If you don’t have room for your boat at home or are concerned about securing it from vandalism and theft, there are several commercial options available. These include dry storage, which protects boats from the sun and foul weather.
Uncovered outdoor storage is the cheapest, but it exposes boats to harsh conditions. Warehouse storage and dry stacked storage are popular choices near bodies of water and offer structural protection. Learn more about Boat Storage as you continue reading.
Boat ownership is at an all-time high and many homeowners don’t have the space to store their boats in their driveways or yards. This is why outdoor storage is a popular choice. The benefits of at-home storage include avoiding the costly fees associated with a boat storage facility, and keeping the vessel protected from weather elements and pests.
At-home storage also allows boat owners to easily access their boats for weekend excursions or holidays. Using a boat trailer or docking system, they can drive their vehicle to their home, and then hitch their boat on the back for easy transportation to the water.
Another benefit of at-home storage is that it helps protect the boat from salt and other contaminants that can damage the hull, engine, and other components of the vessel. It is important to regularly clean the boat before storing it, and make sure that all food, beverages, and perishables are removed to prevent the attraction of pests. Lastly, a tarp should be used to provide protection from rain and snow.
Indoor storage is a more expensive option, but it offers optimal protection/coverage from the weather elements and is more secure than outdoor storage. It’s important for a facility to offer flexible contracts, as seasonal usage means varying demand throughout the year. In addition, providing value-added services, like on-site maintenance and cleaning, can help justify premium pricing and set the facility apart from competitors.
Aside from offering the right type of boat storage, it’s also critical to locate the facility in a convenient and visible location. Consider looking for properties that are ideally situated near popular bodies of water and marinas, as well as major roadways that allow for easy transportation to and from the facility. Additionally, it’s important to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure that the property is in compliance with legal regulations and environmental considerations.
While a complete guide to building your own boat storage business is ideal, some investors and entrepreneurs may opt to buy an existing boat/RV storage facility instead of starting from scratch. In this case, an in-depth evaluation of the facility, including its financial performance and reputation, can provide valuable insights into its potential for growth and profitability. In addition, implementing a reliable self storage management software can streamline operational efficiency and automate processes, helping to increase profits.
Marina Storage
Choosing home or marina storage for your vessel comes down to the amount of space you have available, your budget, and the level of safety and security you’re looking for. Keeping your boat on your property gives you the most access to it, but also leaves it vulnerable to the elements, vandalism, HOA hassles, and a loss of curb appeal. Conversely, a strategically-located marina offers a happy medium that provides formidable weather and theft protection along with a short drive to your favorite waterway, all for an affordable monthly fee.
At a marina, you’ll have your choice of wet slip, dry dock, or high-and-dry boat storage. Wet slips keep your boat in the water at the marina, making it easy to take her out on a moment’s notice. However, bobbing in the water leaves your boat prone to damage from salt, wind, and sun, which can wear away the gel coat and corrode metallic components.
Dry docking, on the other hand, lifts your boat out of the water after each use and stores it on a specialized docking system, keeping it above the waterline. This method minimizes the amount of sand and salt in your boat’s bottom, dramatically mitigating maintenance costs. At the same time, your boat will require more frequent hull cleanings.
Many marinas offer high-and-dry boat storage, which involves storing your vessel in a warehouse facility. Boats are stacked vertically on racks in long rows, either outdoors or indoors depending on the location. This storage option is popular for older vessels, but it can also accommodate newer boats that are too large for wet slips. The only drawback is that it can take awhile for your boat to be retrieved from the warehouse, which may require advanced notice and a crane or forklift.
The good news is that boat storage facilities generally employ a combination of amenities to provide the best possible boating experience, including showers, dining, exercise facilities, marine supplies and other services that will make your life on board much more enjoyable. In addition, most marinas also have on-trailer or dry stack boat storage options, which are ideal for part-time liveaboard boaters or those that don’t have the space to store a yacht at their own homes.
High-and-Dry Storage
If you’re a high-performance boat owner, dry storage is an important choice to keep your investment safe. High-performance boats are built for speed and agility, and regular water exposure can damage the engine, hull, and other components. Choosing dry storage protects your investment and ensures that your boat performs its best, so you can enjoy an exhilarating and safe experience every time you hit the water.
Dry storage is typically more expensive than wet storage, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Over the long term, it reduces wear and tear, lowers maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of your boat. Additionally, many insurance premiums are lower for boats stored in dry facilities.
With the right planning and site design, it’s possible to offer both wet and dry storage. By offering both options, your facility can cater to both occasional and frequent boaters. This helps you increase revenue and grow your customer base over time.
When choosing a marina or boat storage facility, be sure to inspect the area and speak with staff members about their experience and expertise. You’ll also want to ask about any special amenities and additional charges that may apply. For example, some facilities charge for every time a staff member docks or undocks your boat, which can add up quickly if you’re a frequent boater.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the facility offers a boat lift. A boat lift is a great way to protect your boat from weather-related damages and make it easier for you to access your boat. Additionally, a boat lift can help prevent theft and vandalism by keeping your boat off of the ground.
Finally, ask about the availability of fully-enclosed storage. While fully-enclosed storage provides a higher level of protection and security, it can also lead to increased humidity levels. If humidity is an issue, ask the facility if they provide climate control or ventilation to address the problem.
Open-Air Storage
There are several types of open-air boat storage. Some facilities feature a large field with a chain-link fence or partially paved or concrete stalls, while others offer roof-only structures that cover the vessels. This type of storage is typically cheaper than indoor options, but it leaves boats exposed to weather elements and pests that can shorten their lifespan. If you opt for this option, make sure your boat has a canopy, is shrink-wrapped or otherwise protected when it’s in storage.
Some homeowners’ associations forbid boat storage on driveways or in the street, driving owners to look for alternative options. Many of these owners turn to a nearby boatyard for storage. While these options aren’t as clean or convenient as a storage facility, they offer more flexibility to those who frequently use their boat and need a place to park it after returning from the water. Boatyards are often less expensive than a marina or high-and-dry storage, but you’ll need to prepare your boat for winter and make arrangements with a repair service before storing it.
Another alternative to open-air storage is covered parking, which strikes a balance between cost and protection. These spaces feature a roof that covers the boats but leave them exposed on all other sides, much like a carport. Unlike indoor storage, however, covered parking spaces aren’t equipped with climate-control options, making them less appealing for those looking for an enclosed space.
Depending on the size and value of your boat, your location, and what types of recreational activities you enjoy, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each boat storage option before selecting the one that’s right for you. Once you’ve settled on a storage location, it’s time to consider how you’ll maintain your vessel between uses. In order to protect your investment, you’ll want to keep up with routine maintenance and make sure all of the parts are in good condition. In addition to regular tune-ups, you’ll also need to keep up with the cleaning and waxing of your vessel. This process isn’t as simple as sweeping up and mopping, so you’ll need to invest in the best equipment and chemicals to maintain your boat’s beauty and extend its life.