Boat Storage

If you have a boat that you want to protect, you can park it at a storage facility and get a good cover to put on it. That will keep the sun off of it, and keep rainwater from getting inside. It will also keep leaves, debris, dust, and some insects and other animals out of your boat. It's not as secure as an enclosed space, but it works for most boats and their owners.

Having a boat storage space that offers a roof is a better choice, though, because it keeps the sun and rain off of the entire boat better than a simple cover would. These kinds of storage spaces are typically not that expensive, and they work better than leaving your boat open to the elements. If you can't store your boat at home – or don't want to do that – an outdoor boat storage unit can be just the thing you need to make sure your boat will be protected and ready to go when boating season arrives and it's time to hit the water.

These types of storage/parking spaces are great in hot climate cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Santa Monica or Los Angeles and when the boat will be taken into the water constantly.

Many HOA communities don't allow you to store your boat on your property. Even if you don't have such regulations, you may not really have room for the boat where you live, so a storage facility is an excellent way to have your boat close at hand, but also out of the way so you don't have to worry about it.

To store your boat long term, most people use what's called dry docking or dry storage. In other words, they pull the boat out of the water and store it on a trailer or in a rack at a facility. The size of your boat will generally determine which one of those options will work best for you. No matter which option you choose, though, make sure you top off the gas tank, change the oil, and unplug the battery and any electronics. You don't want your boat to sit there, quietly draining the battery, when you could keep it charged up and better protected.

Also make sure your boat has been washed and waxed, so you can protect the finish on it during the winter months. It's a great way to ensure that your boat looks its best, and it also keeps the paint from becoming damaged or faded, so you don't have to do as much maintenance on your boat when you get it out of drydock and are getting it ready to go back into the water for another boating season. Having your boat in long-term storage is the best way to protect your investment in your boat when it can't be used for months at a time, and many facilities have great boat storage options to consider.

Short Term Storage:
For people who use their boats occasionally but don't have space to store them at their homes, short term storage can be a great choice. Less preparation is needed for short term storage as opposed to long term storage, but a few quick checks of your boat's systems can help ensure your boat will be ready to go when you are. Keeping the gas tank full and disconnecting the battery will help you avoid a dead battery and poor quality gasoline that has broken down over time. You can also avoid condensation in the gas tank if the tank is full.

You don't have to wash and wax your boat every time you store it for the short term, but the boat should be clean and free from any damage. You want to be able to retrieve your boat and use it when you get the chance, so you don't want to have to do a lot of maintenance on the boat every time you get it out of storage. Doing that maintenance before you store your boat is the best way to avoid losing a lot of time on the water when you decide you want to go to the storage facility and retrieve your boat for the weekend or a special occasion. A few minutes worth of preparation can be well worth it when your boat is ready to go right out of storage.