How to Store a Boat - Best Boat Storing Options
Boating is one of the best ways to let off your steam or enjoy the serenity of water. For all those fellow boaters who are in deep thought about storing your boat while it is not in use, this article is for you. Often, we need to store the boats away according to seasons for a long time. Hence it is essential to know about the proper storage methods. There are various approaches, including indoor and outdoor storage.
Before choosing any of the above methods in a rush, look at its advantages and disadvantages.
Outdoor storage facilities
There are two outdoor storage options to choose from, wet or dry storage.
Dry storage facility
As long as dry docking is what you are looking for, you might have to do a detailed study on the slips nearby and book your slot. Make sure to adequately cover and winterize your boat to keep the dust accumulation at bay. It will also be wise to add a zip door to your shrink wrap if you plan on working on it during the storage period.
Most of the dry dock facilities provide flexible timings. However, the safety against thieves and vandals isn't as strong as in an indoor storage facility. Storing it in a dry dock near your port will also reduce the hauling cost.
The cost for this option usually starts from $10/foot a month. If you have a high-performance boat, this could amount to thousands in a year.
Wet storage facility
Assuming that you are one of those boaters who are not planning to keep your boat docked in for a long time, this might be ideal for you. Check out the marine dock in your area and make sure their timing works with your schedule.
- Eliminates hauling cost as it is docked in the water
- Less expensive than indoor storage facilities
- Exposure to water for a long time would lead to the accumulation of algae and other water microbes
- Not as secure from vandals, thieves, and climatic conditions as an indoor storage slip
This method is recommended in areas with mild winters. Properly winterizing your boat and adding ice eaters to keep the water from freezing around the vessels will do the trick. If your boat is sitting on its trailer, you can always leave it for a meagre rent.
Indoor storage method
If you happen to live in a friendly neighbourhood and have enough space to store away your boat, this is the perfect answer. Here’s why:
- Better security against vandals
- Protection from climate change
- 24/7 access to your boat
- Storing in your premises eliminates the monthly rent for storage facilities, which could amount to hundreds or thousands depending upon the size of your boat
The disadvantage is the hauling cost to and from your garage/storage facilities to the port and back, each time you want to take it out. So, if your house is far from your go-to marine dock, this might be a problem.
As long as you want your boats to be protected, yet don't have space in your yard or garage, there is no need to be concerned about. You would find many indoor storage facilities in your area with top-notch security and even cleaning crews to look after your boat like their own.
If you are ever in the lookout for "boat storage facilities near me," Alberni Power and Marine has a state-of-the-art indoor storage facility spanning over 30,000 square feet, with heated floors, dehumidifiers, and even alarm systems for tighter security.
Conclusion
There are several options for boat storage in Canada, from indoor to outdoor, with varying price ranges according to your boat's size and custom needs. We at Alberni Power and Marine are always ready to help you with our expert advice and excellent services.