Find Boat Storage Near You

Reasons for Renting Boat Storage

Winter Storage

In colder areas of the country, storing your boat in the water isn’t a great option. This makes finding a convenient and secure dry storage option important. With multiple storage options including indoor boat storage, we offer simple storage solutions for your winter storage needs.

HOA Fees

If you’re unable to fit your boat in the garage and your neighborhood covenant doesn’t allow larger vehicles like boats and RVs to be stored outdoors long term, finding a nearby storage facility that offers boat storage is a great option.

Free Up Space at Home

If you’re unable to park a car in your garage or your boat is taking up a significant portion of your driveway, finding a convenient, secure boat storage facility can free up a lot of space at home.

Boat Storage Considerations

Security

Storing something as important as a boat is a big decision, and you should prioritize finding a storage facility that takes security seriously. With features like electronic gate access, video surveillance, and even on-site managers at select locations, Extra Space Storage does just that.

Access Hours

Being able to access your boat when you want to is important. At Extra Space Storage, extended access hours (typically from 6am to 10pm) are standard.

Local Weather

The weather in your area will play a big role with which type of boat storage you choose and the level of preparation necessary. If you’re storing in an area with harsh winters and storms, you’ll want to invest in a quality cover and might consider covered or indoor storage.

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 storage. It’s important to understand the advantages of each type of boat storage, including level of convenience, protection from the elements, and affordability.

Indoor Boat Storage

The most protective vehicle storage option available for boats is indoor storage. Drive-up storage units provide a space that functions like a garage, allowing you to back your boat into a storage unit on a trailer. Extra Space Storage offers a variety of storage unit sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your storage needs. However, this option may only fit the needs of those with smaller watercraft.

Covered Boat Storage

With a roof to protect your boat from the sun and other elements, covered vehicle storage falls between indoor and outdoor storage options. It’s more affordable and offers a bit more space than an indoor storage unit, but it’s more protective than standard outdoor vehicle storage.

Outdoor Boat Storage

The most common self storage option for boats is outdoor storage. At a storage facility, this basically equates to parking your boat in an outdoor parking stall, giving you the most space available for larger boats.

Storage Unit Sizes for Boats

If you’ve decided that indoor boat storage is the best option for you, the next step is to figure out what storage unit size you’ll need for your boat. Let’s take a look at the options below.

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. Just be sure to measure the dimensions of your boat on a trailer, not just the boat itself.

Boat Examples

• jet skis
• skiffs
• small drifters

10×20 & 10×30 Storage Units

Most boats that can be stored indoors will need a 10×20 or 10×30 storage unit to fit while on a trailer. Before picking a size, 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 storage units are about eight feet tall, which means that taller boats may need to be stored outdoors or in a covered parking space.

Boat Examples

• 14 to 24-foot fishing boats
• runabouts shorter than 24 feet
• small pontoons
• speed boats under 24 feet
• wakeboard boats (with tower removed)

Outdoor & Covered Parking Sizes for Boats

Outdoor and covered boat storage provide the flexibility of fitting any size boat. Covered vehicle storage has a few limitations, especially when it comes to height, but these options can usually accommodate boats that are too large to fit inside a storage unit. Outdoor vehicle storage is a great option for wakeboard boats with towers that may make them too tall while on a trailer to fit inside of a self storage unit.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter or Long-Term Storage

If you live in an area of the country where the weather gets cold from October through April, it’s important to winterize your boat before putting it into long-term storage. This preparation can also apply to boat owners in warmer locations who plan to store their boats for extended periods of time. By preparing your boat for storage, you can avoid damages 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. Be sure to wax and buff to protect the paint as well. If you have leather or carpet on the inside of the boat, give it a good cleaning to ensure stains don’t set while in long-term storage.

Step 2: Replenish Fluids in Your Boat

All fluids should be refreshed before storing your boat for the winter, especially fuel and oil. Don’t store your boat with anything less than a full tank, as this can allow air and moisture to get inside, which can damage 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 storing a boat in outdoor or covered storage where it’s still susceptible to external temperatures, remove the battery. Batteries left in extreme heat or cold can be easily damaged. 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 boat cover or slip isn’t as necessary for boats being stored in indoor storage; however, those stored in covered parking and outdoor storage should definitely have a boat cover or slip. This will protect your vessel from any precipitation, debris, and other issues that could ruin the paint, seats, carpeting, etc.

Learn More: How to Winterize Your Boat

Boat Storage FAQs

Will I be able to pick up or drop off my boat whenever I want?

If you need frequent access to your boat while it’s in storage, most Extra Space Storage facilities offer extended hours. Some even have 24-hour access available. These hours will allow you to pick up and drop off your boat when it’s convenient for you, meaning you won’t have to worry about scheduling your trips around facility hours.

Will my boat be safe at a storage facility?

The safety of your stored belongings is our priority at Extra Space Storage. Our facilities offer excellent security features, including electronic gate access and video surveillance. Select facilities may have on-site managers and individually-alarmed units for an additional layer of security.

Can I just store my boat over the winter?

Of course! Our self storage facilities have month-to-month rental agreements, which means you can store your boat for as long as you need. This is also beneficial if you decide you want to use boat storage longer than you intended. Be sure to talk with the facility before reserving your vehicle storage space.

Is it okay to store a boat outside in the winter?

It is. You just need to make sure you take the proper steps to winterize and protect your boat while storing it over the winter.

Can I store a boat in a storage unit?

As long as it fits, you can storage a boat in a storage unit. Smaller boats can fit into standard storage unit sizes like 10×20 or 10×30, and some locations offer storage units with higher ceilings to accommodate larger boats.

Rent Secure Boat Storage Near You!

Reserve your boat storage solution online or by phone today! Give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance! The Extra Space Storage team is always happy to help.