How to Choose the Right Storage Option for Your Boat
When the seasons or situations change, boat owners may sometimes need a dedicated location for storage. Finding the right option can help protect your investment, ensure longevity, and provide convenient access for your adventures on the water. Since there are different methods and locations to stow away your boat, we’ll explain below to help you determine which option may be best for you.
Inquire About Storage-
Storing your Boat on a Trailer
If you have additional space and have a sturdy enough vehicle to tow it, storing your boat on a trailer could be the right option for you. This choice is cost-effective and allows you control over your boat’s security and whereabouts. If your vessel does not fit into a garage, covering it with a tarp or getting it shrink-wrapped will help protect it from the elements. Smaller Saxdor models are typically easy to trailer and store. -
Dry Stack Storage
Do you want your boat by the water but don’t want it stored directly in it? If so, this option may be right for you. Dry stack storage gives boaters with models typically ranging to 45 feet convenient access to the water, and most facilities can have your boat ready to go on the water for you if notified in advance. This type of storage will also help keep barnacles and other water critters from attaching themselves to your boat. Many models from Sea Ray will stack well on these racks. Costs will vary per facility. -
Indoor Storage
Keeping a boat in an indoor storage facility can have many advantages. This option is usually highly secured and will protect your investment from elements, such as UV rays, wind, rain, and other environmental factors while reducing maintenance due to barnacles or marine growth. An indoor storage facility also provides convenient access and has special boat lifts to retrieve your boat when needed. Prices will also vary per location and other factors. Certain Aviara models can be a suitable size for certain indoor facilities. -
In-Water or Wet Slips
For those who enjoy having immediate access to their boat and the water or may live aboard their vessel, an in-water or wet slip may be the right choice. Typically, locations with wet slips are associated with marinas and will offer amenities such as dockside services, shore power, Wi-Fi, and more. Choosing an in-water home for your vessel is very common in areas of the country that allow for year-round boating, and these locations offer more accommodations for boats and yachts of larger sizes. Vessels such as Galeon Yachts, Aquila Power Catamarans, and Cruisers Yachts models are good in-water slip candidates. -
Boat Yards
Storing your boat at a boat yard is another option. In a boat yard, your boat will remain safe and secure and is easily accessible if kept on the ground. Depending on the location and company, some boat yards may offer indoor or dry stack storage as well. The main difference between a boat yard and a marina is a boat yard will have fewer amenities; however, the cost to keep your vessel at one versus a marina is usually far less. -
Marinas
If you seek the maximum number of amenities available and a variety of storage options, then a marina may be your best answer. At a marina, there will be plenty of ways to access your boat, and usually, ample service options are available as well. Besides in-water slips, a marina may also offer other options, such as dry outdoor storage and indoor storage, depending on the location. With the many luxurious amenities and benefits, a marina is also an ideal place to meet other like-minded boaters. -
The Many Benefits of MarineMax Marinas
If you’re new to boating or are searching for a place to store your boat, a MarineMax Marina might be the perfect choice. With plenty of convenient options, amenities, service, and helpful staff, keeping your boat at one of our marinas offers many positive advantages. Besides taking the utmost care of your investment, your boat will be ready for adventures on the water when you are! Check out our video and discover the MarineMax difference.
Want to learn more about storage options?