How To Optimize Boat Storage
If you own a boat and use it seasonally, partnering with a storage facility provides a convenient solution. These facilities offer various storage options, including climate-controlled units, and they help keep your watercraft safe until you’re ready to use it again. This is beneficial if you don’t have enough space at home to keep your boat during the off-season. At The Storage Mall, our facilities offer secure, professional storage units to help safeguard your investment. Here are some tips for optimizing your boat storage experience:
1. Choose the Right Storage Unit
At a storage facility, you can choose the type and size of unit you prefer for your boat. The Storage Mall offers various options, including:
- Indoor Storage: These units are similar to a garage. They allow you to drive up to the space and back your boat into the unit on a trailer.
- Covered Storage: Covered units have a roof to protect your watercraft from sun, rain, and snow. They offer a middle ground between indoor and outdoor storage.
- Outdoor Storage: This option is the most common for boats. It provides a dedicated outdoor parking stall for your watercraft, and the spots are spacious enough for oversized models.
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Climate-controlled units maintain a set temperature range to protect your boat from extreme heat or cold. They are ideal for protecting delicate finishes or interiors.
Indoor storage units are available in various sizes; they can range from 10×15 to 10×30. The smallest size is often suitable for watercraft such as jet skis and skiffs. If you own a taller boat, such as one with a high cabin or tower, you may need a larger unit. This makes sure there’s enough vertical clearance for safe entry.
Choosing the right storage unit enhances your experience by matching your vessel’s size, materials, and usage needs with the level of protection it requires. A properly sized unit should fit both your boat and its trailer. Make sure the space allows you to maneuver in and out comfortably; this helps prevent exterior damage such as scrapes, scratches, and dents.
2. Clean and Prepare Your Boat
Cleaning and preparing your boat before storage can reduce future maintenance problems. It also makes it easier to retrieve and use your watercraft when boating season begins. Clean any salt, algae, or dirt from your vessel, and make sure everything is completely dry to prevent rust and musty smells.
If you’re storing the boat in a non-climate-controlled unit for an extended period, disconnect and remove the battery beforehand. This helps protect it from damage caused by extreme temperatures. You should also replenish the fluids, such as the fuel and oil, and use a stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down. These steps can protect your engine and keep your boat in good working condition.
3. Remove or Protect Interior Items
Before putting your boat in long-term storage, remove valuable items, such as electronics, and make a plan to protect the interior finishes. If you’re storing your boat in an indoor unit, you may only need to lightly cover the seats to keep dust from gathering. Outdoor storage spaces are exposed to variable weather conditions, so using a heavy-duty boat cover is ideal. This protects both the interior and exterior from rain, sun, and debris. Completing these steps helps preserve the look and condition of your boat, optimizing your storage experience.
Find a Versatile Storage Facility
Professional boat storage offers security, weather protection, and space savings. It allows you to free up driveway or yard space and keep your boat out of direct sunlight or snowfall. With The Storage Mall, you can find a suitable space for your watercraft, whether it’s a sailboat or a pontoon. Our facilities offer a wide range of unit types, and many have gated access for increased protection. Visit our website today to find a location near you and view our available units.