The Advantages of Indoor Boat Storage

Boats are expensive. Yacht owners joke that a boat is like a big hole in the ocean into which you pour money. When it comes to storing the boat, it may be tempting to find the cheapest option--or just leave it in the water. Hauling it out, cleaning it up and paying for indoor storage might seem like an unnecessary luxury. But there are good reasons why indoor storage may be the most economical choice for your boat.

  1. Keep the Boat New Longer

    • Protect your investment. Storing your boat indoors for the winter will protect it from fading, cracking, dirt and wear. And many marinas don't make this optional. You have to pull the boat for the winter. It makes sense to choose enclosed dry storage to prolong the life of your boat and leave it ready to launch again when boating season returns. If you keep a boat in a warmer climate but don't use it continually then indoor storage is like a garage for the car. Your boat will stay cleaner and require no winterizing, extra hawsers, bumpers or anchors, or stripping down in preparation for leaving it at a dock or anchorage while you are away or too busy to use it.

    Security

    • Storing your boat in a secure indoor facility means your boat will be there the next time you want to use it. You don't have to worry about casual vandalism, valuable parts or equipment stripped, damage caused by other boats that come unmoored or are carelessly piloted. A secure facility should have an alarm system, a fire safety system including sprinklers, rules about the times and kinds of work allowed by boat owners to prevent accidental damage to surrounding boats or fires, security cameras and even security guards for more expensive vessels. Check for the features that you think are essential and make sense economically. Any indoor storage facility you entrust with your boat should be insured.

    Hurricanes and Other Seasonal Storms

    • A high wind provides a compelling reason to find indoor storage for your boat. In hurricane corridors, you should line this up well before the season opens on June 1 to guarantee the most convenient and appropriate facility. In the event of a storm you might not have much notice before you decide to move the boat to a safe harbor, so knowing how to get it secured and how long that will take can be critical. Indoor storage during a hurricane or severe storm protects the boat from breaking loose from a mooring and crashing into other boats, a dock or seawall or being tossed ashore in a really major wind. The foundation, walls and ceiling of the storage facility provide protection from everything loose that the storm drives before it from gouging holes in your boat, breaking its mast or windshield, scraping the paint off or silting up the engine with mud, sand or fouled water. Peace of mind and keeping your boat in one piece are probably worth the price.