Indoor vs Outdoor Boat Storage – How to Choose the Best?
As the cold creeps in and the season switches to winter, it is time to get your boat winter-ready. Most boat owners are looking to stash away their boats till next spring, and here comes the vital question, "where do you store your boat?".
Veteran boaters might know the answer down to the tee, but as for new boaters, here are some tips on making your choice easy.
Before delving into the option of Indoor vs Outdoor Boat storage, you have wet boat storage and dry boat storage to consider from, and in short, this terminology refers to:
Wet Boat Storage
Storing your boats in the water body, docked preferably in marina outside and vulnerable to the climatic conditions.
Dry Boat Storage
You are tucking away your boat in a dry area where the moisture can't get to it.
Now that you have the basics down, let us get right to it:
1. Outdoor Boat Storage
Your options when it comes to storing your boat outside are a dry-docking facility, Marina, Trailer or self-storage options.
- Self-storage is the cheapest of all, as it means storing your boat on your property. It comes highly recommended for those with the means to do it as they can monitor their boat, service when required, and ensure its safety.
- The dry docking facility is usually a large storage area, where your boat is stowed away until the subsequent use, mainly on storage racks. Access to it will depend upon the dry docking facilities policies.
- If you live in slightly warmer climates, where winter isn't unbearable, Marina storage might be the perfect option for you. The method allows keeping your boat docked in your nearest Marina with easy access and less mooring time.
- Every boater will not be a trailer owner. Fret not, for you can rent them out easily with any boat trader BC. Parking your boat in a private trailer is one way to keep your vessel safe from the cold climate.
This option does come with its fair share of cons. The outdoor storage is vulnerable to climatic issues, including discolouration, Critters, flora and fauna, etc., and security issues like theft.
2. Indoor Boat Storage
Considering you are in the colder part of the country, Indoor Boat storage could be the one for you. This option provides the owners with peace of mind since their precious boats are safe and secure.
The indoor storage facilities are often booked ahead. Some of the boat dealerships on Vancouver Island, Canada, offer creative combos including maintenance, and Winterization deals while signing the agreement for your new boat.
The downside of this method is the restricted access to the boat during its storage duration.
The long security process might require you to schedule your timings well ahead of time.
Although Indoor storage is on the expensive end, it is definitely worth the protection your boat will be getting from the harsh snow and ice.
Conclusion
Both Indoor and Outdoor storage are excellent methods of protecting your boat. But keep in mind, before stowing away the vessel, you need to properly winterize the vessel and add in customized cover for easy maintenance access and maximum protection.
You can also check out our guide to prepare your boat for a storage in winter.
For any doubts on boat winterization and storage in Vancouver Island BC, visit us at Alberni Power and Marine, where our experienced staff is at your service.