Many boat owners rely on either wet or dry storage to keep their watercrafts ready for the action. Other boaters use their own driveways, while others seek storage facilities near lakes and other bodies of water.
Some facilities offer a combination of indoor, garage and outdoor parking spots that can protect boats from harsh weather conditions like hailstorms and ferocious cyclones. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Boat Storage.
An indoor storage solution is the most ideal option for boat owners, as it protects their boats from harsh weather conditions that can cause damage over time. This includes rain, snow, and wind that can scratch the surface of your boat or blow debris around it. Indoor storage also protects your boat from UV rays that can fade its color and weaken the structure of your boat.
Indoor boat storage facilities typically have units that are designed to fit different sizes of watercrafts, from personal watercrafts to large boats. Some of these storage units have climate control and other amenities that can make the space more comfortable for storing your boat and its accessories. They can also provide access to equipment like air compressors, hoses, and ropes for easy retrieval.
Another benefit of indoor storage is that it keeps your boat away from dust and other debris, which can help reduce the amount of maintenance work that needs to be done on your vessel over time. This can extend its lifespan and increase its resale value. Additionally, your boat will be out of the sight of thieves and vandals, which can also decrease the risk of your watercraft being stolen or damaged.
Some marinas have dedicated indoor storage spaces for boats that are available to rent for a small fee, which is ideal for those who don’t want to store their boat at home. However, this type of storage can be inconvenient and may require a long drive to get to the lake. Other storage options include a private garage or shed, which are typically not large enough to accommodate larger boats and may not be secure against the elements.
Some storage facilities use a more advanced approach to indoor boat storage by using rack elevators to transport vessels into and out of storage. This type of storage can be expensive and inconvenient for those who want to retrieve their boat quickly, but it is still an excellent alternative for those looking to protect their boats from the elements and keep them safe from theft or vandalism.
Outdoor Storage
If you don’t have a garage at home, or your driveway isn’t large enough to safely store your boat while it’s not in use, you have several outdoor storage options. For example, you can rent a drive-up self-storage unit, which offers secure access to your vehicle any time during business hours. These units are ideal for smaller boats and jet skis, which require less space than a larger boat or sailboat.
Other facilities offer outdoor parking or vehicle storage, which are more affordable than a traditional storage unit but still provide some level of protection from weather and UV rays. These locations typically have solid walls and roofs, so you don’t have to worry about the elements damaging your boat. However, you’re still at risk of rodents and birds making their way into the space. Plus, you’ll have to invest in a breathable boat cover if you choose this type of storage.
Another outdoor option is a dry stack storage facility, where you park your boat up on a rack with other boats. These storage locations are usually run by marinas, and they typically offer a range of boating services, including maintenance, cleaning and repairs. They’re also more convenient than storing your boat at home because they often have shorter waiting times for trailer pickup and drop off.
Those with plenty of land can also create their own boat storage area, assuming they meet local regulations and have the proper equipment. For instance, you can park your boat on a large concrete pad or in your backyard with a trailer, but it’s important to remember that this method of storage is unsecured and leaves your boat exposed to potential damage from severe weather, theft or vandalism.
Alternatively, you can use a site like Neighbor to find someone willing to store your boat on their property for the off-season. This service matches hosts who have extra space with boat owners looking for cheaper and more convenient boat storage than their own home or garage. Neighbor has customers in all 50 states, so you’re sure to find a boat storage host close to home.
Dry Dock Storage
If your boat is not regularly used, it may be better to store it out of the water. This will protect your boat from the elements and reduce the amount of wear and tear it experiences. Exposure to saltwater can lead to flaking paint, rusty metal, and other small issues over time. If you store your boat in a dry dock, these problems can be eliminated.
In a dry dock, boats are kept off the water on racks or cradles that allow for easy access when it is time to use them. These structures are designed to prevent water damage to the boat hull, and they can be covered or open. This type of storage is popular in areas with seasonal boating, and it can be a good alternative for those who cannot store their boats in their driveways due to homeowner association rules or city ordinances.
Some marinas offer floating dry docks that are like big platforms that can hold the rounded bottoms of boats in place when they are not in the water. Floating dry docks can be filled with air or water to create buoyancy. When a boat is ready to be launched, the marina staff will pump the water back out of the compartments and the floating dry dock sinks.
Floating dry docks can also be used for temporary storage while repairs or preparations are made to the boat. They can also be used to store boats that are too large for traditional slips or those that have been removed from the water due to weather or other reasons.
Another option is dry stack storage, which involves storing boats vertically on rack systems that can be up to six levels high. This method of storage is usually covered and temperature controlled, and it can be a good option in places with climates that experience both warm and cold weather.
When choosing a dry storage marina, it is important to consider the cost. Most facilities charge fees each time a staff member has to dock and undock a boat, and this can add up over time. Additionally, the constant handling of boats can generate dust and soot that can cover stored boats.
Commercial Storage
When boat owners don’t have enough space to store their boats at home, they need safe, professional storage. That’s where commercial storage facilities come in. They offer a variety of boat storage options for all budgets and seasons, ensuring that each vessel is protected from the elements and ready to go whenever its owner needs it.
Some of these facilities are located right on the water, which allows boat owners instant access to their vessels. Others offer outdoor storage on racks that are elevated above the ground to reduce the risk of damage from falling debris or tree limbs. Indoor storage provides additional protection from the elements and can include climate control.
The best boat storage option depends on a variety of factors, including the climate where you live, how often you plan to use your boat and the size of the vehicle. Most people, however, prefer to have immediate access to their boats. If your area has a warm, temperate climate, an outdoor storage facility may be the best choice for you. It can also be less expensive than indoor storage.
Other options for boat storage include “dry” storage and marina storage. Dry boat storage means keeping the boat out of the water when not in use, which can be done in a facility that has racks for each vessel or in a warehouse where boats are stacked in rows. In general, these facilities have lower costs than a dock rental and require less space than indoor boat storage.
Many marinas provide both wet and dry boat storage, which is a popular option for some boat owners. In some cases, the boat owner pays a monthly fee to have their boat slipped in the water when they are using it and to have the boat moved back to shore for off-season storage. The marina also takes care of the launching and retrieving of the boat, which is convenient for those who don’t have a trailer or don’t want to spend the time preparing their own docks and ramps.
If you’re thinking about starting a commercial boat storage business, consider conducting a feasibility study to identify the unique needs of the market. This can help you design the facility with customers in mind, which will increase the likelihood of success for your company. You can also look into using a self storage management software to streamline operations and improve efficiency.