Boat people know—boat ownership is one of life’s great joys. There’s nothing quite like getting out on the open water, whether you’re a lover of watersports, an avid angler, or someone who just loves the sunshine and waves. Boats aren’t cheap, so protecting your investment is just plain good sense. One of the most important factors in protecting your boat is storing it effectively. The most effective boat storage idea for you will depend on the climate where you live, how often you use your boat, and what kind of budget you’re working with.
1. Spring for outdoor boat storage at a self-storage facility
Outdoor boat storage at a self-storage facility is one of the most popular and effective boat storage ideas since it’s very affordable, offers good accessibility to your boat, and has good security. This is less attractive if you live in a climate with harsh winters or particularly hot summers. Outdoor self-storage for boats is also a good option for large boats that may incur additional charges at marinas or may be challenging to fit in a garage or an indoor self-storage space.
2. Upgrade to covered outdoor boat storage at a self-storage facility
Some self-storage facilities offer an option for your boat outdoors but are covered with a heavy-duty metal cover similar to a carport. A metal cover provides solid shelter from the sun’s UV rays, rain, and other inclement weather, but your boat will still be partially exposed. Likewise, this option doesn’t provide any protection from extreme temperatures. Like other self-storage facilities, covered outdoor boat storage at a self-storage facility officers decent security.
3. Float your boat year-round in a marina slip
Some people who have marina slips choose to leave their boats in the water all year round. This is only appropriate in climates where the water doesn’t get too cold. Constant contact with the water—especially in saltwater—can degrade the lower portion of your boat over time. Mineral building, barnacles, and other sea life can damage your boat. If you take active steps to regularly protect and clean your boat, you can mitigate much of this risk. What’s more, owning a marina slip sometimes comes with fun lifestyle perks since the marina may have a clubhouse, social events, a restaurant, etc.
4. Discover dry-stacked boat storage
Boats are stored inside a warehouse in large multi-tiered structures with dry-stacked boat storage. They’re placed on the stack and removed by forklifts. This keeps vessels very well protected from the elements, and it’s excellent for security. You’ll generally just call ahead when you need your boat, and the storage facility will get the boat out for you. Dry stacked boat storage is typically cheaper than storing your boat in a marina, and you’ll save on trailer maintenance. The downsides are that some boat storage warehouses will limit the number of times you can remove your boat, and you may run into limitations on when you can access your craft. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find dry-stacked storage facilities outside of areas with many boats.
5. Preserve your boat in perfect protection in a self-storage facility
Indoor boat storage at a self-storage facility is a great option that’s readily available in most areas—in fact; it’s by far our favorite boat storage idea. Self-storage facilities will often have gated access, security cameras, and other useful security features and offer round-the-clock access to your storage unit. You should pay special attention to whether or not your self-storage unit is climate-controlled. If it’s not, you’ll still want to take precautions to protect your boat from extreme temperatures. Self-storage facilities are affordable for most boat owners, and they can extend the life of your boat by several years, making them an excellent investment.
6. Park your boat in your home’s garage
Tucking your boat away at home or in a garage is an excellent boat storage idea, especially in the winter. Despite the lack of climate control, garage temperatures tend to stay milder in the winter because they're attached to your home. Your boat will be protected from the elements, and you'll have ready access to your boat whenever you need it. Storing your boat in your garage avoids storage fees and the hassle of having to remove your boat from a storage facility. Of course, this does take up space in your garage, which may be inconvenient if you need that space for cars.
7. Stash your boat in a customized boat shed
Another effective boat storage idea is buying or constructing a boat storage shed. There's an upfront cost associated with setting up the shed, of course, but you won't have to pay for storage services after that. You'll have full access to the boat whenever you want it, and you'll be able to keep an eye on it actively. You can customize your shed to suit your needs depending on your climate, boat size, and security preferences—though, of course, there may be upfront costs associated with those customizations.
8. Park your boat in your backyard or driveway
Many boaters store their boat on a trailer in their yard or driveway, then cover it with a tarp or boat cover. This is one of the most convenient ways of storing your boat, but it also offers the fewest protections. This leaves your boat open to theft, and it will be open to inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Over time, you probably will see some degradation to your boat's upholstery, paint, etc. You may have problems with mold, mildew, and even pests—squirrels and other rodents sometimes make homes out of parked boats. If you choose to store your boat outside at home, you should properly take extra special care to winterize it during the chilly months, or you may suffer substantial ice and electrical damage. Essentially, it's a trade-off between protection and convenience.
9. Dock your ship in your own private boat slip
If your home has water access, opting for wet storage in your own private boat slip is a practical boat storage idea. The same concerns apply here as leaving your boat in the water year-round at a marina—wet storage can shorten your boat's usable lifespan. You'll need to be proactive about cleaning and protecting your boat to mitigate those issues. An ideal private boat slip setup will have walls on three sides and a roof to protect the boat instead of just leaving it tied up to a dock. If you use your boat often, it's hard to beat the convenience of instant access to the open water.
10. Get some elevation with a slip lift
A step up from a basic private boat slip is to install a slip lift, a device that can be used to raise your boat above water level. There are many types of slip lifts, ranging from basic and inexpensive options—even designs you can DIY—to more high-tech variations. A slip lift in your own private boat slip combines the advantages of storing your boat outside of the water with the convenience of easy access to both your boat and the water.
11. Stow your boat in your barn
If you have a barn on your property, that may be a natural place to store your boat. You're likely to have plenty of space to fit it, and it will largely protect the boat from the elements. Take care to prevent rodents and other potential critters from making their home on your vessel by using repellent products and keeping the barn and the boat clean. It's wise to keep your boat covered with a heavy-duty specialized boat tarp and remember that your boat is still susceptible to harsh temperatures when stored in a barn.
12. Have your boat professionally shrink-wrapped
If you store your boat outdoors on your own property, it's an excellent idea to have your boat shrink-wrapped. This option is for those who are storing the boat for the entire winter season. Professional shrink wrappers calculate the cost of wrapping your boat based on its size, but you can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars. When done correctly, shrink wrapping provides excellent protection against the elements and prevents precipitation build-up, which helps avoid issues with mildew and mold.
Proper boat storage will keep you on the water for years to come!
If you take care of your boat, it will continue to bring you and your family happiness for years to come. When in doubt, look for an indoor self-storage facility in your area—locations are widespread, and they're an effective option for virtually any boat. Take pride in the upkeep of your vessel, and you'll enjoy being out on the water all the more.