Boat Storage Near Me facilities offer a highly profitable business opportunity that provides security and convenience for boat owners. Creating a project that makes sense financially starts with proper planning.

Storing your boat at home is inexpensive, but may not be an option if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association. Indoor storage shields your boat from harsh outdoor elements, prolonging its life.

It is essential that boat owners choose a facility that offers the right kind of storage. This process should take several factors into consideration, such as cost, location, and additional services offered by the facility. For example, some facilities offer a range of different unit sizes, while others may provide extra amenities such as a cleaning and detailing service or winterizing service. It is also a good idea to ask about security features, as they can help protect boats from theft and damage while in storage.

When evaluating boat storage options, it is important to consider the climate in the area, as this can affect the condition of a boat while in storage. For instance, if the region experiences very cold winters, an indoor boat storage option may be best for protecting the vessel from the elements. On the other hand, if the climate is relatively mild, outdoor storage may be adequate.

Boat owners should also examine the location of a potential storage facility, as this can impact their ability to access their boats during the season. In addition, they should evaluate whether the location is convenient for getting to their favorite boating spots, and if the facility offers convenient transport methods.

It is also a good idea to check whether the facility is equipped with a dock and slips, as this can make it easier for boat owners to get to their vessels. It is a good idea to ask about the availability of these features, as well as any other amenities that the facility has to offer, such as a mechanics shop or a boat launch.

Lastly, it is a good idea to ask about the contracts available at a potential boat storage facility. Many boat storage companies offer month-to-month contracts, while others may require a longer commitment. In any case, boat owners should shop around to find the contract that best suits their needs.

Additionally, it is a good idea to explore whether the facility is insured, as this can protect boat owners in case of an accident or other incident that could occur while their boat is being stored at the facility. If the facility is not insured, boat owners should consider purchasing their own insurance policy to cover their vessels in case of an accident or loss while in storage.

Preparing Your Boat for Storage

If you are planning to store your boat for an extended period of time, it is important to prepare it properly before storing it. This will help to prevent damage and make it easier to find when you are ready to use it again. The first step in preparing your boat for storage is to clean it thoroughly. This will remove dirt, salt, and grime that could cause damage over time. It is also a good idea to drain the bilge and water tanks, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the degradation of your engine’s oil. Other steps to take include removing any electronics, disconnecting the battery, cleaning and rinsing the interior, and sealing the openings of ports, vents, and hatches.

If your boat will be stored outdoors, it is a good idea to cover it with a tarp or a boat cover. This will keep dust, rain, and snow from damaging the surface. It is also a good idea to wash the hull and deck, and remove any canvas covers or cushions that can attract mold or mildew. Finally, a thorough cleaning of the interior including all compartments and seating is a good idea.

Once your boat is clean and dry, it is a good idea to label boxes and bins. This will make it easier to locate items in the future, and it will help reduce the chance of mold or mildew. Also, it is a good idea to remove any equipment that will not be used while the boat is in storage. This includes floatation devices, flares, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment.

Another important step is to winterize your engine. This will prevent it from freezing while in storage, and it is a good idea to have this done by a certified mechanic. Finally, a small investment in a GPS tracker can help to protect your boat in the event it is stolen while in storage.

When choosing a boat storage facility, it is a good idea to shop around and compare prices and amenities. Some facilities will offer extra services such as hauling, pressure washing, and preventive maintenance that can save you money in the long run. It is also a good idea to read the fine print to make sure you understand all of the fees and charges before signing a contract.

Putting Your Boat in Storage

If you’re planning to put your boat in storage for an extended period, make sure to take some steps to protect it. This will help prevent damage, mold, or mildew that may occur during the off-season. It’s also important to keep your boat in good working condition so it is ready for use when you get it out of storage.

Before storing your boat, wash it down to remove any salt and grime. This will also make it easier to spot any issues that might need repair before they become worse. Once your boat is clean, consider applying a coat of wax to protect the paint.

It’s a good idea to store your boat with a cover, either a tarp or a fitted waterproof cover. These covers can prevent moisture and mildew from damaging the interior, and they can be bought from many boat stores. Using a cover also helps keep your boat from becoming damaged by sunlight and other outdoor elements.

Another step to prepare your boat for storage is to remove all food, beverages, and personal items. Perishable items can spoil and produce mold while in storage, and frozen beverages can burst and create a mess. Also, fabrics and other materials can absorb moisture, resulting in mold or mildew. To avoid this, store any soft items like clothing and towels at home in a cool, dry area.

When putting your boat in storage, disconnect any electronics, including GPS units and VHF radios. These devices can draw a lot of power, which can drain your battery and cause it to lose charge. If you need to leave them connected, place them on a trickle charger so they can maintain their charge while in storage.

Once you’ve removed all the personal items and disconnected any equipment, clean the inside of your boat thoroughly. This will make it easier to find things when you’re getting your boat out of storage, and it will help prevent stains from setting while the boat isn’t in use. You should also remove the battery and store it in a temperature-controlled environment, since marine batteries can be damaged by extreme temperatures.

Moving Your Boat to Storage

When winter comes around, most boat owners put their boats in storage for the season. This is a wise decision for many reasons: It protects the boat from weather elements, like sun and wind, that can damage it; it allows the owner to free up valuable garage or backyard space; it ensures the boat is accessible and ready to be used when the season begins again; and it helps the boat maintain its value.

Boats are made to be out on the water, so putting them into storage can be a bit of a challenge for owners. But there are ways to make the process of storing a boat easier.

One way to do this is by using a storage facility that offers indoor self-storage units. These units are typically large enough for a boat, and they usually have drive-up access. This makes it easy to get your boat in and out of storage when the season begins and ends. However, these facilities can be expensive, especially if your boat is larger than average.

Another option for storing a boat is to use a dry dock. This is a service offered by some marinas. With this option, your boat is placed on a trailer and hauled to the dock where it is secured for the season. This type of storage is relatively inexpensive, but it is important to check local laws or HOA rules before deciding on this method.

There are also stacked storage warehouses that can store several boats at once. While this storage option is less expensive than a marina, it is not as convenient to access your boat during the season.

Another way to keep your boat close at hand while reducing storage costs is by parking it on your driveway or in your backyard. This is a popular choice for many boat owners, but it can be challenging to find a place that will accommodate your boat while keeping it safe from ice and snow. It is also important to check local and residential rules before deciding on this method of storage.