Where to Store Your Boat: The Best Indoor & Outdoor Storage Options
One major aspect of boat ownership is deciding where to store your boat when it’s not being used. Boat storage options typically fall into two categories: dry boat storage (out of the water) and marina boat storage (in the water). Each storage option requires unique steps for prepping exteriors, engines and electrical, and batteries.
So how do you choose the best storage option for your boat? We’ve compiled a list of the various indoor and outdoor boat storage options with their pros and cons to help you decide!
Dry stacked storage is a dry boat storage option that keeps your boat protected inside a warehouse. These facilities store multiple boats at a time, which are stacked and removed with forklifts. They’re also covered, keeping your boat safe from the weather. Not only do they offer good security features, but dry stacked storage facilities also handle the heavy lifting in retrieving your boat, so all you have to do is call ahead to make sure your boat is ready to go!
Pros
Your boat is protected from wind, rain, and UV damage
Dry stacked warehouses have security measures to prevent theft
Convenient storage option for smaller boats
Save money on trailer maintenance
Less expensive than keeping your boat in a marina
Cons
You may not be able to get to your boat when you want it
Some facilities may limit the number of times you can take your boat out
This storage option can be pricier and harder to find outside coastal areas
Larger boats may not fit in dry stacked storage
Before You Store
Keep your boat protected with a waterproof cover
Make sure all valuables and other items are removed from the boat
For extended storage periods, consider removing batteries and placing them on trickle chargers
Check with the facility about fuel tank requirements for fire prevention
Home garages are a convenient and affordable winter boat storage option that allows you to keep your boat on your property. Attached garages absorb heat from your house, preventing sub-zero temperatures from damaging your boat while in storage. Without storage fees or the hassle of driving to a facility check on your boat, this is an excellent way to keep your boat safe all winter long!
Pros
Your boat is on your property and easily available
Storing your boat in your garage is free
You can keep up on maintenance without having to pull it out of storage
A garage offers protection from weather, wind, and UV damage
Your boat is protected from thieves and vandals
Cons
Garage space could be limited for other vehicles
Protection from rodents and other pests is not guaranteed
Before You Store
Prepare your boat for winter by filling and flushing your boats systems with antifreeze
Protect your boat from rodents by repairing any holes in the garage foundation
Charge your battery and test it monthly on a trickle charger
Tarping a boat for winter storage is crucial to keeping it safe from dust and pests, even inside a garage
If you can’t store your boat in a garage and dry racked storage isn’t available in your area, a self storage facility is a great option. Indoor vehicle storage at a storage facility is highly recommended as the best way to protect your boat during harsh winters.
Pros
Storage facilities are located throughout the nation, so it’s easy to find a storage unit near you
Amenities like drive-up access make it easy to pick up and drop off your boat
Facilities often have good security features like video surveillance and gated access
Some indoor boat storage options may come with climate control
Cons
Enclosed storage units for vehicles can be more expensive than other options
Some units may be too small height and length-wise for your boat and trailer
Before You Store
Protect your boat seats, upholstery, and other accessories with a waterproof cover
Unless you have climate control, make sure to remove electronics to prevent them from damage
Empty your water tank and run antifreeze through your system
For a simple boat storage solution, you can store your boat on a trailer in your driveway or along the side of your house. Not only is storing a boat at home convenient, but it’s also affordable. As with any outdoor boat storage option, make sure to winterize your boat to prevent damage from cold temperatures.
Pros
There are no storage fees for keeping your boat at home
Accessing your boat is easy when you’re ready to head out
It’s easier to keep an eye on your boat
Cons
Some homeowners associations may not permit you to park a boat in your driveway
Limited protection from the elements
Storing your boat outside leaves it vulnerable to pests, vandals, and thieves
Before You Store
Shrink-wrapping your boat is a must to protect against moisture and mildew
Fill boat trailer tires to prevent flats while storing
Make sure your boat is completely dried out to prevent ice damage
Run antifreeze through the boat’s water systems and put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank
Free up your garage or driveway by storing your boat in a covered outdoor storage space. Many facilities will have covered outdoor parking spots that can accommodate boats of many sizes. What’s great about this option is that it provides some coverage for your vehicle, making it more reliable than uncovered outdoor storage.
Pros
Covered storage protects your boat from most weather damage
Self storage facilities have good security like surveillance cameras and keypad entry
Can be more cost-effective than indoor boat storage
Cons
Lack of full enclosure means your boat is somewhat vulnerable to the elements
Can be more difficult to find, as it’s not as common as indoor or outdoor vehicle storage
Before You Store
Either shrink-wrap your boat or use a waterproof fitted tarp
If you don’t want to keep your boat on a trailer, a few adjustable boat stands will do the trick
Run antifreeze through the water systems and use fuel stabilizer
Take out the battery and test it on a trickle charger
If you live in an area where the weather is fairly mild throughout the year, uncovered outdoor storage is an affordable option. Not only does outdoor parking at a storage facility make it easier to store boats of all sizes, but it also provides more security than simply storing in a driveway at home.
Pros
This option is often the cheapest when it comes to self storage
Most self storage facilities have security measures to protect outdoor vehicle parking
Cons
Your boat will be exposed to the weather, rain or shine
Even with a cover, your boat will be exposed to UV light
Your boat will be vulnerable to bests and rodents
Before You Store
Remove your battery, keep it at home, and check it monthly on a trickle charger
For uncovered outdoor storage, covering your boat with shrink-wrap or fitted tarp is crucial
If you’re looking for convenient boat storage, keep your boat at a marina (i.e., wet storage). This option is ideal for those who live in an area where temperatures don’t fall below freezing. Unless you own the entire dock, you’ll need to purchase a boat marina slip, which is similar to a parking space. Boat slip rates vary depending on your location, but most are priced according to the length of your boat.
Pros
You don’t have to worry about a boat trailer
No delay in getting boat season started
Because a number of slips are rented out, marinas offer socializing opportunities for boat owners
Some marinas offer electrical hookups and other amenities
Cons
Dock fees can be high depending on where you live
Potentially increases the odds of boat damage
Aquatic pests like barnacles or algae can wreck havoc on your boat
Security can be minimal
Before You Store
Shut off breakers, top wet-cell battery with electrolytes, and check the battery at least once a month
Make a plan to check on your boat at least once a week during the off-season
Buy a fitted waterproof cover to protect from damage
Prepare your boat for winter by filling and flushing your boats systems with antifreeze
Protect your boat from pests by repairing any holes in the garage foundation
For short-term boat storage at a marina, boat lifts are a great way to keep your boat dry and easily accessible. Boats lifts are available in three types: floating, suspending, and bottom standing. The type of boat lift you’ll need depends on whether your dock is fixed or floating, how deep the water is, and the local climate.
Pros
You don’t have to worry about a boat trailer
Your boat is easily accessible
You can get on the water right away
Cons
This storage option is best as a short-term solution
Boat lifts may not handle extreme weather
Boats are vulnerable to flooding, aquatic pests, and the elements
Before You Store
Make sure to keep your boat lift secure above the water line during the winter
Winterizing your boat is imperative to keeping it protected while on a lift
Shrink-wrapping your boat is a good idea
Now that we’ve covered the most common outdoor and indoor boat storage options, you can choose the one that fits your location, type of boat, and storage preference. Looking for a place to store other vehicles like RVs, campers, or trailers? Check out our guide on where to store an RV!
Need to store a boat? Extra Space Storage offers both indoor and outdoor boat storage options throughout the nation. Learn more about the boat storage options available and which is best for what you need to store!
