When it’s time to turn in for the season, boat owners must decide where to store their vessels. While storing a boat at home on a trailer can save money, it requires winterizing and is susceptible to pests and theft.

Indoor storage costs more, but it offers the utmost protection from the elements. Benefits of hiring Beaver Lake Boat Storage include concierge services, such as shrink wrapping and winterization.

Indoor Storage

While some boat owners choose to keep their boats in the water year-round, it’s not possible for most. For those who only use their boat a few months out of the year, indoor storage is the best option. It offers a safe, protected environment that will reduce damage from harsh winter weather and salt.

In addition, indoor storage facilities offer round-the-clock supervision of stored items. This type of security can reduce your boat, auto, and homeowners insurance premiums. Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term boat storage, it’s important to consider all of your options before making a decision.

Many storage facilities offer multiple boat storage types. Rack storage is the most popular choice, especially in coastal areas and popular boating regions. This storage method involves lifting your boat out of the water and placing it on a rack, typically close to the water or inside a warehouse. Some racks are covered and shrink-wrapped, which helps protect your boat from dirt, dust, and pests.

Another option is dry stack storage, which is a little more expensive but still a popular choice. This boat storage option involves placing your boat in a large warehouse, often with a cover. Many of these warehouses are climate-controlled and have forklift access, which makes this storage option very convenient. However, some boaters complain that these warehouses can become dirty and cluttered with equipment from other boaters.

You can also store your boat in a covered, open trailer or your garage, but this is riskier than the other two options because it’s not protected from the elements. It’s important to make sure your boat is thoroughly cleaned, shrink-wrapped, and protected against dirt and pests before storing it in your garage or at home.

Another option is to rent a self-storage unit. These units are located in buildings and typically offer up to 600 cubic feet of space, which can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or common garage items. These units are also a good choice for protecting fragile items and collectibles from extreme temperatures, humidity, and pests.

Outdoor Storage

Most boat owners want to use their vessels year-round, but the harsh winters of many areas in the country prevent this. In this case, the boat must be put in storage for several months out of the year. Depending on where you live and your budget, there are several storage options available to keep your boat safe and accessible.

The most popular way to store a boat is outdoor storage. This is usually found at marinas in coastal regions and popular boating areas, or individual dock spaces leased by individuals or businesses. This storage option is inexpensive, but it puts your boat at risk of being damaged by weather and tidal surges.

A more expensive alternative is to store your boat in a covered dock or warehouse. This type of storage is more protected from the elements, but it can be difficult to get your boat into and out of. Lastly, some boat owners opt for high-and-dry storage. This is an option that requires your vessel to be hauled out of the water and onto a trailer, and then transported back into the water when it’s time to use it again.

Another option is to park your boat at home, but this can be expensive and can detract from the aesthetic of a property. Additionally, if you have limited space, storing a boat at home can limit the amount of time you can enjoy your favorite water activities.

An alternative to these options is to add a garage or shed on your property to house your boat. This can be a great option for those who can’t afford to rent a storage unit, and it keeps your boat away from harmful UV rays, wind, rain, and snow.

Many people have fun toys like ATVs, motorbikes, jet skis, quads, and dune buggies that can take up a lot of space in their garage or shed. These toys can also be stored in a storage facility, which is more cost-effective than renting an extra room at home. These facilities often have indoor units that can accommodate larger vehicles, and they may offer climate-controlled storage for more valuable items.

Self-Storage

The cost of storing your boat can quickly dig into your budget, but there are ways to reduce the upfront costs. The first thing is to store your boat on land instead of in the water. This option is ideal if you have a driveway or a large garage at your home. If you don’t have space at your home, you can find a local self-storage facility that offers boat storage. You will need a trailer to transport the boat to and from the site, which can add to your upfront costs. However, it’s a great way to save money in the long run.

Whether you are looking for extra storage for your belongings, or are planning to open up a new business that needs a warehouse-style location, a self-storage unit can be the perfect solution. The demand for this type of space is growing and many businesses are looking for affordable and convenient locations to store their inventory or equipment. You can choose from a wide range of options, from personal storage units for individuals to larger business storage solutions.

In a real estate market environment where traditional core asset classes may present more risk, self-storage has become one of the fastest-growing sectors. It offers investors attractive returns, a proven investment model, and low operating expenses compared to other assets. This combination has attracted investors from a variety of backgrounds. From institutional buyers to individual entrepreneurs who have a passion for property and want to build a successful business.

With over 54,000 facilities in the country, there are plenty of opportunities for investors to capitalize on this growth. These facilities can be found across the country and range in size from national chains with a national footprint to regional facilities and even stand-alone independent “mom-and-pop” operations.

For the investor, the key is to determine a project’s actual net operating income (NOI) and debt service expense. From this, the break-even occupancy is determined, which can help mitigate any risk to investors and allow them to make informed decisions about how to position their projects for success.

Marina Storage

A reputable marina offers several boat storage options, from wet slips to dry rack storage. In addition, they provide a range of amenities, including courtesy cleaning, refueling and water, and winterization services. Choosing the right marina is an important decision that will determine how much you spend on storing your boat.

Some marinas charge extra for a full courtesy wash and vacuum when you come in to use your boat. Others offer this service as a part of the regular monthly rental fee. The marina’s security measures are also a factor to consider, especially in an area with a high crime rate.

To address the lack of space for boats at some waterfront marinas, some owners are opting for dry stacked storage, which involves lifting the vessel out of the water and stacking it on a storage rack. This allows the marina to have more wet slips and mooring spaces available, which can reduce wait times at the dock and on the water for boaters.

Depending on the climate and demand, this type of storage can cost about the same as wet storage at some marinas. Alternatively, some boat owners opt for trailer storage, in which the boat is pulled out of the water and stored indoors on a trailer. This is a popular choice in colder climates, and the boats are often shrink-wrapped to protect against dirt, moisture, and pests.

The best way to determine which option is the right one for you is to visit a couple of marinas in your area and ask about their rates and policies. It’s also a good idea to ask about their boat repair and maintenance services, as these will affect how much you spend on storing your boat.

For many boaters, the cost of storing their vessels is the most significant expense of owning a boat. The best ways to reduce these expenses are by evaluating your needs and options and finding the right storage facility for your boat. While the upfront costs may seem high, over time you’ll save money on fuel, haulage, and other maintenance.