Boat, marine products, and service sales were predicted to reach $42 billion in 2019 alone. As more and more boat owners appear, the demand for boat storage is only to go up, leaving one important question: how much does it cost to store a boat?
In short, the answer is going to depend on the size of your boat, your budget, and what you’re looking for out of your storage. For instance, indoor storage at a high-end facility is always going to cost more than cheaper outdoor facilities. What else can play a factor in the overall price, though?
We’re here to help you find out. Read on to learn everything you need to know about boat storage prices.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Boat Storage Costs
The biggest thing to remember is that every single storage option is going to come with its own pros and cons.
Indoor boat storage is top-tier, of course, because it offers the most protection and you don’t have to worry about potential theft. It’s also a lot more expensive.
Storing your boat at a marina is also a great option, but it’s expensive too. It’s well worth it if you live near the water and use your boat often, though.
Outdoor storage is the cheapest, and you shouldn’t have to worry about theft, but it also doesn’t provide much protection against the elements when it’s needed. Buying a cover for this exact reason is a great way to combat that problem, though.
Covered storage is the happy medium here. Its price is the midway point (more than outdoor storage, but still not as much as indoor), and you gain more protection for your boat.
Some facilities, like this one, offer both indoor and outdoor boat and RV storage, meaning an easier search for prices.
Location Plays a Part
Location is another thing to consider with boat storage. Some regions are going to be cheaper than others, and they’re going to have different options when it comes to the size you can store.
If you have a boat above 40-feet, finding storage might be a bit difficult.
Preparing Your Boat Can Help
If you’re looking to cut down on expenses, prepping your boat in advance can help out a lot. Here are a few things you can do ahead of time:
- Make repairs
- Cover the boat with a tight-fitting cover
- Fill up your gas tank and use a fuel stabilizer
- Change the oil
- Remove any batteries
- Drain any and all water
If you’re storing the boat for a long time, taking even a few of these steps is going to make sure there aren’t any surprises when you take it out next season.
How Do You Feel About the Cost to Store a Boat?
Now that we’ve gone over a few of the biggest factors that play into boat storage cost, how do you feel about the total cost to store a boat? No matter what decision you choose to make, it’s important to take your own needs into consideration over everything else. From there, you can decide what’s worth having vs. what’s not.
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