How Much Does Boat Storage Cost? (3 Helpful Examples)

If you do not have space and facilities to keep your boat at home or on your own private property, you will need to think about renting storage space.

And your storage space might need to change in summer and winter, depending on where you live and what type of facilities the storage companies have to offer.

How Much Does Boat Storage Cost?
Average boat storage rates for inside storage without a trailer is approximately $ 8.25 per square foot, with a rate of approximately $ 7.25 per square foot for a boat with a trailer. Outdoor storage rates are approximately $ 7.50 per linear foot with a trailer.

Of course, these rates are just approximations and are based on early storage booking rates.

The rates can vary quite drastically from one storage facility to the next. These rates are expected to be particularly more expensive if you only secure your storage spot late.

Let’s take a look at some examples of some most common types of boat storage options available and what most boat storage facilities include in the cost.

Examples of Boat Storage | Types of Boat Storage Options

It is important to note that all boat storage facilities will have their own storage options and rates to offer. Make sure that you shop around to find a boat storage solution that really caters to your budget and needs.

Take the time to learn more about the storage on offer and how much protection will be provided to your boat. You don’t just want somewhere to park it. You want to leave it somewhere it will be safe and protected.

The more protection that is provided for your vessel, the higher you can expect the storage cost to be.

Sometimes the extra spend warrants the cost, especially if it will prolong the lifespan of your boat.

3 Types Of Boat Storage Options With Price Range:

1) Covered Boat Storage (price range: medium)

Sun exposure is one of the most damaging elements that your boat will face if it needs to sit outside between boating seasons.

Covered boat storage is often sought out by those who want to provide just an extra layer of protection from the sun as well as the other elements.

When you opt for covered boat storage, you will normally be offered storage space beneath a free-standing shelter.

You will find that covered boat storage costs are just a little bit higher than regular outdoor storage costs. This is because there is a little bit more protection provided for the unit.

2) Outdoor Boat Storage (price range: cheap)

If you just do not have the yard space or garage space at home but need to keep your boat somewhere safe, outdoor boat storage might just be the option for you.

This may also be your only option if you cannot find a storage facility with an indoor storage unit that is big enough to house your vessel. You will find that this type of storage, that offers the least amount of protection for your boat, is actually the most affordable.

Unfortunately, outdoor boat storage offers no real protection for your boat against the elements, so you might want to get a boat cover or wrap the boat in preparation for weather fluctuations.

Of course, the boat is stored in a very secure outdoor storage area, so you should not have to worry about opportunistic criminals trying their luck.

Often outdoor storage units come with some light ongoing maintenance included, so don’t forget to ask about that.

3) Indoor Boat Storage (price range: high end)

There is no denying it, indoor boat storage is considered first prize when it comes to storage options.

This type of boat storage is the most valued as it offers total protection from the elements as well as from potential theft. Indoor boat storage is undoubtedly the most costly option, but when you consider that it will prolong the expected lifespan of your boat, it is certainly worth the extra money spent.

Most indoor boat storage options are provided in self-storage units.

The only possible disappointment to expect is if the storage facility is fully booked and they do not have a unit of the right size to offer you. At an absolute minimum (and this really depends on the type of boat that you have), you will need a unit that is 10 x 15.
This seems to be the standard minimum size in the boat storage industry.

Of course, you can get larger units that are around 10 x 20 or 10 x 30. These are better for longer boats as a 30-foot long boat that is 10 feet wide certainly will not fit inside a regular storage unit.

Also, know the height of your boat before you start shopping around. Most storage units are around 8 to 10 feet high which means that taller boats will need to be specially catered to. Make sure you check on storage unit sizes before you sign a storage contract or unit rental agreement.

What is Included in Boat Storage Costs?

When shopping around for boat storage options, take the time to inquire about what is included in the deal.

Some boat storage companies will simply offer you the space for storage whereas others will go the extra mile to add in a few very useful service extras.

Some inclusions to look out for are:

• Hauling the boat in and out,
• Pressure washing,
• Pump out,
• Drainage of water system jack stands,
• Winterizing,
• Shrink wrapping,
• Preventative maintenance checkups and care,
• Pick up and drop off.

By storing your boat with a company that offers convenient extras, you might save money as well as time and effort.

You can essentially rest assured that your boat is maintained and cared for in between each boating season.

Cut Back on Expenses by Preparing Your Boat for Storage

Part of the cost of storing your boat includes how much your storage options incur, in terms of later costs/expenses.

If you choose the wrong storage option, or if you do not prepare your boat properly for the storage period, you may find yourself faced with costly repairs and maintenance in the near future.

Below are a few pointers on how to prepare your boat for storage in order to keep costs down:

• Make sure any required repairs are carried out before storing the vessel. Some damage can actually worsen over time or as temperatures change.
• Cover the boat with a tight-fitting boat cover, even if you are storing it indoors. The cover allows airflow into the boat to keep mildew at bay, but it also protects the boat from moisture collecting in various areas.
• Fill up your gas tank and use a fuel stabilizer, especially if your vessel will be in storage for an extended time.
• Change the oil.
• Check which electrical components are powered by batteries and remove the batteries.
• If the boat will be in storage for an extended period of time, remove the boat’s main battery.
• Lubricate the propeller shaft.
• Check the engine is running smoothly and check all components to ensure they are secure.
• Disconnect the boat fuel line and let it run until it comes to a halt.
• Flush out the system and cooling system by following the steps in your user’s manual.
• Drain the engine of water.
• Check all sparkplugs for potential corrosion and apply anti-corrosion spray.

Once all of this is done, your boat is ready for storage.

Make sure that you chat with the storage company about their terms and conditions and if there is anything expected of you, to ensure that your boat is easy to care for.

Why Use Boat Storage?

Of course, the biggest reason to use boat storage is to free up space on your property and ensure that your boat is kept in good condition – ready for each boating season.

When shopping around, you will find that boat storage unit are not particularly expensive if you do not store the vessel at a marina. Marina storage tends to be extremely pricey.

Regular boat storage units not located at the marina are quite affordable in comparison.

They are also positioned conveniently close to the ocean, bays, lakes, and rivers. This means that you will not have to haul your boat a long way (all the way from home). Simply arrive on the day you wish to launch, collect your boat and head to your chosen spot, which is probably already nearby.

Last Word

Depending on the boat that you have, the average cost to store it per month could be anything from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Choose a boat storage option that is suited to your budget and your needs.