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Why Do You Need Boat Storage

Why Do You Need Boat Storage

Owning a boat is a wonderful adventure for anyone.  There is little to compare with the relaxing pleasure of fishing or spending time on the water with the family. Water sports in all forms are a wonderful part of the summer experience.  Boats and wave runners, water skiing and just cruising along the coast line of a beautiful lake can be stress reducing and bring a wonderful communion wit water, aquatic reptiles and animals and birds.  While it is possible to rent a boat at almost any resort or lake marina the cost could force a cut back on other activities for a vacation and the boat may not be all you desire in cleanliness and performance.  Also, in the busier vacation seasons the type and size boat you would want may be booked well in advance and not available when you would wish to use it.

This has made many people desire to own a boat for themselves.  Boating can be very exciting a pleasurable but also very expensive.  First, of course there is the boat.  If someone is an avid fisherman and just looking for a small one or two man “Jon” boat the cost could still be several hundred dollars.  Then, of course, the accessories necessary for fishing.  Trolling motors, fish finders, trailers, and something to haul it in or on.

For those wishing a larger fishing experience, the tricked out bass boats are priced into several thousands of dollars, plus the larger trailer and something larger to haul it with. Ski boats and party boats can be a very significant investment.  This is an investment that will need to be protected and secured.  It is, therefore, very important to consider what to do with the boat while it is not in use.  Storing the boat in a secure and well managed self storage facility may appear very attractive in face of the other options.

There are several options and several reason for storing a boat at a self storage facility.  There are many boat owners who rent a dock space right on the water at the lake of preference and leave the boat there in the off season or during the work week when it is not possible to get on the water.  In a resort area and on nearly every lake where boating is a poplar activity there are locals who build and maintain these covered docks and offer rental spaces.  This can be a good option, however, there were many expensive boats heavily damaged during the Midwestern ice storms last winter when heavy snow loads and accumulations of ice collapsed the roofs of the floating docks.  Damages to boats at the Lake of the Ozarks totaled in the millions of dollars.

Larger boats can also be stored in dry dock for the off season.  Repairs can be made and the hulls and rudders can be carefully examined.  This boat storage has a hefty price tag and may be out of reach for the family boat owner.

The first and best option would seem to have the boat on your own property and under your personal scrutiny.  There may be several impediments to this.  If you are an apartment or condo dweller there may not be parking space available at your home location or the facility owners may not allow boats, campers, or recreational vehicles on the parking lots.

Homeowners may have back yard or driveway space.  Storing the boat in your own yard with a canvas cover might seem a good option but there are some difficulties to consider.  First, the boat may be vulnerable to vandals.  The damage that a vandal could do with a can of spray paint or a box cutter could cost thousands in repairs.  After all, it is difficult to be able to watch the boat at all times and the yard may not be fenced well enough to keep them out.  A self storage facility lot with an access controlled gate, video surveillance, and a manager living on the site could be far less costly than the repairs and the deductibles on your insurance policy.  There is also the danger that a curious child might become trapped under canvas and perhaps injured.  This could also leave the property owner open to lawsuits for having the boat there and available to be climbed onto.

Another reason to store your boat in a self storage facility would be the restrictions of neighborhood associations and suburban or municipal ordinances forbidding such parking at your own property.  There may be rules against boats over a certain length or rules about how many vehicles or items can be parked in a driveway on the street.  It may be also forbidden to park the boat in your own back yard and the fines for breaking these ordinances can be prohibitive. It seems that many homeowners are very cautious about anything that they perceive might lower the value of individual properties.  Certainly an unpainted, scruffy ugly boat on a dilapidated trailer hitched to a rusted hulk of a 4 wheel drive pickup would be a very undesirable neighbor. Most people with the income to purchase and support a nice boat, trailer and vehicle do not fall into that category but there are those who do and so the neighborhood associations and municipalities feel the need to try to legislate against ugly.

 Add to all of that the possible inconvenience of maneuvering passenger cars in and around the boat and trailer and it makes practical sense to consider parking the boat and trailer in a secure, and well maintained self storage facility.  Parking in your driveway on the street may also leave the boat and trailer open for damage from unskilled drivers, delivery vehicles and other dangers

There are several factors to consider when choosing a self storage facility to store your boat.  The first of those is the security of the parking area.  Most self storage facilities have outdoor parking and some will allow the boat and trailer inside a storage unit but the price is higher and the boat and trailer may not fit through the garage roll up doors of the storage units.  A well managed facility will have an access controlled gate to keep non tenants out of the lot.  Some have security dogs and patrols and many have the managers living on the site.  The boat might be much safer than sitting in your own driveway.

One thing to check for is the gate access hours.  There are facilities that have access only during business hours.  Some have hours from early morning until 9 or 10 pm but most fishermen and vacationers like to start earlier and so there are facilities with 24 hour access available.

The big news in self storage is the facilities devoted to RV and boat storage.  These are excellent choices for storing a boat as many of them do not have storage units.  They have wash areas and even dump stations.  The outdoor parking spaces are bigger in a variety of lengths and widths to accommodate nearly every size and type of boat and trailer.  There are also pull through and covered spaces for larger RV’s and boats with ceilings high enough and doors big enough to allow easy access.

While spaces and facilities that are specially equipped for boat storage are very dear and the cost per space higher than you would expect on a regular self storage facility, the convenience and services offered may be much less in the long run than in the water storage, dry dock and be much less complicated and difficult than trying to park it and keep watch over it on your own property.

Storing your boat in a self storage or RV and boat storage facility frees up your driveway and your property for other uses and enjoyments.  It takes away the concern that the boat will be tampered with or a source of danger to anyone.  There will be no worries about permits, ordinances, neighborhood association regulations, homeowner association hassles.  It will be easier to get the boat and trailer in and out without having to maneuver it through crowded residential streets with cars parked on both sides and over hanging tree limbs. Getting through suburban or downtown traffic with a boat and trailer can also be frustrating and exhausting.  Many self storage facilities have ample gate width and easy access for large trucks so that even a less experienced driver can safely and easily pull the boat and trailer in and out of the facility.  These facilities may also be out of the heavy traffic areas and therefore it is safer and more pleasant to take the boat in and out

Storing your boat in a local facility can take much of the worry out of the off season.  Even when you take a vacation without the boat you will know that it is secure and not in a position to cause problems in your neighborhood when you are not there to take care of things.  This can give a wonderful peace of mind while the boat is out of sight.

The next consideration is the cost of insurance for the boat while it is in storage opposed to sitting in your driveway.  Many storage facilities have protection plans available and your homeowners insurance may also cover the boat and trailer while they are in storage.

It is a lot to consider.  Many people who are considering purchasing a boat are well advised to look into these matters before the purchase.  Dock owners at the lake and dry dock facilities looking for business may not be as open about the hazards as they want the business. They may not wish to take the time to plan with someone who is not already a boat owner. A local self storage facility manager who has considerable stake in doing business in the community will be happy to work with a prospective boat owner to help find a solution for this boat storage need.  Self storage managers give quotes and advice and tours of their faculty every day to prospective and potential renters.  These skilled professionals can be a valuable asset in assisting a potent ional boat owner answer necessary questions about boat ownership and boat storage.

There might be a misconception that a self storage facility lot could be a dumping ground for worn out boats and broken down trailers of dubious ownership.  There are strict rules at nearly all self storage facilities that there must be a current registration in the name of the renter and that trailers must be road worthy.  Self storage facilities do not intend to become dumping grounds for junk vehicles or stolen property.

As more and more real estate is covered by housing and more and more people wish to own boats there will be an increasing need for storage areas geared to boats and recreational vehicles.  In water sport areas whole facilities are being built to accommodate RV’s and boats.  Many boat owners find themselves having to store the boat several miles from water because demand is high and availability is just catching up.  More and more people have the means to enjoy water sports and boat sales are on the increase in nearly every part of the country.  Water recreation areas are being built and as water power for generating electricity becomes more necessary there will be more dams and more lakes.  Camping and boating are becoming ever more popular outlets for relaxation and family fun.  There are boats in every class a price range and some with all of the comforts of home.  However, before you buy your boat consider what you will do with it when it is not in the water.  Call your local self storage facility and speak with a storage professional about your options and the costs involved.  With all of those problems solved you will be more able to enjoy your boating and boat ownership experience and build special memories.