Boat Storage May Save Your Boat
Boat storage is probably one of the most frustrating attributes of owning a boat. It can also be one of the most puzzling and overwhelming aspects to novice boat owners too. You really only have two choices available when it comes to boat storage. You can either store your boat on land or in the water.
Boat Land Storage
If you own your home and have enough property, the best place to store your boat is on your land. You will be able to make sure your boat is safe and sound year round. If you live in a climate that experiences winter conditions, you may want to store your boat in your garage, if your garage is large enough. If not, you may want to consider having a boat house built. This will help to further protect your boat on your property from the elements and accidental damage, such as tree limbs falling, etc.
If you live in an apartment or don’t have the space on your property to store your boat, then you’ll have to find a place and pay a fee. There are two paid land storage options available to you: Outdoor boat storage and indoor boat storage.
Outdoor boat storage would be the same as storing it on your own land. It’s a piece of property that someone owns and they line the boats up. The advantage is that this is relatively cost efficient. The disadvantage is your boat is exposed to the elements.
Indoor boat storage is kind of like aircraft hangars for boats. The boats are stored in some sort of indoor facility. The advantage is your boat is not exposed to the elements and is a little more secure. The disadvantage is the cost may be a little more. There are some places that offer climate controlled indoor storage. While this is very good for your boat, be prepared to pay a lot more at a place like this. Also, the more room your boat takes up, the more you’ll have to pay.
Boat Water Storage
If you decide to leave your boat in the water at the marina or if you have waterfront property, you’re going to have to take some extra precautions, to ensure your boat stays safe. You’re going to want to add extra mooring lines to your boat. You’ll also want to invest in more fenders to protect your boat.
You will also want to inspect your thru hall fitting. You will want to make sure that there is no corrosion and you want to make sure you don’t have any loose or damaged hoses. The last thing you want is a broken or loose hose you won’t be able to shut off the water very easily if this happens.
Be sure to test your battery. Make sure the charger is working properly. Make sure that your bilge pumps are in good working order. You also want to look for leaks in your rudder and propeller shaft stuffing boxes. During storage you will keep them tighter than you normally would while you are using your boat.
If you live in a climate that gets winter conditions, you’re going to want to be sure to take some preventative steps to prevent damage from ice. You’ll want to invest in a bubbler or circulating pump system if you don’t already have one. These will help to keep ice from forming around the hull of your boat.
Boat storage doesn’t have to be a painful experience. It just takes some planning on your part. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide where and how you’re going to store your boat. If you properly store your boat, your boat will last many years to come.
Maintaining and Storing Your Boat
Trailering
There’s no less expensive way to store a boat than on a trailer in your driveway or yard. A trailer
offers you the advantages of taking your boat into different areas of water, taking your boat out
whenever you like, or just saving fees on your winter storage. Before you look into a trailer, make sure
that your vehicle has the towing capacity for your boat and the equipment you need.
Rack Storage
For smaller boats, a great alternative to storage is rack storage, or dry stacks. Typical rack storage
facilities will keep your boat in a covered shed filled with plenty of room. Simply call the facility before you want to use the boat and they will retrieve it for you. When you are finished boating,
simply bring it back, tie it up, and they will return it to the storage area for you.
Marina Advantage
If your a boat owner craving convenience, a marina slip is just what you need. Simply drive your family
to the marina, get in the boat, and go. Rates will vary from state to state, although most offer you
several other perks as well.
Buying Your Slip
In some areas, you can actually buy a permanent slip at a marina. This can be great to have in high
demand areas, as it guarantees you a slip at the marina whenever you need to store your boat. The
purchased slip is a long term asset, and is good for as long as you own a boat.
