Boat Storage Solutions

Are you among the millions of Americans who can’t wait to spend time on the water every summer? 

Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or you’re already waterlogged, you’re probably going to need to store that boat, jet ski, kayak or paddleboard at some point. 

That’s where Store Space comes in. We offer a wide range of storage solutions for watercraft of all types, from paddleboards that will fit in an indoor storage unit to a trailered pleasure boat 30 ft. or more in length, and many in between. 

There’s not a Store Space near every body of water (yet), but we’re working on it. In the meantime, you can find the facility nearest you by searching our locations page. 

Reasons to Store Your Boat

There are plenty of reasons to look for boat storage, the most obvious of which is that you want a safe, dry place to store your boat during the off-season. But there are other reasons, too. Here are the five top reasons people seek storage for their boats.

1) Cost

Many people need year-round storage because it represents a cost-effective storage option. Keeping your boat moored at the local marina can be very expensive and assumes that you plan on using that body of water exclusively. Moreover, you might still need to make arrangements to take the boat out of the water during the winter, depending on the local climate.

2) Regulations

Storing a boat in your driveway in front of your house can often be in violation of city ordinances or at minimum get you in trouble with the HOA or your neighbors.  

3) Convenience

In many cases, it’s easier to depart from a storage facility, especially if it’s on the outskirts of town and/or has easy freeway access.

4) Space

And of course, if you live in an apartment, you probably don’t want your kayak taking up half your living room all the time. Or maybe you don’t want to take up half of your driveway all year.

5) Security

Besides freeing up space at your home, security is an important benefit of utilizing a storage facility. Most properties are fenced and gated and access requires a security code. Security cameras watch the grounds 24/7. And if you’re using an enclosed unit, your watercraft is locked in behind a steel roll-up door.

Whatever the reason for storing your watercraft, Store Space facilities have multiple options for storing all manner of watercraft, from canoes and kayaks to jet-skis, small fishing boats, up to larger powered boats.

Types of Boat Storage

There are three main types of boat storage available: outdoor, covered and indoor. Most Store Space Self Storage facilities will have one or more of these options, depending on inventory and other factors.

Dropping off your boat or watercraft is easy since most storage facilities are constructed with large gates and wide driveways to facilitate trucks and trailers.

Standard Outdoor Boat Storage

The most common type of boat storage you’ll find at storage facilities is outdoor storage. Outdoor parking spaces are typically situated in a fenced area behind a gate requiring an access code. Depending on the facility, these are usually 10 feet wide and can be up to 35 ft. in length. Behind-gate parking is typically the least expensive option.

Make sure to take the length of your trailer into account when arranging for storage space. Trailers typically add approximately 2 to 4 feet to the overall length of the boat. Don’t forget about your dive platform, either!

Covered Boat Storage

Most covered boat storage is in the form of a ramada (a roof without walls). The benefit of a ramada is added protection from the sun (UV rays can damage fiberglass, for example), as well as hail, rain and snow. These are typically more costly than outdoor storage, but less than indoor options.

Interior Boat Storage

Interior storage is available at storage facilities with a large, indoor open area such as a warehouse. These offer more protection from the elements than covered or outdoor spaces, but are typically harder to find and can be more expensive. Indoor spaces often have height restrictions that would rule out larger boats. Remember that putting a boat on a trailer also adds 2 to 2.5 ft. to the boat’s overall height, increasing its stated “bridge clearance” significantly.

Q: Can you store a boat in a storage unit?

A: The biggest factor in attempting to use an enclosed storage unit for your watercraft is the size of the roll-up door on the front of most drive-up storage units. These doors usually max out at 7 ft. tall, which makes larger boat storage a challenge.

That said, your smaller watercraft are certainly welcome in many of our facilities. Read on for more information.

Guidelines for Small Craft Storage – Jet Skis, Canoes, Kayaks, etc.

There are a number of small watercraft that can fit in a storage unit. Storage units are a great option for freeing up room in your garage, or to protect your craft from the elements when you’re not using it on the lake or river.

1) Bass boats & Small Fishing Boats

Many small fishing boats are under 20 ft. in length, making them ideal for a 10’ by 20’ drive-up storage unit. If your boat is 20 ft., a drive-up unit of 10’ by 25’ or 10’ by 30’ would be acceptable. Remember, a trailer adds 2 to 4 ft. to the overall length. Follow our tips for boat storage below.

2) Jet skis

Most jet skis are about 10 feet long and a trailer can add another 2 to 4 ft., meaning a 10’ by 15’ or larger storage unit should suffice. Follow the winterization steps in your owner’s manual to winterize jet skis. Learn more about jet ski storage options.

3) Canoes and kayaks

Indoor storage for canoes, kayaks and sailboard is preferred since exposure to weather and UV rays can be harmful over time. Storing them on the ground or propped up in a corner is not recommended; make sure to build or purchase suitable supports to protect your investment for all of your future adventures. Check out 5 easy kayak storage tips. 

How To Prepare Your Boat for Storage

If you’re going to be storing your boat for any length of time, you’ll want to take steps to protect your investment from the elements. While summer storage might be as simple as making sure your boat is dry and clean before covering, off-season storage requires specific preparation.

• Make sure the titles and registrations are up to date for both the trailer and the boat.
• Check to ensure the wheels on your trailer are inflated and in good shape
• Drain as much gas as possible from the engine.

Whether you’re storing outdoors or indoors, it’s important to have a boat cover. This will help keep your boat or watercraft protected from the elements, as well as prying eyes.

How to Winterize Your Boat

Winterizing your boat is especially important if you plan to have your craft out of the water for any length of time.

Water poses the biggest danger when your boat is in storage. Between freezing, mold/mildew growth and corrosion, water can cause issues with many different systems on your boat.

Because of this, it’s important to follow your owner’s manual or a vehicle winterization guide to properly winterize your boat.

Some of the important takeaways for winterizing your boat:

• Drain all water
• Add corrosion protection to the engine
• Add antifreeze to the plumbing system
• Remove all drain plugs
• Cover your boat

Note: There are winterization tips specific to your boat’s engine type, so keep that in mind while preparing your boat for the off-season.

When you're ready to take your boat out of storage and get on the water, check out our 5 best boating destinations in the US.

FAQs

Q: What is the cheapest way to store a boat?

A: Outdoor storage is the least expensive way to store a boat. As you increase the level of protection by moving under a roof or into an interior storage unit, the price typically goes up. At Store Space, we post all our rates and our move-in promotions online, so you can compare rates and see what makes the most sense for you. We offer month-to-month leases, so you can rent as long as you need.

Q: How much does it cost to store a boat inside?

A: Indoor boat storage, either in an interior parking space or in an enclosed self-storage unit, is more expensive than outdoor storage. These options are often less expensive than mooring your boat in the water or out of the water at a facility next to your marina. We post our rates on our facility pages so you can easily compare costs. And with monthly rentals, you can rent as long as necessary.

Q: Is it OK to store a boat outside in winter?

A: Yes, and in many cases, it’s preferred to storing it in the water, not to mention less expensive. Just make sure you winterize your watercraft so it’s fully protected during the off-season.

Q: Should I shrink-wrap my boat before storage?

A: You can shrink-wrap your boat before storage, but it’s not necessary to prepare it this way before taking it to a storage facility. While the initial cost might be lower than a boat cover, and the waterproofing is superior to canvas, the annual costs will build up over time. Plus, shrink wrap is not recommended for storing more than a season at a time. This list of pros and cons can help you make an informed decision.

Q: Is dry storage better than marina storage?

A: There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing between storing your boat at a marina versus a dry storage unit. If cost alone is a factor, then dry storage will almost always be cheaper. Weather can also be an important factor. If your marina typically sees harsh weather during the winter months, it might be a good idea to keep your boat out of the water. Plus, having your boat out of the water allows you the opportunity to inspect it and perform routine and preventative maintenance.

Rent Boat Storage

Now that you know more about your boat storage options, it’s time to take action. Check out the Store Space facilities near you to see our boat storage options online, stop by a local facility or call us at 833-786-7366 to talk to one of our storage professionals. Se habla español.