Boat Storage

Boat and Jet Ski Storage

Find a Boat Storage Facility Near You

Are you looking for a secure, well-lit, and affordable place to store a boat? Renting a self storage parking unit is a great option for storing a vehicle, especially large recreational vehicles like boats. If you’re looking for a safe place to keep your boat, The Storage Mall offers affordable options for your boat storage needs. Our self storage companies offer clean, well-maintained units for boats and other items

Types of Storage for Boats

Self storage companies that offer boat storage typically have one or more of these options available: indoor storage, covered parking, and outdoor boat storage. Here is more information about the advantages of each type of boat storage, including convenience, affordability, and protection:

Indoor Boat Storage

Indoor storage is the most protective boat storage option available. Drive-up self storage units provide a space that functions like a garage, allowing you to back your boat into a storage unit on a trailer. The Storage Mall properties offer a variety of self storage unit sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your storage needs. This option may only fit the needs of those with a smaller watercraft, with the self storage units ranging in size from 10 by 20 feet to 10 by 30 feet.

Covered Boat Storage

With a roof to protect your boat from the sun and other elements, covered vehicle storage falls between indoor and outdoor self storage parking options. It’s more affordable and offers a bit more space than an indoor self storage unit, but it offers more shelter than standard outdoor vehicle storage. This middle-ground storage center option is beneficial for individuals who want to balance cost and accessibility. 

Outdoor Boat Storage

The most common self storage parking option for boats is outdoor storage. At a self storage facility, this equates to parking your boat in an outdoor parking stall while providing you optimal space available for larger boats. This storage center stall is a beneficial choice for individuals who have a protective cover for their boat and want a cost-effective option. 

Storage Unit Sizes for Boats

If you’ve decided that indoor boat storage is the best option, the next step is to figure out the correct self storage unit size you’ll need to store your boat. Here are a few options:

10×15 Storage Units

A self storage unit as small as 10 by 15 feet can be used for several types of smaller boats and other water vessels, such as a jet ski. Be sure to measure the dimensions of your boat trailer, not just the boat itself. Here are a few boat types this unit size will fit:

  • Jet skis
  • Skiffs
  • Small drifter

10×20 & 10×30 Self Storage Units

Most boats that can be stored indoors need a 10 by 20 or 10 by 30 storage center unit. Before picking a self storage unit, take the time to measure your boat on its trailer to see which size you’ll need. Keep your boat’s height in mind as well. Most self storage units are about eight feet tall, meaning taller boats may need to be stored outdoors or in a covered parking space. Boat types that will fit in these spaces may include:

  • 14 to 24-foot fishing boats
  • Runabouts shorter than 24 feet
  • Small pontoons
  • Speed boats under 24 feet
  • Wakeboard boats (with the tower removed)

Outdoor & Covered Parking Sizers for Boats

Outdoor and covered parking provides flexibility for boats of any size. Covered parking or outdoor vehicle storage has minimal limitations, especially regarding height. These options can usually accommodate boats that might be too large to fit inside an indoor storage center unit. Outdoor boat storage is a great option for wakeboard boats with towers that may make them too tall to fit inside a self storage unit.

Preparing your Boat for Winter or Long-Term Storage

If you live in an area of the country where the climate gets cold from October through April, it’s key to winterize your boat before putting it into an indoor or outdoor parking unit. This information on the proper way to prepare your boat can also apply to owners in warmer locations who plan to use outdoor boat storage for extended periods of time. By preparing your boat for storage, you can avoid damage to the boat’s internal or external components.

Step 1: Be sure to clean your Boat

Whether your boat sails in freshwater or saltwater, you should always wash it before storing it at a storage center. This gets rid of any salt or grime that could damage the paint. We suggest a good wax and buff to protect the paint as well. If your boat has leather or carpet on the inside, clean it well to make sure stains don’t set while in long-term storage. You can also apply a rust inhibitor on your steering and control cables and the metal hardware.

Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water, and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing. Handle anything broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.

Step 2: Prevent Mildew Growth

Things such as cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers should also be stored. Lockers and drawers should be propped open to air out, and the refrigerator should be emptied. To avoid mildew, keep the moisture inside your boat in suspension and on the move. A dehumidifier can help increase the interior air temperature and prevent moisture, as it keeps the air circulating inside the boat. Be sure to place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.

Drain the fluid from your manifolds and engine blocks, water pumps, and coolers. Be sure to drain and fill the gearcase with gearcase lubricants. Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank, and water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, water heater, and port-a-potty.

Step 3: Top Off Fluids

All fluids should be replenished before storing your boat for the winter. Specifically, the fuel and oil. Don’t store your boat with anything less than a full tank of fuel because this can allow air and moisture to get inside the tank or engine, which can damage your fuel system. Also, be sure to run antifreeze and a fuel stabilizer through your boat before storing.

Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change the oil filter, too. You’ll also want to change the transmission fluid, remove spark plugs, and use “fogging oil” on each cylinder. Spray a towel with fogging oil or WD-40 and wipe down the engine.

Step 4: Remove Your Boat’s Battery

If you’re thinking of storing your boat in an outdoor or covered storage unit where it’s still susceptible to external temperatures, remove the battery prior to storing it. Batteries left in extreme heat or cold can be easily damaged. Disconnect the cables and remove the battery. Clean the terminal ends, wash the battery with a solution of water and baking soda, and rinse it with distilled water. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Be sure to use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.

Step 5: Put a Cover or Slip on Your Boat

A cover or slipcover for your boat isn’t necessary for all boats stored indoors. Those stored in covered parking and outdoor storage should definitely have a boat cover or slip. This will protect your water vessel from any precipitation, debris, and other issues that could ruin the paint, seats, carpeting, etc.

Most insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, so winterizing is very important. The best way to winterize your boat is to check your owner’s manual, as every boat is different. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help and ask lots of questions if you have never winterized before. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Find the Best Boat Self Storage Unit Option

Looking for the best place to store a boat during the off-season or when you’re not having fun in the sun? Depending on the state you live in and what kind of boat you have, you’ll be able to try either indoor or outdoor vehicle options:

Indoor Boat Storage Options

  • Dry-Stacked Storage: This is an option inside a warehouse with stacked compartments that keep your boat secure and protected from the elements.
  • Garage Storage: Although you may have to move another vehicle outside to accommodate your boat, your garage at home provides both security and convenience at no cost.
  • Indoor Self Storage Unit: By keeping your boat inside a storage unit at a trusted facility, you can know your boat is well-protected throughout the winter. Indoor parking spots are usually heated to a comfortable temperature. This means that the temperature that your boat is stored in will be between 65-85 degrees.

Outdoor Boat Storage Options

  • Parking in a Driveway: While this is by far the most affordable option, parking your boat at home in your driveway is a convenient and free way to store your boat all winter long. Investing in a hitch lock or security camera helps add layers of security. 
  • Covered Storage Unit: Some self storage facilities offer covered vehicle storage, which provides a roof over your boat, protecting it from the elements.
  • Uncovered Storage Unit: This vehicle storage option is a designated parking space in a secure, fenced-in area at a self storage facility.

Start storing your vehicle today at one of these locations:

New York

New Jersey

Delaware

Missouri

Wisconsin

Illinois

Kansas

Boat Storage

Taking the proper precautions is very important if you want your boat to be ready to use when spring comes. Failure to winterize your boat can cause significant damage such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, and frozen pipes. Freezing, dormancy, moisture, and corrosion can lead to large repair bills. In order to avoid costly repairs in the spring, it is important to take the proper precautions in the fall.

Here are some necessary steps to take when winterizing your boat:

Find a storage location

Your options are storing in your garage, in your driveway or backyard, rack storage, a marina, or a storage facility. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and storage tips.

Clean

Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. This will also let you discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. It will let you take care of any spills or messes that you may not have been aware of, and thus let you avoid having to uncover any mysterious odors in the spring. Clean your boat and apply a rust inhibitor on your steering and control cables and on the metal hardware.

Repair damages

It is best to handle anything that is broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.

Remove electronics

All electronics should be removed and stored in a safe, dry, and warm place.

Prevent mildew

Things such as cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers should also be stored. Lockers and drawers should be propped open to air out, and the refrigerator should be emptied out. To avoid mildew, keep the moisture inside your boat in suspension and on the move. A dehumidifier can help increase the interior air temperature and prevent moisture, as it keeps the air circulating inside the boat. Be sure to place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.

Drain

Drain the fluid from your manifolds and engine blocks, water pumps, and coolers. Be sure to drain and fill the gearcase with gearcase lubricants. Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank, and hot water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, hot water heater, and port-a-potty.

Fuel and antifreeze

Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation, and gas spoilage. Be sure to add stabilizer to preserve the gas and prevent damage to the fuel system. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the gas in your fuel lines. Put antifreeze into the cooling system and into the supply lines for the water faucets and shower.

Monitor oil

Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change the oil filter, too.

Prepare the engine

You’ll also want to change the transmission fluid, remove spark plugs, and use “fogging oil” on each cylinder. Spray a towel with fogging oil or WD-40 and wipe down the engine.

Paint

Sand the bottom of the boat and repaint it to prevent rust.

Prepare the battery

Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the terminal ends, wash the battery with a solution of water and baking soda, and rinse it with distilled water. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Be sure to use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.

Inspect the stern drive

Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plants or barnacles from the lower unit. For stern drives with rubber boots, be sure to check for cracks or holes. Make sure you grease all fittings and check your fluid levels.

Clean bilges

Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water, and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing.

Choose a proper cover

Be sure to cover your boat tightly before storing it, even if it is being stored indoors. Make sure that whatever cover you choose has good ventilation. Also be certain there are no tears or damages to the cover.

Most insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, so winterizing is very important. The best way to winterize your boat is to check your owner’s manual; every boat is different. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help and ask lots of questions if you have never winterized before. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Find Storage for Cars and Boats Today

The Storage Mall offers modern storage centers where you can safely store a variety of items. Whether you need storage for cars, boats, furniture, and more, we can help you find the right fit for your needs. We provide a helpful size guide and storage unit calculator to make sure your items fit within the space properly. You can also select between indoor, outdoor, and covered storage solutions. Reach out to one of our self storage companies in your area today.