure?
The best way to protect your Lake Travis boat is to use a quality cover, wipe it down after each use, and store it at a marina with proper facilities, especially those that offer covered wet slips or dry storage. Central Texas heat can be intense, so consistent care is key to preventing long-term damage.
Is it better to store your boat in the water or out of the water on Lake Travis?
Both options are common on Lake Travis, but it depends on your usage and maintenance routine. In-water storage offers convenience, while dry storage can reduce exposure to sun and water-related wear. Many marinas, like VIP Marina, offer options to fit different boating needs.
Reliable Boat Storage on Lake Travis Made Simple
Keep your boat properly maintained and ready for every outing. Explore convenient, secure storage options at VIP Marinas Lake Travis today.