Storage Unit Size For A Yacht
Yachts can range from 30 feet to over 100 feet, so storage sizes can vary widely. Additionally, your yacht may have one to three levels of living space. This means the height of your storage space also has a wide range. Due to the massive size, height, and weight of these vessels, the best way to store your yacht is to use wet slip storage or a specialty yacht lift. Using a lift can be expensive and cumbersome depending on the size of your watercraft, so wet slip storage, or dockage, is the recommended storage method. You can find dockage space in the private sector for a reasonable price or look for slip space at a storage yard.
Where & How To Store Your Boat During The Off
As temperatures get colder, the day must come when you need to come up with some ideas to store your boat for the season.
Whether its your first time storing your boat or if youre an experienced boat owner, youve probably asked yourself these questions before:;
Where do I store my boat? What options are available? Will it be safe? Will it be weather-controlled?
There are plenty of options available, but before you store your boat its a good idea to do your homework and make sure your boat is ready to be stored.
Types Of Boat Storage
Choosing the best type of boat storage you need will depend on a variety of factors, ranging from the type of boat you own, to your local climate, to how often you want to access it. There are a variety of types of boat storage options available for all types of boat owners and their needs. Consider these types of boat storage solutions to determine the best type of boat storage for you.
Jump to a type of boat storage:
Wet slip storage
Known for its convenience, wet slip storage means storing your boat in a designated spot in the water called a marina slip. This method is typically recommended for areas that don’t experience temperatures that drop below freezing. Sometimes lift slips are available to allow you to lift the boat out of the water. Whether the boat is in the water or lifted, it’s best to purchase a fitted cover to protect your boat from the elements. This storage method makes for an easy launch, but some watercraft are not meant to be stored in the water for long periods of time. Make sure wet slip storage is recommended for your type of boat before deciding on this storage method.
Pros of wet slip boat storage:
- Convenience
- Damage from barnacles and algae
Lift slip storage
Pros of lift slip boat storage:
- Convenience and easy access to the water
- No need for a boat trailer
- Quick water access at all times
Cons of lift slip boat storage:
Boatyard storage
Pros of boatyard storage:
Driveway or parking spaces
- Peace of mind
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Clean Your Pontoon Boat
The obvious first step would be to clean your boat. Leaving any nasty residue from past boat trips can invite all sorts of fungus, mold, and mildew to develop and thrive. If you cook and eat on your boat, then any food particles left behind can attract unwanted bugs and rodents looking for a place to stay for the winter.;
And then of course any marine life that has managed to cling to the exterior of your boat will stick with more gusto after they’re allowed to sit there for an entire off-season.
a) Remove Items
Here are some things you’ll want to remove from inside the boat before you get started on cleaning:
- Electronics
- Watersports equipment
- Any loose items or gear
Aside from the fact that cold weather can easily damage many of these items, moisture also tends to build up inside these sorts of items. Taking them off of the boat, cleaning them, and storing them safely away from your pontoon should protect them from damage and mold and mildew development.
b) Vacuum & Clean Interior
Once all of those have been removed, you can get started on the actual cleaning. Use a vacuum to pick up any loose particles, dirt, and dust from all of your boats nooks and crannies. Make sure to get any and all food residue that could attract mice and other rodents and pests.
c) Clean Exterior
Not any old cleaner will do the job. So make sure you’ve got some boat hull and bottom cleaner for better results.
Outboard Expert: Five Lay
When you winterize your outboard motor, you’ll be happy to avoid making these common errors.
Its mid-October, and up here in Wisconsin its time to winterize the boat and get the snow blower started. Im a by-the-book kind of guy when it comes to maintenance, and that goes for off-season lay-up of my outboard. The book in question is the owners manual, and if you handle this end-of-year service yourself or farm it out to a pro, that winter-storage section of the manual should be your guide.
A close shot of the hose and muff device over the water intakes. Unlike a flush fitting, the muff directs water into the water pump, protecting the impeller from damage.
Dont Store the Motor Tilted Up
You should change the gear case lube once a year, and fall is the best time if you live where it might freeze. If the lube comes out nice and oily, your gearcase is in good shape. If its cloudy or grey, water has gotten into the case and it needs to be fixed.
Dont Store the Motor Wrapped UpDont Start the Motor Out of the Water
Winterizing action at Spellmans Marina in Oshkosh, WI, where more than 50 boats were waiting to be laid up. The tech injects fogging oil into a Johnson V-4 two-stroke powerhead while its running. Note the muffs over the water inlets.
Dont Ignore Gearcase ServiceDont Leave the Battery in the BoatEditors Note:Boating
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How To Store A Kayak In A Storage Unit
If you are storing your kayak in a storage unit, the best way is to stack it on top of itself. This will allow for maximum space and also prevent any damage that might happen to the kayak if its stacked on top of other objects. If you want to store your kayak in a watertight container, lay it flat first. After that, place two pallets on top of the kayak and then staple them to the bottom edge of each side. To keep water out, you need to put a waterproof tarp or plastic over the top of the stacked kayak. Storing your kayak in this way will protect it from any kind of damage, and you can keep it in a dry and secure storage facility for as long as you need. Below are some more tips on how to keep your kayak in a storage unit correctly.
How Much Does It Cost To Store A Boat
The type of boat storage you choose will have a large effect on the cost. For example, wet boat storage, like at a local marina, is typically more expensive than dry storage at a boat storage facility or dry stack storage. Other factors such as the size of your boat, indoor vs. outdoor, uncovered vs. covered and storage amenities will also influence the cost. In general, more protection and amenities will increase the cost, but also give you the best peace of mind if youre looking for the utmost protection.
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Do You Have To Drain Pontoons
That really depends. Most pontoon boats are designed so that water doesn’t get into the tubes. But if you have an older model, you can pull out the drain plugs at the bottom of the tubes to get rid of any water that might have accumulated during the season.
Make sure you leave the tubes without the cover to allow the residual moisture to evaporate. Some boat owners add in some alcohol to speed up the drying process. You can use all-purpose oil to loosen up the plugs if they’re a little stubborn.
Remove Your Boats Battery
If youre storing a boat in outdoor or covered storage where its still susceptible to external temperatures, remove the battery. Batteries left in extreme heat or cold can be easily damaged. Its best to take your boats battery out and bring it home with you where you can keep it charged until you pull your boat out of self storage.
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Tips For Storing Your Boat At A Storage Facility
May 17, 2018Uncategorized
Summer is over, fun days on the lake have come to an end and its back to cooler weather. So where do you store your boat during those long cold winter months or when you just cant find the time to take it out on the water?
Storing your boat at a marina can be convenient, only if youre willing to pay the high cost that comes with it. Taking your boat home can be a hassle and potentially leave it exposed to the elements.
Forty percent of insurance claims for damages actually occur during the off-season, and if you arent properly storing your boat, you could be at risk of expensive damages.
Read on to learn our top 5 reasons you should be storing your boat at a storage facility.
1. Consider the Climate
The first thing to think about when storing your boat is the local climate. If you live in a northern region where seasons are definite and predictable, youll know exactly when your boat needs to leave the water to be put in dry storage.
However, if you live in a warmer climate where seasons are sporadic and winters can be unpredictable, you might consider moving your boat to dry storage as soon as the weather begins to turn. Even one over-night freeze can cause serious damage to both the interior and exterior of your boat.
2. Summer Storage
Boat storage facilities can offer amenities like extra wide driveways making maneuvering in and out very easy, compressed air stations, wash stations and RV parking.
3. Winter Storage
4. Types of Boat Covers
Safe And Secure Ways To Store A Kayak In A Storage Unit
Storing your kayak in a storage unit can be an easy and safe way to keep it out of the weather. If you have inadequate space at home, it is possible to store your boat in a storage unit. However, it is important to consider the safety and security of your boat while it is stored in a storage unit.
Ensure that you take all precautions when storing your kayak in a storage unit. In this article, I will discuss the importance of maintaining your kayak as you keep it as well as some essential safety tips.
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Should I Store My Boat At A Marina
If youre storing your boat, you have a specific storage option that obviously isnt available to RVs: marinas. Marinas have traditionally been situated directly on the water so that you can simply get in your boat and directly unmoor onto the water. However, so-called dry marinas have been becoming more popular, since they do not have to be on the water.
Both wet and dry marinas alike arent simply a place for boat berthing; rather, theyre also a place to find service and supply for your craft.
Will I Be Able To Pick Up Or Drop Off My Boat Whenever I Want
If you need frequent access to your boat while its in storage, most Extra Space Storage facilities offer extended hours. Some even have 24-hour access available. These hours will allow you to pick up and drop off your boat when its convenient for you, meaning you wont have to worry about scheduling your trips around facility hours.
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Canals Rivers And Waterways
Whenever canals, rivers, or waterways are available, they serve as shelters â hurricane holes â and may offer an alternative to crowded harbors and marinas if you have no alternative. Your mooring arrangement will depend on the nature of the hurricane hole. In a narrow residential canal, a boat should be secured in the center with several sturdy lines ashore to both sides of the canal. This technique was common to most of the boats in canals that survived recent hurricanes. Conversely, boats that were left at docks without the benefit of lines to both sides of the canal didn’t fare any better than boats at marina docks.
The boat should be facing the canal’s entrance and be as far back from open water as possible. Besides sheltering the boat, being away from the entrance should help with another consideration, which is the need to maintain a navigable waterway. Securing boats in residential canals is possible only if you make arrangements with the homeowners whose trees and pilings you’ll be using to secure your boat. This can be difficult if your boat isn’t normally moored in the canal. If your boat is already in the canal, getting other homeowners involved in planning for a hurricane increases the chances that your boat will survive. This is important because all it takes to wreak havoc in a narrow canal is one or two neglected boats coming loose.
Outdoor Boat Storage At A Self
If youre lucky enough to live in an area where winter never gets too harsh, you may want to opt for an outdoor self-storage facility to store your boat. Theyre usually the most cost-effective option and still offer better security than storing your boat on your property.
Pros
- These facilities are the most cost-effective, especially for larger boats that would otherwise have high slip fees.
- Security systems and guards help dissuade people from messing with your boat
Cons
- Even with a good cover, your boat will still be exposed to the elements to some degree.
- These facilities can sometimes have rodent problems, and curious raccoons and mice can make themselves at home in your boat during the offseason.
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Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Various Boat Storage Options
For slip holders storing a boat in the water year-round may be more convenient than pulling the boat for dry storage through the winter, but it does carry some risks. If, for example, your marina loses power and the agitator stops working, the hull could become frozen in place and ice damage can occur. So most boat owners opt for dry boat storage during the off-season, especially in parts of the nation with harsh winters. Slip holders who have a lift may also opt to store the boat in place on the lift through the winter. Also, remember that storing your boat in a marina usually comes with some perks. Many have a swimming pool or club house, WiFi, fish-cleaning stations, boat storage boxes mounted on the pier and other amenities that can make your boating adventures even more fun and relaxing.
When it comes to outdoor boat storage, advantages include low expense and easy availability, especially if the boat is sitting on its own trailer. One potential down-side is security, so the facility should be fenced, locked, and have some form of security system or video surveillance. For this reason commercial storage facilities are often a popular option in metropolitan areas. Also, remember that outdoor boat storage requires shrink-wrapping the boat, parking it under a boat storage canopy, or otherwise securely covering it during the winter to prevent water intrusion and weathering.
Storing Your Pontoon Boat For The Winter
Fall is always a busy time of year, especially in colder regions. There can be a lot of work to do before the snow falls and temperatures dip below freezingchopping and stacking firewood, insulating the house, servicing your vehicles, doing yard work and getting snow tires out of storage, all while racing to beat an unpredictable start of the season.
With so much already on your plate, winterizing and storing your pontoon boat is a project that should be started as early as possible so you arent rushing to beat the snow. Weve compiled this list of tips to properly get your pontoon boat prepared for winter storage so that its ready to hit the water as soon as warm weather returns.
Preparing the engine and Systems
Arguably the most important part of the boat, the engine requires several steps before it can lie dormant for the winter. Filling the gas tank to around three-quarters full will provide space for the gas to expand as it gets colder, and also reduces the amount of room for air condensing in the tank. Adding a fuel stabilizer will prevent the gasoline from breaking down during storage, which can plug up parts of the engine. Run your motor for a few moments after adding the stabilizer.
Storage Solutions
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Issues With Street Parking:
One issue with parking your boat on the street can be the size of your boat versus the size of the street.
Depending on the width of the street in your residential area, boats being parked on the streets can make driving down the street very difficult and can disturb other residents.
Another major concern with on-street parking is visibility.
In most residential areas there can be a high concentration of children playing in yards, or even sometimes in the street itself.
If your boat is parked on the street, drivers might not be able to see a child or pet that could be coming from the other side of your vessel if they choose to run into the street for some reason.
This can be a safety concern for pet owners, parents, and other residents.
For these reasons, boats parked on the street for long periods of time can be highly discouraged.
