Boat Storage
Find Boat Storage Near You
Looking for a secure, well-lit, and affordable place to store a boat? Renting a self storage parking unit is a great option for storing a vehicle, especially large recreational vehicles like a boat.
Types of Storage for Boats
Self storage facilities that offer boat storage typically have one or more of these options available: indoor storage, covered parking, and outdoor boat storage in the form of a parking space. Continue reading below to understand the advantages of each type of boat storage, including convenience, affordability, and the protection that each type of self storage parking unit offers for your boat storage needs.
Indoor Boat Storage
What is the most protective boat storage option available? We would suggest considering indoor storage. Traditional storage, such as a drive-up self storage unit, provides a space that functions like a garage, allowing you to back your boat into a storage unit on a trailer. Self Storage Units Nearby network of facility properties offers a variety of self storage unit sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your boat storage needs. But this option may only fit the needs of those with smaller watercraft since most of the self storage units range in size from 10 x 20 to 10 x 30. There are a few exceptions to the rule, of course. So please be sure to call the property where you are looking to store your boat at to get the full measurements of their storage capacity and unit door sizes.
Covered Boat Storage
With a roof to protect your boat from the sun and other elements, covered vehicle storage falls between indoor and outdoor self storage boat parking options. It’s more affordable and offers a bit more space than an indoor self storage unit, but it offers more shelter than standard outdoor vehicle storage. This extra shelter could make it easier to park your watercraft since there are no walls or doors to worry about hitting while parking your boat.
Outdoor Boat Storage
The most common self storage parking option for boats is an outdoor parking/storage unit. At a self storage facility, this basically equates to parking your boat in an outdoor parking spot while providing you with optimal space available for larger boats.
Storage Unit Sizes for Boats
If you’ve decided that indoor boat storage is the best option, the next step is to figure out the correct self storage unit size you’ll need for storing your boat. Here are a few options;
10×15 Storage Units
A self storage unit as small as 10×15 can be used for several types of smaller boats and other water vessels, such as a jet ski. Be sure to measure the dimensions of your boat trailer, not just the boat itself. Jet skis, skiffs, and small drifters would be ideal sizes for this size unit.
10×20 and 10x30 Self Storage Units
Most boats that can be stored indoors will need a 10×20 or 10×30 self storage unit. Before picking a self storage unit, please take the time to measure your boat on its trailer to see which size you’ll need. Keep your boat’s height in mind as well. Most self storage units are about eight feet tall, which means that taller boats may need to be stored outdoors or in a covered parking space. Boats that would fit include 14 to 24-foot fishing boats, runabouts shorter than 24 feet, small pontoons, speed boats under 24 feet, and wakeboard boats (with tower removed).
Outdoor and Covered Parking Sizes for Boats
Outdoor and covered parking provides flexibility for any size boat. Covered parking or vehicle storage has a few limitations, especially regarding height. However, these options can usually work for boats that might be too large to fit inside of a traditional self storage unit or drive-up building. Outdoor boat storage is a great option for wakeboard boats with towers that may make them too tall while on a trailer to fit inside a self storage unit.
Preparing Your Boat for Winter or Long-Term Storage
If you live in an area of the country where the climate gets cold from October through April, it’s important to winterize your boat before putting it into an indoor or outdoor parking unit. This information on the proper way to prepare your boat can also apply to owners in warmer locations who plan to use outdoor boat storage for extended periods of time. By preparing your boat for storage, you can avoid damage to the boat’s internal or external components.
Step 1: Clean your Boat
Whether your boat sails in freshwater or saltwater, you should always wash it before storing it. This gets rid of any salt or grime that could damage the paint. We suggest a good wax and buff to protect the paint as well. If your boat has leather or carpet on the inside, take the time to do a thorough cleaning to ensure stains don’t set in while your boat is in long-term storage.
Step 2: Top off All Fluids in Your Boat
All fluids should be replenished before storing your boat for the winter. Specifically, we are talking about fuel and oil. Don’t store your boat with anything less than a full tank of fuel because this can allow air and moisture to get inside the tank or engine, damaging your fuel system. Also, be sure to run antifreeze and a fuel stabilizer through your boat before storing.
Step 3: Remove Your Boat's Battery
If you’re thinking of storing your boat in an outdoor or covered storage unit where it’s still susceptible to external temperatures, remove the battery before storing. When batteries are left in extreme heat or cold damage can easily occur. It’s best to take your boat’s battery out and bring it home with you, where you can keep it charged until you pull your boat out of self storage.
Step 4: Put a Cover or Slip on Your Boat
A cover or slipcover for your boat isn’t necessary for all boats being stored in indoor storage; however, those stored in covered parking and outdoor storage should have a boat cover or slip. This will protect your watercraft from precipitation, debris, and other issues that could ruin the paint, seats, carpeting, etc.
Find the Best Boat Self Storage Unit Option
Looking for the best place to store a boat during the off-season or when you’re not having fun in the sun? Depending on the state you live in, and what kind of boat you have, you’ll be able to consider either indoor or outdoor vehicle options!
Indoor Boat Storage Options
Whether your boat sails in freshwater or saltwater, you should always wash it before storing it. This gets rid of any salt or grime that could damage the paint. We suggest a good wax and buff to protect the paint as well. If your boat has leather or carpet on the inside, take the time to do a thorough cleaning to ensure stains don’t set in while your boat is in long-term storage.
Dry-Stacked Storage: This is an option inside a warehouse with stacked compartments that keeps your boat secure and protected from the elements.
Garage Storage: Although you may have to move another vehicle outside to accommodate your boat, your garage at home provides both security and convenience at no cost.
Indoor Self Storage Unit: By keeping your boat inside a storage unit at a trusted facility, you can rest assured your boat is well-protected throughout the winter. The indoor parking spots are usually heated at a minimum. This means that the temperature that your boat is stored in will be between 65-85 degrees.
Outdoor Boat Storage Options
All fluids should be replenished before storing your boat for the winter. Specifically, we are talking about fuel and oil. Don’t store your boat with anything less than a full tank of fuel because this can allow air and moisture to get inside the tank or engine, damaging your fuel system. Also, be sure to run antifreeze and a fuel stabilizer through your boat before storing.
Parking in a Driveway: While this is by far the most affordable option, parking your boat at home in your driveway is a convenient and free way to store your boat all winter long. Investing in a hitch lock, or security cameras should be considered to add layers of security.
Covered Storage Unit: Some self storage facilities offer covered vehicle storage, which provides a roof over your boat, giving it some protection from the elements.
Uncovered Storage Unit: This vehicle storage option is essentially a designated parking space in a secure, fenced-in area at a self storage facility.
