Georgia summers are hard on boats—even boats you're actively using. Between trips, your boat bakes in 95°F heat with interior temperatures reaching 150°F+. The sun attacks gel coat, vinyl, canvas, and every exterior surface. Managing this heat and UV exposure protects your investment and keeps the boat enjoyable to use all season.

Interior temperatures: Even in shade, boat interiors reach 120-150°F during Georgia summer days.

What gets damaged:

• Vinyl seats (cracking, color fading, stitching deterioration)
• Dashboard plastics (cracking, warping)
• Electronics (reduced lifespan, potential failure)
• Rubber seals and hoses (hardening, cracking)

Direct sun exposure: Georgia averages 217 sunny days per year.

What gets damaged:

• Gel coat (chalking, oxidation, color fade)
• Canvas tops and covers (fading, weakening)
• Vinyl and plastic (breakdown, brittleness)
• Rubber (cracking, dry rot)

Georgia humidity: 70%+ much of the summer.

What gets damaged:

• Mold and mildew in enclosed spaces
• Corrosion on metal components
• Electronics (moisture damage)
• Fabric and carpet (musty odors, deterioration)

A roof overhead eliminates:

• Direct UV (the biggest threat)
• Direct rain into the boat
• Falling debris

What covered storage doesn't eliminate:

• Heat (still hot, just not as hot)
• Humidity
• Reflected heat and indirect UV

Cost: 25-50% more than outdoor, but provides significant protection for the prime damage season.

If covered storage isn't available or affordable:

Quality boat cover:

• Fitted or semi-custom (not universal)
• UV-resistant material
• Proper support to prevent water pooling
• Ventilation to reduce moisture buildup

Additional protection:

• Cockpit cover in addition to overall cover
• Reflective materials where possible
• Proper tie-down to prevent flapping (which causes wear)

Wet slip: Boat is always ready, but hull fouling accelerates in warm water, and summer storms pose risk.

Dry stack: Protected from water fouling, but launching coordination adds time.

Either option: More expensive than off-water trailer storage.

1. Rinse fresh water systems (prevents bacteria growth in heat)
2. Flush engine (especially after salt or brackish water)
3. Wipe down vinyl seats (UV protectant helps)
4. Check bilge (ensure it's dry)
5. Secure covers properly

1. Check on the boat (look for cover issues, unexpected problems)
2. Run bilge pump briefly (clears any accumulated water)
3. Ventilate if possible (open hatches briefly, then secure)

1. Thorough inspection
2. Check battery charge
3. Look for signs of pests or mold
4. Clean any accumulated debris

Georgia sun destroys canvas quickly.

Protection:

• Use canvas protectant regularly
• Store folded when possible (reduces exposure)
• Covered storage dramatically extends canvas life

Signs of deterioration:

• Fading
• Thread weakening
• Fabric becoming brittle
• Water no longer beading properly

Prevention:

• UV protectant application after every cleaning
• Covers over seat areas when stored
• Interior fans or ventilation to reduce peak temperatures

Signs of damage:

• Color fading (especially darker colors)
• Surface cracking
• Stitching deterioration
• Hardening of material

Prevention:

• Regular waxing (creates UV barrier)
• Wash to remove contaminants before they bake on
• Covered storage

Signs of damage:

• Chalking (powdery surface)
• Oxidation (dull appearance)
• Fading

Prevention:

• Remove portable electronics when not using
• Ensure proper ventilation around fixed electronics
• Cover screens to reduce direct sun exposure

Heat warning: Marine electronics aren't designed for sustained 140°F+ temperatures.

Heat is harder on batteries than cold. Georgia summers accelerate battery degradation.

Best practices:

• Check water levels frequently (heat evaporates electrolyte)
• Use a quality maintainer
• If boat sits for weeks, disconnect or remove battery
• Don't leave battery in direct sun if possible

Full tank vs. partial:

• Full tank prevents condensation but means more fuel exposed to heat
• Partial tank allows expansion but risks condensation

Best practice: Keep relatively full (3/4+) with fuel stabilizer if sitting more than 2 weeks.

Ethanol concerns: Heat accelerates ethanol-related problems. Use ethanol-free fuel if available, especially for storage periods.

Oxford RV Storage offers both outdoor and covered storage for boats on trailers. During Georgia's summer:

• Covered storage provides significant UV and heat protection
• The facility's gated access and security protect your investment
• Location along I-20 provides convenient access to Lake Oconee

For boat owners who use their boats regularly through summer but want protection between uses, Oxford's covered storage options are worth evaluating.