Protection from Theft: Boats are high-value assets, making them a target for theft. California consistently reports thousands of boat thefts annually, but Derrel’s gated facilities and 24/7 surveillance significantly reduce these risks. Weather Shielding: Exposure to Bakersfield’s intense summer heat and occasional winter rains can cause wear to your boat’s hull, upholstery, and mechanical components. Our covered storage spaces help mitigate weather damage, preserving your boat’s condition. Trailer-Friendly Spaces: Our spacious lots are designed to accommodate boats along with their trailers, so you don’t have to worry about extra storage logistics. Outdoor boat storage, particularly in areas with extreme sunshine, temperature swings, and unpredictability, can cause a number of problems that diminish its look and performance. Parking your boat outside when it's not in use can seem like a good idea at the time, but leaving it exposed to the elements for too long can cause expensive damage. Lack of protection from elements like sunlight, rain, and severe temperatures can hasten the deterioration of a boat's many parts. To make educated decisions that ultimately prolong the life of their boats, boat owners should be aware of the hazards of storing their vessels outdoors and the benefits of indoor options. Sunlight is one of the most damaging elements that can damage a boat kept outside. Over time, a boat's gel coat can fade and disintegrate due to the extreme harshness of ultraviolet rays. The degradation of the protective gel coat exposes the fiberglass underneath, making this fading a serious problem rather than a mere aesthetic one. Sunlight deteriorates vinyl and other synthetic upholstery, seats, and dashboard components as well. Cracking, peeling, and discoloration might result from prolonged exposure, necessitating interior repairs at an earlier than anticipated date. Left unattended in the sun, even wood floors and trim can dry up and become brittle, which can cause warping or structural flaws.
Moisture is an additional major problem for boats left outside, on top of the impacts of sunlight. The accumulation of precipitation in a ship's hull increases the likelihood of mold and mildew development inside the vessel's various compartments. Leftover water in a boat can freeze and expand in colder areas, causing fiberglass and other materials to break. Seals, hatches, and other structural parts can be weakened by the frequent freezing and thawing cycles. Standing water can cause further damage if drainage systems are clogged with leaves or debris. When water gets into the fuel lines or electrical connections, it can cause corrosion and eventually compromise the engine's performance.
Serious long-term implications can also result from leaving a boat in the sea instead of storing it on land. Accumulation of marine flora, including barnacles and algae, on the hull can lead to an increase in drag and a decrease in fuel efficiency. Propellers, outboard motors, and through-hull fittings are metal parts that are particularly vulnerable to corrosion. In example, saltwater speeds up corrosion, which necessitates more regular maintenance and expensive repairs. Another issue that might develop from being in the water for an extended period of time is hull osmosis, which occurs when water seeps into the fiberglass and gradually weakens it. To avoid these problems, keep the boat dry when it's not in use, and you'll have to fix fewer things and keep it running well.
Leaving a boat outdoors also raises concerns about safety. Storing a vessel in an open, easily accessible position greatly increases the likelihood of theft and vandalism. Theft of expensive electronics like navigation systems, radios, and fishing gear can occur even when a boat is securely locked and covered. Damage from vandalism, whether deliberate or caused by natural disasters, can be expensive and insurance may not always pay for it. For added piece of mind and to drastically lower the likelihood of theft or damage, choose a safe storage option that offers surveillance and controlled access.
Although outdoor storage may appear to be the most convenient and economical choice at first glance, the advantages of indoor storage significantly surpass the first expenditures. A better ownership experience is enhanced by keeping a boat dry, lowering maintenance requirements, and guaranteeing security. Whether you use your boat sometimes or all year round, storing it in a clean and dry place will keep it in good shape and ensure that you may enjoy it for a long time to come.