Whether you are looking for an indoor storage unit, high-and-dry boat storage, or outside trailer storage, there are multiple options to keep the beloved boat and equipment safe throughout the winter lay-up period.
Leaving the motor-yacht tied up at the marine is a safe and convenient option, but is likely to cost the most. Alternatively, trailering the boat home will take a lot of time and effort and might leave it open to the elements (if left in the yard) and take up space.
Below are five of the most appealing boat storage options
Self-Storage Facility
A self-storage facility offers the most cost-effective method to safely store and protect the boat throughout the winter period. A storage unit is also convenient and easy to access with many storage facilities situated near your home, the ocean, bays, rivers, and lakes.
While a regular self storage unit is without doubt a convenient option, there is a high chance that it won’t give the most desired fit. A self-storage unit for a motor-driven yacht, sailboat, or runabout needs to be in the region of 10 x 15 feet. Other standard sizes can include 10 x 20 feet and 10 x 30 feet. Any boats outside these dimensions will find it difficult to use a regular self-storage unit. Also, a maximum height is about 8-10 feet tall.
Outdoor Boat Storage
Even if a self-storage facility doesn’t have enough space inside, some facilities have large outdoor spaces to park up boats, RV, caravans, trailers, etc. Outdoor boat storage is usually more cost-effective than going to a specialized service. But, this space is essentially open to the elements and might not give the desired protection.
Storage facilities located close to bodies of water are more likely to have the needs of the boat owner in mind and provide some type of roof or similar protection from the rain. Plus, certain facilities will offer extra services like light maintenance to boat transportation.
Dry Stack Storage
A dry stack storage system is designed to store RIBs and boats (up to a certain length) in a large rack with many other vessels. A storage rack is usually competitively priced and gives a high level of protection from the rain, snow, wind, etc. A well-protected dry stack storage system is based in a large warehouse. This should ensure the boat is fully protected from the elements at all times. However, the process of returning the motor boat to the water can be time-consuming and difficult.
Plus, the racks are limited in space and most facilities are only designed to accept boats that are within 35 feet.
Indoor Boat Storage
Most of the storage units are able to accept the boats at the more modest range sizes — although certain models of boat are just too big and wouldn’t be able to fit within a standard storage facility. However, the dedicated storage spots are designed with a layout that is more boat-friendly and able to accept the larger boats.
Indoor boat storage is certain to appeal to those living in areas that experience the more difficult weather (snow and ice) all through the winter. A boat left exposed on an open storage facility is certain to experience issues with wear and tear over time.
The majority of indoor boat storage facilities is large warehouses with space to store a number of boats in a single room. Certain extras can feature in the price of renting a space for winter hibernation, such as full winterization and transport (to and from the storage facility). Full winterization can include antifreeze, changing gear lube, stabilizing gas tanks, pumping out water tanks, winterizing air conditioners, and greasing external fittings.
Jet Ski Storage
Storing a personal watercraft (PWC) is similar to storing a full size boat, but at a much smaller footprint. This makes it more achievable to store the Jet Ski on the driveway, in the yard, or enclosed in the garage. But, if there isn’t any safe and secure space at home, there are several under cover storage options available.
A basic self-storage unit often makes a practical choice for storing the PWC. It offers undercover protection to ensure the watercraft is safe from the elements; it is much more cost-effective than leaving at the marina. Most 10 x 10 foot storage units are plenty for a jet ski.