Where to Store Your Boat: Options and Costs
As a boat owner, one of the most significant decisions you will make is where to store your boat. The location you choose can significantly impact your boating experience and your budget. You have several options to choose from, each with its advantages and drawbacks. It's crucial to carefully consider these options before making a decision. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular boat storage options available and the benefits and costs associated with each one. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about where to store your boat. Here are some popular boat storage options to consider:
Trailering
Trailering is the cheapest option, as there is no cost to you. You simply store your boat on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. This option is best for small boats, as larger boats may not fit in a residential driveway or backyard. If you store your boat at home, it is easily accessible year-round. Just be sure to consult your owner's manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and tips. Also check with your city or homeowners association to make sure boats can be parked outside your home if you plan to store your trailer somewhere other than in your garage.
Rack Storage
If you have a smaller boat (usually less than 30 feet), you can opt for rack storage. A rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed containing large steel racks. When you want to take your boat out, you simply call the facility and a large fork truck lifts your boat from the rack to the water. When you are done boating, you tie up your boat and someone from the storage facility will return it to the shed. Monthly fees, based on the length of your boat, can range from $6 per foot to $18 per foot. The fee includes taking your boat in and out of the water. This type of storage reduces the amount of space needed to house your boat and offers a clean environment in which to store your boat.
Marina
If you own a large boat that is too big to store elsewhere, or if you own a small boat and want easy access to the water, then storage at a marina is a good option for you. Many marinas offer winter storage and service for your boat. Some even have showers, TVs, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. The advantage to marina storage over rack storage is that you don't need to call ahead and have the facility move your boat into the water. You just show up to the dock, walk to your vessel, and go. You are usually charged by the length of your boat; fees range from $8 to $35 per foot plus utilities if used.
Yacht Storage
For those who own luxury yachts, storage facilities with high-end amenities are available. These facilities offer custom dock space that includes electricity and water hookups, a storage locker, mechanics, laundry, restaurants, and shops. Monthly fees, like other types of boat storage facilities, are based on the length of your vessel. They range from $15 per foot to $65 per foot.
Dockominium (Buying a Boat Slip)
A dockominium is a water version of a condominium. Instead of owning an apartment, though, you own a boat slip on the water. Dockominiums usually are found in large, metropolitan, waterfront areas, such as New York and Miami, and cater to the very affluent, as they are quite pricey. When you buy the boat slip, you have exclusive rights to use it and rights to the common area of the marina, just as you would have rights to the common area of a condominium development. Once you own your boat slip, you can use it, rent it, or sell it just as you would a home. Cost can vary depending on location; it can run anywhere from $60 per foot to $140 per foot. Keep in mind that there may also be additional fees for maintenance, repair, or upgrades to the dock, as well as any association fees. While dockominiums are a significant investment, they offer a permanent and convenient solution for boat owners who want easy access to their vessel.
In summary, choosing the right storage option for your boat is an important decision that requires careful consideration of your budget, location, and boating needs. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to weigh them carefully and make the best decision for you and your boat. By keeping these factors in mind and researching different storage options, you can ensure that your boat is safe, secure, and easily accessible whenever you want to take it out on the water.
The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.