Do it Yourself Boat Storage

Keeping your boat at a marina dock slip or in a rack storage system is convenient, but storing your boat yourself, or "trailering," also has benefits, particularly on your wallet. It is far less costly if you trailer your boat while allowing you the freedom to move and use your boat in multiple locations during the boating season.

  1. Location

    • When making the decision to trailer and store your boat, the first thing to consider is the storage location.
      Most will store their boats on their own property but for people in cities or those with small lots, home storage can be tricky. Check with your town's or city's ordinances and find out whether your boat can be left in the yard or driveway. If ordinances prohibit keeping the boat outside, you will need a garage or storage shed, and if that is not possible you might consider a storage facility that allows trailered boats.

    Equipment

    • While trailering is less costly than a marina, it does require some equipment so you can safely tow your boat.
      Check with your state highway patrol or statewide public safety agency for laws regarding towing and trailers. These laws, including licensing your trailer and trailer specifications, differ from state to state. The laws in your state may dictate what equipment you need.
      Review the owner's manual of both your boat and your vehicle so you'll know the boat's dry weight for towing and whether your vehicle is designed to tow that much weight. Add 200 to 300 pounds to the boat's dry weight to account for fuel and gear stored in your boat. Never assume that because your vehicle is a truck or sport utility vehicle (SUV) it is capable of towing a boat.

    Winterizing

    • When trailering your boat through the winter, especially if it will be kept outside, it must be winterized. This process keeps the boat in top shape from year to year and helps avoid costly repairs to ready it for use the following spring.
      Winterizing the mechanical portion of your boat is different for inboard and outboard boats, but protecting the exterior from damaging winter conditions is easy. Wash your boat then apply a good coat of wax to protect it from the elements. Next, place a good-quality, breathable cover over the boat. A sales team member at your local boat shop can guide you to a cover appropriate for winter use.
      Links to instructions on how to winterize both inboard and outboard boats are listed below if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Many boat repair shops perform this service for a fee.