Storage Suggestions for my Zodiac FC-470

[F470]

Unfortunately my garage is not heated and it is extremely small so storing the boat indoors while inflated is not an option. My remaining options are: 1. Rolling it up and storing it and the motor in my non heated garage. 2. Storing the boat and motor outdoors in a covered plastic tent. 3. Storing the inflated boat in the tent and the motor in my I heated garage. This is in OR/WA so it gets down to about 32F/0C at night. What option is best for the boat & motor?

[captnjack]

The mice will have a field day of the fabric outdoors under cover. I'd roll it up and store it on saw horses or something like that inside away from mice and squirrels.

[jyasaki]

If you're not often below freezing, nor for long, I wouldn't worry too much about the motor, aside from making sure water doesn't pool in it.

Agree with Jack on storage, unless it's on a trailer, in which case I'd say outside in the tent would probably be OK (unless your tent is in a field or something.) Some sort of rodent repellant would probably be in order in either case.

jky

[Squid Boat]

Do you have the Mil spec bag it came in? I have stored my Avon CRRC for a year inside the field bag with a couple ''Bounce Fabric'' sheets in the garage.
Then once a week I let my 18lb Bengal cat come in to play while I work.

Cheers, Don

[F470]

I think I will roll it up and store it in my garage. I don't have the original storage bag, I wish I did! Anyone have one for sale? It would be on a trailer in the tent but I think I am more comfortable having it in my garage. I was just wondering if its bad to store it rolled up for months at a time.

[SIBRider]

I'm storing mine uncovered inflated without engine under carport outside. Removed fabric cover specifically to make it less inviting for rodents and such. They need place to hide. Rolling up and storing it's just rodent hotel. With very holly results. Learned that with couple airbeds and old seaeagle inflatable I've inherited.
Can't imagine moderate temperatures of Portalnd winter being of much concern. They use those boats on icebreakers and Alaskan cruises, let alone research stations in polar regions. Water itself most likely is colder than air during Portland winter most of the time.

[clloyd]

A good well fitting vented cover made out of Top Gun material makes a huge difference.

I kept my racing sailboat on trailer in OR weather and snow every season and it was perfect the next season. Sun and water out, air ventilating inside.

If it can go in the garage rolled, your best bet.

[jyasaki]

What is "Top Gun" material? (aside from random F-14 model footage)

jky

[clloyd]

This stuff.

Sailrite stocks TopGun

Waterproof and excellent sun resistance. Makes great covers for wet weather.

[F470]

I picked up a boat cover by Taylormade. Trailerable Semi-Custom Boat Cover - Inflatable Sport Boat w/Motor Hood. Size: 14’5 - 15’4. 76” Beam. It fits the FC-470 perfectly.