Indoor Boat Storage vs. Outdoor vs. Home Garage or Storage Unit
INDOOR STORAGE FACILITIES/WINTERIZING
Some marinas have year around boat storage and there are private boat storage companies. The key here is asking questions. You need to find out from the marina or the boat storage company if they will pull your boat out of the water, how much do they charge for the storage, and will they put your boat back into the water when spring rolls around. This is important if you rent a dock slip at a marina. Some marinas will even include storage fees if you rent a slip from them. The cost of this ranges depending on what type of storage you want. Do you want a heated storage facility? If the storage is heated in the winter months then you really do not need to winterize your boat. There will be no chance of your boat freezing if it is a heated facility. Do you just want your boat out of the winter wind and elements? If this is the case then you will want to check with the manufacturer of your boat on what guidelines to follow when winterizing your particular boat. The cost of boat storage will vary depending on what region you live in. If you live in an area that gets colder then most other areas then you can expect to pay more for these services. The overall cost can run anywhere from a couple hundred dollars and well beyond, depending on your boat size, and if you want heated storage.
OUTDOOR STORAGE/WINTERIZING
You can keep your boat outside during winter months and it will be perfectly fine in the spring when your ready to start to ride the water ways again. You have to remember however, to check with the dealer or manufacturer and find out what you need to do to different types of boats to ensure that they will not freeze and ruin very costly parts. Also when keeping your boat outside in the winter be sure to keep it covered. You can buy the more expensive boat covers for your boat shape and size or you can buy a tarp that is large enough to cover your boat. If you receive a lot of winter precipitation however you will want to clear the precipitation from whatever you use to cover your boat on a regular basis to guarantee that the covering does not start to leak or rip from the extra pressure. If your boat cover or tarp starts to shred or tear replace it immediately so that the precipitation does not start to build up inside your boat. This will cause rot if not taken care of quickly.
HOME GARAGE/STORAGE UNIT/WINTERIZING
You can also store your boat in your home garage, carport, or in a storage unit. The storage units may get expensive if you are paying on a monthly basis and of course the larger of a storage unit you need the more expensive this will be. If you are leaning toward this option it maybe best to reference the indoor storage facilities at the beginning of this article. Your home garage or carport are a less expensive manageable option. You will always know where your boat is, you will also know for certain that it is out of the elements for the winter. However, as mentioned before you will still need to winterize your boat for this option. Unless your home garage is heated, and most are not. Once again check with the dealer or manufacturer to determine what you need to do to be sure your boat will not freeze this winter. As far as putting your boat under a carport you will still want to cover it with a boat cover or tarp. The carport will just help keep the precipitation from building up on the top of your cover. You will get much longer life from your boat cover or tarp this way.
Basically, go with what you are more comfortable with doing with your boat for the winter months. Do what is more economical for you and your family. Just remember to winterize if needed, to keep your boat covered if it is outdoors, and to check with the manufacturers. Taking this advice will guarantee that your boat is ready this coming spring and each spring afterwards for many hours of water fun.
