Did you know that an estimated 100 million Americans go boating annually?
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, there are 17 million recreational boats in the U.S.. Of that amount, 13 million are registered, and the remaining 4 million are unregistered. It’s easy to know what to do with a boat when the weather’s nice a balmy. But where should you store it?
If you own a boat and need to prepare it for storage over the winter, should you park it on your property, or should you bring it to a boat storage facility? The choice is yours, but there are some good reasons to choose the latter option.
Consider these four reasons to store your boat at a proper facility.
1. Protect Boat from the Elements
It makes sense to store your boat at a facility offering such services so that it’s protected from the elements. You might get snow and hail in addition to rain and heavy wind depending on where you live. If your boat is outdoors, say, on your property, it will be exposed to everything Mother Nature can throw at it — and the longevity of your boat can be negatively impacted.
That’s one reason you should fix any damage before you put your boat in storage. Investing in some boat paint ahead of storing your boat is a worthwhile investment. The vendor you patronize will be able to advise you on what product or products you should use.
2. Convenience
Another reason it makes sense to find a boat storage facility is the convenience you’ll get. For instance, you can choose an establishment situated close to where you typically use your boat. It can cut down on having to haul your boat a great distance back and forth between your home and the body of water you like to go boating in. So, if you like that sort of convenience, find a boat storage facility.
3. Security
If your boat is atop a trailer on your property, it could be a sitting duck for criminals. Many criminals are opportunitists and won’t think twice about towing away a boat and selling it to make a quick buck. It’s an easy target if it’s out in the open.
But if you store your boat at a facility, it’ll be a less desirareble target for thieves. For one thing, some facilities offer indoor storage. Those that offer oudoor storage tend to have anti-theft measures in place. That can mean anything from sturdy gates to passcodes to cameras.
If you want to ensure your boat is safe and sound in the spring, store it in a safe place. You’ll have peace of mind. Buying a boat can cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. It is a good idea to keep it in a safe and secure location when not in use.
4. Avoid Clutter on Your Property
Yet another reason it makes sense to store your boat at a boat storage facility is that you can avoid clutter on your property. A boat is a beautiful thing and is a great way to enjoy time by yourself, with family, or with friends. But it’ll be an eyesore if you have it sitting on the driveway for months at a time.
But in addition to looking out of place on dry land, it’ll also eat up space. Is your property already too cluttered? You can free up a lot of space by renting out a space at a boat storage facility.
If you own a boat and need to put it away for the winter, you can either keep it on your property or take it to a boat storage facility. For the abovementioned reasons, it makes sense to keep your boat at a place specializing in storing vessels.
Considering how expensive it can be to own and operate a boat, you’ll appreciate the importance of taking good care of it. That’s one reason you must make an informed decision on where you’ll store it.
