What Type of Boat Storage is Right For You?

Store your boat at a premium storage facility located close to pristine waterways. Enjoy the best of both worlds – wet slip convenience, high-level security, and 24/7 access – all for an affordable monthly rate.

Boat Storage

When storing your boat for an extended period of time, make sure to run antifreeze and fuel stabilizer through the entire system. Also, remove the battery before storing to prevent damage from extreme temperatures and moisture. Contact (918) 504-0720 for specialized services.

Boat/RV storage has been a driving force behind the growth of the self-storage industry. As a result, this niche market has attracted many new investors looking to capitalize on its potential. However, there are a few key factors to keep in mind before investing in this sector of the industry.

The first factor to consider is location. It is important to find a site that is close to a body of water, national park, or campground as this will attract potential customers. Then it is necessary to determine the demand in the area and what type of storage unit will be needed to meet that demand. This is where a feasibility study can be beneficial.

Another important factor to consider is the security of the facility. Boats and RVs are expensive assets and need to be stored in a secure environment. This is why it is vital to have a well-trained security staff at the facility. This will help to deter criminal activity and provide peace of mind for the customers.

Storing boats and other water vessels in a self-storage facility will also free up space in a garage or side yard, which can be used for other purposes. This can be particularly helpful during the winter when it is not possible to store a boat outside.

Depending on the type of boat that will be stored, there are a variety of different storage unit sizes available. For smaller boats and jet skis, a 10×15 unit will likely be sufficient. Larger boats may require a 10×20 or 10×30 unit. A good rule of thumb is to measure the height of the boat on its trailer to determine which size unit will be needed. Then, take into account the amount of gear that will be stored with the boat as this can affect storage capacity. Lastly, it is a good idea to consider using hooks or shelves to store equipment and accessories, which will increase storage space and help to organize the unit. This will help to minimize clutter and make it easier to find items when it is time to use them again.

Boatyard Storage

Rather than building your own boat storage facility, you can consider buying an existing one instead. When making this kind of purchase, ensure you carry out thorough due diligence on the business to assess its financial performance, customer base, and facilities for a more informed buying decision. This will also allow you to confidently explore opportunities for business expansion and improve your chances of a successful boat storage operation.

There are several types of boat storage facilities, each offering unique pros and cons. The right one for you will depend on your budget, preferences, and boat’s characteristics. Some options include storing at a marina, a private storage yard, an indoor “high and dry” warehouse storage facility, or self-storage.

When choosing a boat storage facility, look for a facility that prioritizes security. It should have a range of security features, from cameras to fences and perimeter lighting. Additionally, a reputable facility will have trained staff that patrol the premises and handle security incidents.

In addition to providing a secure environment for boats, boat storage facilities should also provide additional services for their clients. This can include pick-up and delivery services, boat detailing and cleaning, winterization, and more. These additional services can help boat owners save time and money, as well as make the storage process less stressful.

Many boaters choose to store their vessels at a private yard or in a garage for cost-efficiency reasons. However, these methods are not ideal for long-term storage. Over time, salt water, microorganisms, and chemical traces can cause damage to the fiberglass, metal, and upholstery. This can lead to flaking paint, rust, and other issues. This is why it is important to consider a long-term storage solution when deciding on where to park your boat.

Having a dedicated boat storage facility is the best way to ensure your vessel stays in top condition. By avoiding harsh outdoor weather elements, you can significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of your boat. Additionally, storage at a facility offers a happy medium between home and marina storage, allowing you to access your boat without paying extra fees every time you dock or undock.

Indoor Storage

As the name suggests, this type of storage keeps a boat entirely indoors and offers optimal protection against weathering. Indoor boat storage often includes climate control options and may cost more than other forms of boat storage. However, a fully enclosed space can offer peace of mind to boat owners and can extend the life of a vessel astronomically compared to outdoor storage.

Some boat owners choose to store their boats in a garage at home, which provides security and convenience at no additional cost. Another option is a boat stall at a marina, which offers similar convenience and security. This form of boat storage, however, relies on the operating hours of a marina and requires advanced notice to have your boat retrieved from the stall or pulled off a rack with a marina bull.

Other forms of indoor storage include high and dry boat storage. Typically, marinas with high and dry storage will keep your boat up on a rack in their facility. This way, they can quickly pull your boat from the warehouse with a forklift and return it to the water after each use. High and dry storage is more expensive than other forms of indoor storage, but the quick access can be worth the extra expense.

Finally, some marinas will allow you to do your own maintenance on your boat in their facility with high and dry storage. This allows you to save on a boat lift and can reduce the amount of time spent handling your vessel by other workers at the marina. However, it is important to be aware that these types of facilities still leave your boat vulnerable to the elements and will require you to wash your vessel after each use.

Overall, indoor storage is the most ideal option for protecting your boat from the elements. However, it can be a bit more expensive than other forms of storage, and you may need to hire professional maintenance technicians to do services on your boat when it is stored at a marina. When looking for a facility to store your boat, be sure that it looks clean and well-maintained, with plenty of boats that are in good shape and not covered in dirt and grime.

Outdoor Storage

Outdoor storage is a form of boat storage that provides a space for vehicles, boats and heavy equipment to be stored outdoors. It is a great option for people who do not have space or do not want to pay for the upkeep of an indoor storage facility. It is generally less expensive than indoor storage, and it can provide better protection from the elements. Some outdoor storage facilities also offer covered parking, which can further protect vehicles from the weather.

The main benefit of outdoor storage is its ease of access. Unlike indoor storage units, outdoor units have direct 24/7 access, which means that you can drive right up to your vehicle or boat whenever you need to. This can be a real lifesaver when you are planning on a last-minute getaway or need to do maintenance work on your vehicle.

Another key benefit of outdoor storage is its scalability. Industrial outdoor storage (“IOS”) facilities are typically designed for high throughput, and can be adapted to accommodate variable inventory volumes. This can be particularly important for logistics and distribution companies who may experience seasonal fluctuations in demand.

In addition, outdoor storage can also help reduce costs for businesses. Compared to traditional warehouse space, IOS can be much cheaper and more flexible, which can be a major advantage for businesses that need to scale up or down quickly.

Additionally, many outdoor storage spaces are located near transportation hubs and highways, which can reduce transit times and fuel costs. Lastly, IOS can be a more cost-effective option than indoor warehouse space for shipping and logistical firms that need to store large inventories of goods.

Before storing your boat for the winter, be sure to clean it thoroughly and remove all items from the vessel, such as personal belongings, fenders, boat lines, watersport boards, and paperwork/documents. If these items are left on the boat, they can become damaged or contaminated by mildew over time. Similarly, it is important to properly shrink wrap your boat before storing it for the winter. Oftentimes, marinas will offer a package deal on shrink wrapping, cleaning, and winterization, which can save you time and money.