Which Type of Boat Storage is Right For You?

There are many different boat storage options, and the right one for you depends on factors like price, convenience, and protection from the elements.

Boat Storage

In a warehouse-style facility, boats are stored on racks that stack them vertically to save space. When you want to use your boat, you call ahead and a forklift pulls it off the rack and into the water for you. Rent a unit close to prime locations, with Boat Storage Owasso available to provide convenient storage options.

Indoor boat storage involves keeping your watercraft in a garage-like space at a self storage facility. This option is the most secure and offers the greatest level of protection from environmental damage. You may also find facilities that offer climate-controlled boat storage. Climate-controlled storage protects your vehicle from summer heat, harsh winter weather and extreme humidity, which can all cause major damage to the paint and upholstery of your vessel.

In addition to providing a space for your boat, indoor storage spaces often come with services like washing, waxing and detailing. These services help to keep your boat looking as good as new when you are ready to hit the open water again. You can also expect a convenient pick-up and drop-off service for your vessel when you are ready to use it again.

Some facilities that offer indoor storage will also allow you to store your boat trailer along with it. This is a great way to simplify your storage experience and make it more efficient. If you are going to choose this type of storage, be sure to ask about the size capacity of your vessel and whether it will fit in the available space. It is a good idea to have a boat cover or slip on your watercraft when it is in storage, regardless of whether you are using indoor or outdoor storage.

While indoor storage provides an excellent level of security and protection for your boat, it is generally more expensive than other types of boat storage. However, it is an excellent choice if your boat is a high-value investment.

Depending on where you live, your home or a fenced lot may be a suitable place for boat storage. However, storing your boat on your property leaves it vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, and it will require you to constantly tow it back and forth from the location of storage to your home and then to a boat ramp when you want to launch. In addition, you will need to have a dedicated spot on your property for parking your vehicle when it is not in use, which can be a challenge in urban areas with limited space.

High-and-Dry Storage

As its name suggests, high-and-dry storage keeps boats out of the water when not in use. This helps prevent problems like hull blisters, corrosion, and marine growth. It also helps prolong the lifespan of the boat and reduce maintenance costs. When choosing a high-and-dry storage facility, consider factors such as climate control, gated access, and security measures. Ensure the facility is large enough to accommodate the boat and any equipment or accessories that will be stored with it. Make sure that the storage area is well-lit and easy to navigate, and that all items are clearly labeled. This will help to cut down on the amount of time that is spent searching for items and reducing the risk of damage or theft.

This type of boat storage can be an excellent option for homeowners who are not able to store their boats on their own property due to homeowner association by-laws or city ordinances. It can also be an excellent choice for boat owners who are being kicked out of their marinas to make room for larger yachts, as this type of storage allows them to keep their boats in a protected environment that is easy to access.

The main drawback of wet storage is that it requires more maintenance than dry storage. It is also more susceptible to damage and wear and tear than a boat that is left in the water, and it may be more likely to experience problems such as marine growth. However, it can be convenient for frequent boaters who want to leave and return to the water on short notice.

Another option for boat storage is rack storage, which stores boats in a warehouse-style arrangement. In this option, vessels are stacked two to six levels high and moved in and out of the water using a forklift system. This type of storage is often preferred in areas with seasonal boating or where water-related issues are a common concern.

While it is possible to store a boat on your own property, many boat owners prefer the convenience of storing their boat at a public facility. Public storage options are available in many locations, and they can range from simple dock spaces to full-service, professionally managed marinas. These facilities can offer a variety of services to help boaters keep their boats in top condition, including cleaning, maintenance, and winterization. They can also provide a great alternative for those who are unable to find space to store their boat at home, and they may be able to offer better insurance coverage than private boat storage.

Outdoor Storage

Indoor boat storage is generally considered the best option for watercrafts because it provides the most protection from the elements and potential damage. It also typically offers the highest level of security and may include climate control.

However, this type of storage can be expensive and is not always available in locations near your home or boating destination. In addition, some homeowner’s associations have guidelines that prohibit the storing of large boats on private property.

High-and-dry storage is another option for those who want to store their boat off-season. These facilities operate in a warehouse-style setting and use lifts to stack boats on racks that are several stories high. Boats stored in this type of facility must be called ahead when they are ready to be launched, and most facilities have a standard wait time that can vary during busy seasons. Those who choose this storage option should remove all batteries and store them separately, as they can be damaged by extreme temperatures.

If you have enough room on your own property, parking your boat in your driveway or on a boat pad in your backyard is the least expensive option for long-term boat storage. This is also an easy way to access your boat if you need to prepare it for winter or perform routine maintenance and repairs. If you are going to store your boat on your own property, it is a good idea to invest in a hitch lock and other security features to prevent theft and vandalism.

Boats stored outside are exposed to many environmental elements, including UV radiation, rain, snow, wind, and temperature extremes. They can also collect bird droppings, dust, and tree sap, which can degrade the materials in the watercraft over time. If you choose outdoor storage, it is a good idea to protect your boat with a tarp or cover and regularly rinse it down to remove buildup.

Covered storage is a middle ground between indoor and outdoor boat storage. These facilities have roofs that provide protection from sun and rain, but they are generally open on the sides. If you choose this type of storage, it is a good idea to cover your boat with a tarp or a custom shelter to protect it from the weather and prevent debris from blowing in and damaging the paint and upholstery.

Wet Slip Storage

Whether you’re a seasonal boater or a full-time yacht owner, proper storage is essential to protecting your investment. The type of storage you choose should depend on your budget, the condition and value of your boat, and the climate where you live. Before renting a space or making any decisions, it’s important to visit potential facilities and assess the options based on your specific needs.

The simplest option is wet slip storage, which keeps your boat in the water at all times. This type of storage works well for boat owners who plan to use their vessel regularly, but it’s not ideal for those who want to go out on the water infrequently. It’s also not a good choice for those who want to store their boat for the entire winter or other long periods of time.

While wet slips offer some protection, your boat will be exposed to sun, wind, rain, saltwater, and other environmental factors. This may lead to damage, which can require costly repairs. In addition, wet storage leaves boats more susceptible to vandalism and theft. Fortunately, many marinas provide gated access and surveillance, which reduces this risk.

If you decide to store your boat in wet slip storage, make sure to treat any vulnerable surfaces like vinyl or fiberglass with a protective coating. You should also keep cabinets and drawers open to prevent musty odors and mildew from developing. Also, make sure to clean and wax your boat before storing it for the season.

Storing your boat in dry storage massively mitigates maintenance costs, but it’s not ideal for those looking to get on the water quickly. In fact, if you use your boat often, it’s likely more convenient to keep your boat in wet slip storage and simply trailer it to a launch ramp when you’re ready to hit the water.

If you’re considering dry storage, it’s best to seek out a facility that offers 24-hour access. This way, you can check on your boat at any time, including early morning fishing trips or late night cruises.