Travel With Peace of Mind: Boat Storage Essentials
It’s great fun to own your own boat, whether you use it only at home or occasionally travel with it by towing it on a boat trailer.
Boat storage during travel
However, travel can be complicated for boat owners, whether you take your boat with you or leave it at home while you go on a trip, as in both cases you will need to decide where and how to store it.
With 11.77 million boats registered in the U.S., thousands of other boat owners face this conundrum each year.
But guess what? Finding quality boat storage doesn’t have to be complicated, and in this guide we will help you with it.
In this boat storage guide, we’ll cover:
– The benefits of boat storage
– Boat storage options
– Security features you shouldn’t overlook
– Tips for preparing your boat
– Expected pricing
Boating is an investment and protecting your boat when it’s not in use is a must. However, where and how you store your boat is a different story. Find out what you need to know about choosing a boat storage solution so you can hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.
Why boat owners should consider storage
The average boat owner only uses their boat 54 days per year, which means it sits unused for more than 300 days annually.
For boat owners who travel long-term, that number increases even further.
Leaving a boat unsecured and unprotected while away creates significant risks, including weather damage, theft, vandalism, pests, and general wear and tear, all of which are common when a boat is left in an open lot for weeks or months.
Proper boat storage provides the solution to these problems.
Booking your boat into a proper storage facility gives you peace of mind while you’re away. You no longer have to worry about your precious boat while you’re traveling.
The boat storage market is booming and for good reason. It was valued at $2.59 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach nearly $7.58 billion by 2032. The industry is growing by leaps and bounds as more boat owners realize professional storage isn’t just convenient. It’s necessary.
Boat storage options
Your boat needs shelter and protection while you travel away from home. But where should you store your boat while traveling?
Boat storage companies offer several types of solutions to meet your needs. Each boat storage option provides different levels of protection, so it’s important to know the options.
– Indoor Storage
Indoor storage is the most premium choice for boat owners who want maximum protection for their vessel while they travel away from home. A facility provides full shelter from all elements inside a dedicated building.
Indoor storage works great for extended periods, such as when you travel long-term.
Protection includes:
– Shelter from weather
– UV protection
– Theft prevention
– Pest infestation prevention
– Outdoor storage
Outdoor storage is the most basic and least expensive option. Your boat stays in an open lot that’s fenced and monitored by security cameras. Outdoor storage works great when you need boat storage nearby for shorter trips.
Outdoor storage costs less, but direct sun and weather exposure can still take a toll. Check with facilities about covered outdoor storage. Covered lots offer a middle ground by protecting against rain and UV rays.
– Dry stack storage
Dry stack storage has become increasingly popular in coastal areas. The boat gets stored on tall racks and inside a warehouse-type building. When you want to use it, staff lower your boat to the ground with a fork lift and either launch it into the water or attach it to your trailer for you.
This option saves time, money, and worry. You no longer have to spend time and gas launching your boat at the marina. Plus dry stack storage eliminates slip rental fees and hassle. You also don’t have to worry about bottom growth, barnacles, and hull damage when using this type of boat storage.
– Marina wet slips
Some marinas provide long-term wet slip rentals as an option for boat owners. Your boat stays in the water so it’s always ready to launch.
However, do remember that while you’re traveling, this extended water storage does mean extra maintenance is needed for your boat. Deal with marine growth and corrosion proactively before it becomes a major issue.
Security features you shouldn’t overlook
Boat storage facilities aren’t all created equal.
When it’s time to decide where to store your boat while traveling, security features are extremely important. Boats are a big-ticket item. You don’t want to come back from your trip and find it damaged or worse.
Look for boat storage facilities with the following:
– 24/7 video surveillance
– Gated access and individual security codes
– On-site security personnel
– Security patrols
– Motion-detection lighting
Check if the facility also provides individual storage areas that lock with keys or codes. This added security is not available at shared storage lots.
Climate and maintenance considerations
Climate is a major factor to consider when you’re thinking about boat storage while you travel.
Where you store your boat matters. If you’re traveling during the winter months, freeze protection becomes a concern. Storing your boat during summer months? Watch out for UV damage.
– Winter storage tips
Winterizing is the most important step when storing your boat during cold weather. Drain all water systems, add antifreeze, and provide freeze protection for the engine.
If you live in a cold climate, it’s worth the extra expense to pay for climate-controlled indoor storage.
– Summer storage tips
Hot, humid weather means different potential problems for your boat. The sun’s UV rays can crack and fade gel coat and upholstery. A covered or indoor facility is your best bet to protect your investment from the sun.
The best option for both summer and winter is climate-controlled storage. These facilities provide the best protection against climate extremes.
Tips for preparing your boat
As a boat owner, preparing for travel doesn’t just mean packing your bags; it also means ensuring your boat is in top condition while in storage. Before you store your boat, there are steps you should take to prepare it for storage while you travel.
Start by giving your boat a good, deep cleaning. Remove all food, beverages, and perishables. Leftover snacks are an open invitation to pests. Clean the hull, deck, and interior to prevent mildew and odors.
Next, take care of mechanical systems:
– Change the oil and filters
– Fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer
– Disconnect the battery and store it separately
– Fog the engine if you plan on long-term storage
Cover your boat with a breathable, good quality cover when finished. A cover prevents moisture build-up while still allowing airflow. This keeps dust and debris out too.
Cost considerations you should know
Let’s talk money. Boat storage costs depend on location, size of boat, and type of storage. Indoor climate-controlled storage in a major metro area will cost you big bucks. Outdoor storage in a rural location will be much more budget-friendly.
Prices can range from:
Outdoor storage: $50–$200 per month
Covered storage: $100–$300 per month
Indoor storage: $200–$500+ per month
Dry stack storage: $300–$600+ per month
Although it may be tempting to choose the cheapest boat storage option, it’s important to remember that any damage will cost far more in the long run. Boat storage is like taking out travel insurance for your travel destination. For peace of mind, it’s worth the cost.
Ask about discounts for long-term contracts or when you plan to store multiple boats. Many boat storage facilities offer these if you travel frequently and make use of their services often. You may be able to save hundreds over month-to-month pricing.
How to find a boat storage facility
The best approach is to address boat storage step by step.
First, make a list of local facilities near your home or travel destination. Visit each storage facility in person before making a decision. Remember than online pictures can be deceiving.
During your visit, look for:
– Cleanliness and overall organization
– Security measures in place
– Customer service and responsiveness
– Contract terms and cancellation policy
– Insurance requirements and recommendations
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable boat storage facility will answer all your questions and walk you through their processes.
Look for reviews from other boat owners online. This provides real experiences from actual customers to show how a company treats their boats and deals with issues.
Conclusion
Traveling is great fun, but that carefree mood can quickly be spoiled if you are constantly worried about your expensive boat at home.
Professional boat storage solutions provide the peace of mind you need to enjoy your travels without wondering if your investment is safe at home. You have several boat storage options to choose from. But remember to find a facility that works for your budget and meets your needs.
The cost of proper storage is well worth it compared to dealing with damage from the weather, theft, or pests. Boat storage industry is growing quickly, which means you have more options than ever before.
It’s important to do your research before you decide on a place where to store your boat. Visit the storage facility in person and ask the right questions. You also shouldn’t forget to prepare your boat for long-term storage, as it’s not just a question of leaving your boat behind and pick it up again when you return from your vacation. Only when you are fully prepared you can hit the road and travel without worry, knowing your boat is safe until you return.
