Storing your boat is one of the important decisions that you need to plan. Since this will can affect your boat’s condition, you also need to make sure that your boat is safe during winter or the stormy season.
This article will discuss the types of boat storage and what kind is best for your boat’s needs.
TYPES OF BOAT STORAGE
There are two major types of boat storage, you can choose between indoor and outdoor storage:
Outdoor Storage units – most boaters choose outdoor storage since they’re close to the water and are more affordable compared to other storage. When it comes to outdoor storage, you have the option to place your boat on facilities or store them in your property.
This is also considered a great opportunity to keep an eye on your boat and to check its condition from time to time. But since your boat is stored outdoor, there’s a potential for damages – especially during the stormy season – or when thieves are lurking nearby.
Indoor Storage units – the best benefit of indoor storage is that it will protect your boat from sun exposure and foul weather. the best benefit of indoor storage is that it will protect your boat from sun exposure and foul weather. Indoor storage units also offer great protection from vandals and thieves since some facilities have their security.
The downside for this is you only have limited access to your boat since you need to drive there if you want to check your boat’s condition.
WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY BOAT?
There are plenty of boat storages to choose from. Whether you’re looking for indoor storage or outdoor storage, wet or dry storage, we’ve listed all the possible storage options where you can safely place your boat.
Outdoor Storage Units
Boat Slips
Boat slips are outdoor storages that can be seen in marinas, these are the spaces where you can park your boat directly in the water. They feature walkways (per boat that divides each vessel so they won’t bump into each other) and roofs to protect your boat from direct sunlight.
Boat Lifts
oat lifts are used to keep your boat dry even if they’re parked in the marina. In simple words, they will lift your boats out of the water to protect and your boat from rough waves, algae, and corrosion.
Boatyard Storages
Boatyards are usually located near the water while some of them are attached to marinas. In this case, boats are stored outdoor but sometimes, some boatyards have roofs, lifts, or trailers to add protection to your boat.
Outdoor Self-storage
If you’re on a tight budget, you have the option to store your boat in your driveway or yard. This will not only save you money but will also give you direct access to your boat.
Outdoor self-storage can be risky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment to protect your boat. Also, make sure that your boat trailer is secure so it won’t roll on the streets if there’s a storm.
Indoor Storage Units
Indoor Marinas
Most boaters choose indoor marinas when storing their boats because of their great benefits when it comes to security and maintenance.
Since marinas have provided safe storage for many boats, they’re used to give the basic needs of your vessel. When it comes to security, most marinas have locks on their gates, video surveillance, and employees to take care of your boat.
Indoor Self-storage
If you don’t store any vehicle in your garage, you can simply store your boat in there. It’s It’s a great storage area especially during winter because it lets you save money and gives you plenty of time for maintenance checks.
CAN YOU PUT A BOAT IN A STORAGE UNIT?
As mentioned earlier, you have the choice to place your boat in a storage unit especially if you don’t have any free space at home. A storage unit can cater to all sizes of boats and will assure you that your boat is safe since most of them have securities.
WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO STORE A BOAT?
Of course, the cheapest way to store your boat is if you place it in your home but if that option is not available, you can look for affordable outdoor facilities. And before placing your boat in your chosen storage unit, make sure that they can take good care of your boat. Check if they have a great service and facility that can protect your boat from weather and boat thieves.
If you have a budget, you can place your boat at the marina since they’re more convenient and safer than other boat units. Marinas can handle your boat properly since they’ve accommodated plenty of boats throughout the year.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STORE A BOAT AT STORAGE?
The price of boat storage may vary depending on your location and boat size. Generally, indoor boat storage ranges from $50 to $200 per foot while outdoor boat storage ranges from $20 to $50 per foot. This payment should be made per season.
Having your own trailer can also affect the storage cost especially if you’re planning to place your vessel in outdoor storage. You’ll only be paying a small fee for leaving your boat and trailer in a local marina since you don’t need their towing service.
CONCLUSION
Deciding where to store your boat is a huge task since it can affect your boat’s condition. Though most boaters wanted to look for cheaper storage, it’s also important to invest and look for boat storage that can keep your boat safe from any harm.
Where do you store your boat? Share us your boating storage experience and comment below.