When it comes to owning a boat, one of the most expensive aspects is keeping it properly docked and stored. When it comes to storing boats, the solutions can be as simple as pulling them into a garage, or as complex as storing them on a lift. There are many storage options available, and they all depend on your budget and the size of the boat. And just like when hiring professional long-distance movers, you need to find a solution that works best for you. Luckily, if you want to store your boat in the off-season, you have plenty of options. Some vessels can go into a storage unit, while larger boats need either hack stands or marina slots. Here, we’ll discuss the differences between the available options, and how they can work for you.
Where you can store your boat in the off-season
If you have a lot of land, you can comfortably store your boat right on your property. However, before you do this, you need to check if your town has certain regulations on this. Another thing you need to think about is the place where you’ll store it. Avoid placing your vessel close to a tree, because no matter how well your boat is covered, the leaves and debris can still be detrimental to it over a longer period of time. If you have enough space, you can consider storing your boat in one of these locations, if you have them:
- Larger garage for two vehicles
- Your home’s driveway
- A backyard barn
However, if you have a longer or larger boat, you might need to look somewhere else for storage, because it probably won’t fit anywhere at your home. Depending on your location, most boats can simply be kept in the water all year. But if you’re moving to a colder climate with the help of international movers, and don’t plan on using your boat for a longer time, consider the following:
- Marinas
- Specialized warehouses
- Self-storage units
Given the fact that not everyone can store their boat at home, we’ll discuss the second list of options, and what you can expect if you choose one of these solutions.
Storing your boat in a marina
One of the main advantages of using a marina to store your boat in the off-season is that you can both dock and store the vessel in the same place. In addition, some marinas have available staff that can help you repair and maintain your boat when needed. Marinas have, in most cases, both water storage and land storage. Their land storage options are similar to what a storage unit can offer, which we will discuss later. The main difference is the fact that marinas can fit larger boats. The most common types of water storage are regular docks, and dock lifts. A dock can be rented for the entire year. However, this option may not be worth it, no matter how affordable it is. If you live in a colder climate where water can freeze, keeping your boat in saltwater for a long time can be detrimental.
So, if you choose to use dock storage, make sure to remove your boat from the water every few months for some basic maintenance. If your boat is large and difficult to get on a trailer, ask the marina if they have dock lifts available. A dock lift can raise your vessel above the water level just enough to protect the bottom when needed. Keep in mind that this is a more expensive option, but if you’re relocating with Southern California movers, your budget will still be very positive. Dock lifts can either be uncovered or covered for some extra protection. A good thing about dock lifts is that they can be purchased independently. So if your property has a dock, you can buy your own lift.
Using storage to store your boat in the off-season
If you chose to store your boat in the off-season on land, moving services have the solutions to accommodate you. Each option covered has its own pros and cons, so it is up to you to decide what works best. Outdoor storages save you money, however, indoor storages could save you money on overall repair costs, since the vessel will be better protected. It is also worth mentioning that not every facility has every option available. To make sure everything is in order, remember to call the facility in advance.
Outdoor boat storage
If you’re looking for ways to save money on storage, then the outdoor option is for you. The only choice you have here is whether you want your boat to be covered or not. Covered storage is essentially a parking spot with a canopy cover to protect boats from the elements. The canopies are usually made out of cloth or aluminum. The uncovered variant of outdoor storage is the same concept, minus the canopy. This means that you need to take care of protecting your boat entirely yourself. Using a boat tarp may not be enough to protect the vessel hull from the weather. Consider adding shrink-wrap protection to the mix. It will do a better job at keeping out moisture, and it can be reused.
Indoor boat storage
One of the ways to store your boat in the off-season is warehouse storage. Warehouses can come in either a stacked or unstacked storage form. Areas that don’t have enough land to store all the boats usually turn to stacked storage. They make use of vertical space by stacking the vessels in a large warehouse. One of the downsides of stacked storage is the fact that you won’t be able to access your boat while it is stored, and pulling it from its spot can be costly. So if you plan on working on your boat during the season, it’s better to use indoor vehicle storage units with private access. They have good security, so you can safely store your boat while moving from Washington to California. Keep in mind that this option isn’t always available, so it is best to call and book early in the offseason.