Nothing beats a summer day out on the boat. But when the fun is over and it’s time to put away your boat for winter, there are some things you should know.
First, decide on a budget and find a facility that fits it. Different facilities have different costs, so shop around! Hassle-free renting with flexible terms and secure storage from Boat Storage Tulsa to keep your items safe.
Owning a boat is an investment, and one that requires protection when not in use. Leaving your prized vessel exposed to harsh weather conditions can cause damage, reducing its lifespan and requiring costly repairs. Indoor storage provides a safe haven against the elements, and also adds to its overall value.
Choosing an indoor storage facility near your preferred boating location can save you time and fuel. Rather than driving your vehicle a long distance every time you want to go out for a boating trip, you can simply hop on the bus or car and reach your destination with ease.
Many indoor boat storage facilities provide services like detailing and maintenance for a fee. These services will keep your vessel in pristine condition, which helps maintain its resale value and makes it easier to sell or trade. They will also ensure that your boat is clean and ready to be used for the next outing.
Indoor storage can be more expensive than outdoor storage, but the added cost is worth it in terms of convenience and protection. Choose a facility with 24-hour surveillance, as well as a fence or gate surrounding the premises.
An additional benefit of choosing indoor storage is that it can free up space in your garage or driveway, allowing you to park other vehicles and equipment. If you store your boat on a trailer in the driveway or yard, it can take up most of the space, making it hard to maneuver other vehicles and make room for everyday bits and pieces.
Additionally, boats stored outdoors can become the home of rodents and insects, which can damage your boat. Storing your boat in an enclosed facility prevents these unwanted guests from gaining access to your vessel. This can help you avoid costly pest control expenses down the road. Look for a facility that offers advanced security features, such as video surveillance and computer-controlled gates, when selecting a place to store your boat. These measures will reduce the risk of theft and vandalism, which are both common boating concerns.
Outdoor Storage
Whether you’re a seasoned captain with salt in your veins or a weekend warrior seeking an escape from the daily grind, owning a boat is a dream come true. Your vessel is your passport to adventure, and a proper storage solution helps ensure it stays in good condition while not in use. The best boat storage option depends on your needs, the size of your watercraft and what’s available in your area. However, knowing what to look for can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect spot to park your boat.
Indoor storage is a great option for boat owners who want to protect their investment and prevent costly repairs in the future. The cost is higher than outdoor storage, but the extra protection can be worth it for some. Indoor storage is also an ideal choice for boats with delicate finishes and materials, as exposure to the elements can shorten their lifespan.
Drive-up self storage provides an affordable, flexible alternative to indoor storage for those who don’t have the space or budget to store their boat at home or in a private garage. With this option, you simply back your boat and trailer into a storage unit on a property like a storage mall. This storage solution is perfect for small boats and jet skis, as well as boats with a height of up to eight feet. For those with larger vessels, outdoor storage or canopied parking may be a better fit.
Outdoor boat storage can be a cheaper option than indoor storage, but it leaves your watercraft vulnerable to the environment. Rain, sun, snow, and temperature extremes can wreak havoc on your boat, while dirt, debris, bird droppings and tree sap can degrade its materials over time. If you’re storing your boat in an unprotected location, it’s important to clean it thoroughly before and after each use and to apply a quality waterproof coating like boat shrink wrapping.
Another cost-effective option for boat storage is dry stack storage, which allows facilities to pack in more boats by storing them on racks instead of stacked them like boxes. Similar to indoor storage, boats are loaded and retrieved by forklifts, so they can only be accessed during designated facility hours.
Trailer Storage
Boats and RVs are significant investments, so it’s no surprise that they require special storage facilities to protect them from the elements. The good news is that the demand for vehicle storage far exceeds supply. In fact, according to Yardi Matrix data, the total number of available units for boats and RVs in the United States is about 780—meaning that there’s plenty of opportunity for new facilities to open.
The best way to attract potential customers for your boat and RV storage facility is to offer thoughtful amenities that save them time and effort when they’re handling their valuable vehicles. In a recent survey by the Self Storage Association, convenience was listed as one of the top customer priorities. To accommodate this need, you should consider offering amenities like 24/7 access and secure, well-lit areas for boat and trailer storage.
Another great feature to include in your storage facility is RV dump stations, which allow boat and RV owners to dump their waste quickly and easily when they’re preparing to hit the open water. This can help reduce the risk of environmental violations and ensure that your facilities are complying with local regulations.
Many homeowners associations (HOAs) forbid boats and RVs from being parked on driveways or in the street for extended periods, forcing owners to find alternative storage facilities. That’s why it’s important to offer flexible leasing options, such as month-to-month leases, that allow owners to store their vehicles only when they need them. This can also make it easier for them to prepare their vehicle for the season and avoid costly repairs.
In addition to offering flexible leasing options, you should also consider adding seasonal and off-season boat and RV storage. This type of storage can help you appeal to a larger audience and attract seasonal boating enthusiasts, which can boost revenue for your facility. You can also offer additional services to help boat and RV owners prepare their vehicles for the season, such as winterizing and detailing.
The location of your boat and RV storage facility can also be an important factor in attracting potential customers. If your facility is close to home or their favorite boating spots in Central Texas, it will be easy for them to access their vehicles whenever they want to go out on the water.
High and Dry Storage
The popularity of boating has skyrocketed in recent years, which has created a need for more water access. Many boat owners live in newer neighborhoods with covenants precluding the storage of boats on trailers at home, and there are limited numbers of wet slips available. In these cases, dry boat storage is a great option.
Unlike wet slips, which leave your boat bobbing in the water, dry storage places your boat on racks at a facility. Typically, the marina will use large marina forklifts to lift your boat onto and from the racks. This storage solution can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the size of the facility and your preference.
A benefit of dry storage is that it reduces maintenance costs. When your boat is constantly bobbing in the water, it will be subject to sun, salt, and wind damage, which can wear away the protective gel coat and corrode metallic components. This can lead to expensive repairs and shortened lifespan for your boat. By keeping your boat out of the water and protected from the elements, you will significantly reduce these repair bills.
Another advantage of dry storage is that it makes the process of getting your boat back in the water fast and easy. Depending on the marina and your schedule, it may only take thirty minutes or less to get your boat back in the water. Most marinas will rinse and flush your boat, reattach the cover, and refuel your boat for you before stowing it away again.