Wondering where to store your boat? Different types of boats may require certain boat storage solutions, but they typically fall into two categories: dry boat storage (out of the water) and marina boat storage (in the water). Check out pros and cons of various indoor and outdoor boat storage options to determine the best boat storage solution for you!
Indoor Boat Storage Options
By storing your boat indoors, you get the bonus of additional security and can help keep your boat protected from pests, snow, ice, and other severe weather conditions. Read on to learn about the different types of indoor boat storage.
Home Garage
A convenient and affordable summer and winter boat storage option, keeping your boat on your property is a go-to solution. In addition to providing cover from UV damage, attached garages absorb heat from your house, which helps prevent damage from sub-zero temperatures. As an added bonus, you won’t need to pay boat storage fees or experience the hassle of driving to a facility to check on your boat. However, choosing to store your boat at home also means sacrificing valuable storage space that could otherwise be used for cars, lawn mowers, seasonal decor, and more.
Dry Stacked Boat Storage
This indoor boat storage solution keeps your boat covered from snow, wind, rain, and UV rays inside a warehouse. These facilities store multiple boats at a time, which are stacked and removed with forklifts. Not only does this dry boat storage option offer good security features, but it’s a great option to save money on trailer maintenance and is less expensive than keeping your boat in marina storage. Dry stacked storage facilities also handle the heavy lifting of retrieving your boat—so all you have to do is call ahead to request they take it down! Just make sure to check if there’s a limit to the number of times you can take your boat out of storage.
Vehicle Storage at a Storage Facility
Did you know indoor vehicle self storage is one of the best ways to protect your boat? Indoor boat storage at a self storage facility is a great option if you don’t have access to dry stacked storage or garage space. Self storage facilities are located throughout the nation, so it’s easy to find an available storage unit near you. Some enclosed boat storage units may even feature solutions like climate control to help keep your boat in a more consistent storage environment—or drive-up access to make picking up and dropping off your boat easier. However, inside boat storage can be more expensive than other options, so keep your budget in mind.
Outdoor Boat Storage Options
A great budget-friendly way to store your boat is outdoor boat storage! Depending on where you’re located, there are several different ways of storing a boat outside. Keep reading to learn more about your options!
At-Home Trailer
For a simple boat storage solution, you can store your boat on a trailer in your driveway or along the side of your house. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your boat and be able to access it whenever you need to. Not only is storing a boat at home convenient, but it also allows you to avoid paying storage fees. As with any outdoor boat storage option, you should prepare for potential damage from pests, weather, and outdoor elements. Security is also not as tight with this option, so make sure you’ve got anti-theft measures in place. If you belong to one, check with your HOA, as they may not allow you to park a boat in your driveway or may have specific requirements for storing one at home.
Outdoor Boat Storage at a Self Storage Facility
If you live in an area where the weather is fairly mild throughout the year, uncovered outdoor boat storage is an affordable option. Not only does outdoor parking at a storage facility make it easier to store boats of all sizes—but it also provides more security than simply storing in a driveway at home. Most self storage facilities have security measures in place to help protect vehicles parked outdoors, such as electronic gate access, video surveillance, and on-site resident managers. While this is typically the most cost-effective paid option, it does leave your boat vulnerable to UV damage and pests.
Covered Boat Storage at a Self Storage Facility
By storing your boat in a covered outdoor storage space, you reap all the benefits of uncovered parking storage while getting the added bonus of some weather protection. Many facilities will have reliable outdoor covered parking spots that can accommodate boats of many sizes. While outdoor covered boat storage is typically more cost-effective than indoor boat storage, this storage option is not as common and can be harder to come by.
Storing Your Boat in a Marina Slip
If you’re looking for convenient boat storage, keep your boat at a marina! Wet storage is ideal for boat owners who live in an area where temperatures don’t fall below freezing. Unless you own the entire dock, you’ll need to purchase a boat marina slip, which is similar to a parking space. Boat slip rates vary depending on your location, often priced according to the length of your boat. With this boat storage option, you won’t have to worry about getting a boat trailer, and can start boat season as soon as you’re ready! Some boat marinas offer electrical hookups and other amenities, but security can be minimal. You must be aware of aquatic pests that can spread throughout the marina, and keep up on maintenance as a precaution to pest invasion.
Storing Your Boat on a Boat Lift
No need for a trailer—boat lifts at marinas are a great way to keep your boat dry and easily accessible. There are three types of boat lifts: floating, suspended, and bottom standing. The right choice for you depends on whether your dock is fixed or floating, how deep the water is, and the local climate. However, boat lifts may not handle extreme weather well, leaving boats vulnerable to flooding, aquatic pests, and other elements. Because of this, they tend to be best for short-term boat storage rather than a long-term solution.
How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage
Regardless of where you decide to store your watercraft, you’ll need to prepare your boat for storage to help preserve its condition. For those living in climates that get cold seasons, be sure to winterize your boat before storing.
Indoor Boat Storage Preparation Tips
For indoor boat storage, prioritize protection from moisture and pests. Always remove the battery, and maintain it with a trickle charger. Protect the boat with a cover or shrink-wrap, and fill and flush systems with antifreeze. You’ll also need to check with the facility about fuel tank requirements for fire prevention.
Outdoor Boat Storage Preparation Tips
Boats that are stored outside need more intensive protection, as there are more opportunities for damage from the elements. Invest in a good waterproof cover—though shrink-wrapping is highly recommended to guard against moisture and mildew. If not on a trailer, support your boat with boat stands or make sure the boat lift is secured. You’ll also need to properly winterize your boat systems with antifreeze and fuel stabilizer if you’re in a less-than-moderate climate—in addition to sealing entry points to prevent pests. Finally, be sure to regularly check on your boat during off-seasons.
Boat Storage FAQs
What are the types of boat storage?
The two main types of boat storage are wet storage and dry boat storage. Wet storage keeps your boat in the water, while dry storage is on land.
Where can I store my boat?
There are many boat storage options, such as in a marina slip, in your garage, or at a self storage facility. Extra Space Storage has facilities all around the country so you can find affordable boat storage near you.
Can you store a boat in a storage unit?
Yes, storage units can be used for boat storage! Extra Space Storage offers enclosed garage-like units, outdoor covered parking spaces, and outdoor uncovered parking spaces for your boat.
How much does boat storage cost?
Boat storage prices depend on the type of storage, how long your boat will be in storage, its size, and how in-demand storage is in your area. At Extra Space Storage, our boat storage options range in price from $45 to an average high of $237 per month, depending on the size.
How can I prepare for winter boat storage?
There are many ways to prepare your boat for the cold months—such as cleaning it, treating the fuel systems, removing the battery, and applying a cover.
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Need to store a boat? With helpful storage amenities like climate control and drive-up access, Extra Space Storage offers outdoor, indoor, and covered boat storage options throughout the nation. Find boat storage near you!
