Since my old house will no longer be mine in a week, my boat is going from my heated garage to outside in the elements. What are some things I can do/buy to make sure it stays like new? I've got a real nice trailering cover that covers everything from between the water line and the rub rail on up. I've yet to even park it outside overnight yet, so this outdoor storage idea is kind of new to me. My trailer is in tip top shape in looks and mechanics also...what do I need to do about that?

Some folks swear by dryer sheets to keep out spiders.

Take the drain plug out and elevate the bow. If you have nest building insects in your area cover the water intake and exhaust ports of the motor.

Make sure you "dome" the cover so that water will not collect in a low spot and rip it.

Open up all the areas you can. Air that can circulate will not be as likely to create mold.

Fix good anti-theft devices to the trailer. If you want to block up the axle and remove the wheels.

Remove the prop so it does not get "liberated".

And after a rain, open the cover up (take it off) to let it dry out good, at least all the next day in the sun.

Flip seat cushions up, anything to avoid trapping water, let air circulate to dry everything.

I've used these vent/pole supports on our last 2 covers with good results... Vent Thingy
Air circulation is your friend...

I've heard that Sea Rays like to be stored in Southern California. I can put her right next to mine. Just leave me the keys so I can drain the gas tank.

Seriously, the only thing I can add to the other posts are those RV type tire covers.

ps You have great taste in boats.

Semper Fi 75

Like PH mentioned, a pole to raise/tent the boat cover will assist in water/rain run off and prevent pooling.

I use one like this propped up under the cover.



http://www.boatersworld.com/product/166480525msk.htm

Would I be better off just leaving my mooring cover on the boat by itself with the poles inside it, or should I also get a big tarp and throw it over the covered boat and trailer combo?

Some tarps do not breath at all, trapping moisture underneath. Do you like Scum Green as a hull color?

Like PH said, some covers do not breath.

If your mooring cover is of a breathable fabric (i.e. cotton, poly/cotton or sunbrella) that it should be OK.

(100% Polyester does not breath).

I would at least treat the cover with some 303 Fabric Guard, for increased or renewed water resistance. (If the manufacturer alloows it)

I don't know about your finish, but I wish I had the picture still on my computer of what ONE summer's Kansas sun can do to Red Jewel-glitterflake Gellcoat.

Turned it white and rough as 180 grit sandpaper. I'll never leave Lowrider outside more than a few days without a full cover on. Just long enoufgh to insure she's bone dry after a trip.

And covers for the tires are a good idea also. Sunlight is murder on rubber.

My advice would be to look for a place that you can store it indoors. We pay to keep ours stored indoors all year. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Ditto.

I think most of us would if we 'could'.....

Amen to that. But 115 a month sure is a lot more than 37 which is a ton more than the FREE I still have for a few more days still my old house sells...