The type of boat storage facility you choose depends on your budget, location, and the type and size of the watercraft. Boat storage facilities offer various options, including indoor, covered, and outdoor units. Here are some tips to help you choose the right style of boat storage at a facility:
Review Existing Boat Storage Options
Boat storage options fall into two broad categories: indoor and outdoor. Indoor boat storage units offer the most protection. The facility keeps your boat inside an enclosed unit with solid walls and locked doors. Since indoor units are enclosed, they may have limited space, making them suitable for smaller boats. Outdoor boat storage is more like a parking stall. Many boat storage facilities offer outdoor storage, providing adequate space for boats of all sizes.
Indoor Storage Options
If you choose indoor storage, you can keep the boat inside a warehouse or a self-storage unit. Warehouse or dry-stacked storage offers stacked shelves where you can keep your boat secure. The boats are stored inside a building in open compartments.
Indoor self-storage units are single-story buildings that you can access when needed. They can feature heated options to keep your vessel within optimal temperature ranges. The main benefit of indoor storage is that it provides a roof and wall around your boat, protecting it from rain, snow, and hail.
Outdoor Storage Options
Standard outdoor storage options include covered and uncovered units. Covered storage units feature a roof over your vessel to help protect it from the sun and other elements. Because of the top, covered units are limited in the size of boats they can store.
Uncovered storage units offer designated parking spaces in secure, fenced-in locations. The storage facility doesn’t provide a roof or structure around the boat, so you can store any size watercraft. You can also use wraps and covers to provide protection from the weather.
Determine the Right Storage Unit Size
Size is a significant determinant of the style of storage you can choose for your boat. The smaller your watercraft is, the more storage options you have. You can use indoor self-storage units, which offer different sizes, or opt for dry-stacked compartments.
Small units can store jet skis, small boat trailers, skiffs, and drifters. Larger drifters, fishing boats, runabouts, speed boats, small pontoons, and wakeboard boats can fit in covered storage units. Oversized boats that can’t fit in indoor or covered units can be stowed in open outdoor spaces. You can measure your boat on its trailer to help determine the right size.
Storage facilities can offer dock lifting slips for small and medium-sized boats. These docks lift the boat slightly off the ground to protect it from pests and running water. Remember to wrap the vessel with a slipcover to protect it from precipitation and other elements.
Other Things To Consider About Boat Storage Facilities
Marinas feature wet slip slots along the dock, so you can park the boat directly in the water. Direct parking in the water often requires extra upkeep and can be costly. Land-based facilities offer storage solutions with extra features and amenities, including ample space to conduct inspections and repairs. You can find facilities with climate-controlled units to protect your boat from humidity and temperature fluctuations. Some facilities wash and repair boats, deliver fuel, and offer launch services. You can use such resources and services if you need more time to work on your boat.
Store Your Boat Today
Choosing the right boat storage style requires finding a suitable space and protection level for your watercraft. You can compare boat storage facilities around your location to find one with the features you need, such as self-storage or convenient access. Choose a reputable facility with ample space for your vessel and a trustworthy team to monitor your boat.
