Boat Storage

Why Should You Use Self Storage to Store Your Boat?

Winter Season / Off Season Storage

Avoid HOA Fees

Free Up Space in Your Garage or Side Yard

What Should You Consider When Storing Your Boat in Self Storage?

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a self storage facility to store your boat is access. Access should be considered on two levels. The accessibility of the space itself as well as the access hours to the facility are the most important things to keep in mind.

Unit/Space Accessibility

If you are using an enclosed storage unit to store your boat, you will want to make sure it is accessible with drive-up access.

You also want to make sure it has the proper space needed to store the boat and trailer if one is required.

Accessible Hours

Accessibility hours are also important to consider.

You want to find a storage facility that allows access to your boat during timeframes that will meet your needs.

Security is also an important piece to consider when looking for a better storage solution for your boat.

At Shield Storage, we offer different security features at each location to ensure that we are doing our best to keep your boat and other watercrafts safe. Important security features we typically offer include:

  • Completely enclosed, gated facilities
  • Gate access with a personal access code only
  • Protection Plans

Some of our locations also offer:

  • Digital surveillance systems
  • Alarms on storage unit doors

Lastly, it is important that when choosing a storage location for your boat, that you consider the weather conditions in your area.

You want to be sure that no matter where you store your boat, you take the proper precautions to keep your boat from being damaged.

What Types of Vehicle Storage are There?

There are a few different types of vehicle storage available depending on the Shield Storage location you choose. These types of storage include:

Indoor Boat Storage

Indoor boat storage is available at any facility that has an enclosed storage unit with drive-up access. Availability will vary for larger units.

When utilizing indoor boat storage, you want to be sure that you are using a unit that will fit your boat and its trailer properly.

Storage Unit Sizes for Indoor Boat Storage

  • Small (10×15) Storage Units
    • Examples of watercrafts for Small Indoor Storage Units:
      • Jet skis
      • Skiffs
      • Small drifters
  • Larger Storage Units (10×20 and 10×30)
    • Examples of watercrafts for Large Indoor Storage Units:
      • 14-24 ft fishing boats
      • Small pontoon boats
      • Speed boats under 24 feet
      • Wakeboard boats (be sure to remove your tower!)

Covered, Outdoor Boat Storage

  • Some of our Shield Storage facilities offer covered, outdoor storage for your boat.
  • These spaces offer protection from the elements while also providing more flexibility for storing larger water crafts.

Uncovered, Outdoor Boat Storage

  • Outdoor, uncovered storage provides easy, flexible storage space for your boat any time of the year!
  • Many of our Shield Storage facilities offer plenty of flexibility and a better storage solution for your boat than your side yard or the street.
  • You will want to be sure to bring a cover for your boat to protect it against the elements though.

How to Prepare Your Boat for Winter or Long-Term Storage

Step 1: Clean your boat:

Cleaning your boat before you store it for the winter is an important first step. Be sure to get any residue from the lake or ocean off the bottom and be sure that the inside is well cleaned also.

Step 2: Dry your boat thoroughly:

Water and moister can wreak havoc on your boat during the winter and cause cracking and other damage while stored. Be sure to thoroughly dry your boat after cleaning it.

Step 3: Replenish Fluids:

Before putting your boat in storage for the winter, or if you plan to store your boat for an extended period, be sure to check and replenish all the fluids to ensure nothing freezes or causes internal damage.

Step 4: Remove Boat Battery:

If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing, you will want to be sure to remove your battery and store it in a place that won’t see those below freezing temps. Keep it charged while stored for the winter as well to ensure it’s ready to go when boat season comes back around!

Step 5: Put a Cover or Slip over your boat (especially if outdoor storage is required):

If you are storing your boat in an outdoor space, especially if it is uncovered, you will need to get a slip cover for your boat to protect it against the winter elements.

Boat Storage FAQs

You can bring tie-downs to provide more security for your boat when kept in an outdoor space.

Our month-to-month, flexible agreements make it more than possible to accommodate your desire to only store your boat during the winter months.

If an indoor storage unit that will fit your boat is available for rental you are more than welcome to use it for your boat storage needs.

Be sure to follow our guide on properly preparing your boat for winter storage to ensure your boat is in proper shape and ready.

Yes, if your storage space or unit can properly, and safely, accommodate more than one watercraft then you can store more than one small watercraft in our storage unit. If you have any questions about how much space you need, please contact us.

Yes, you can store your boat long-term at any of our storage facilities that have a space or unit available to accommodate your boat storage needs.

Boats and watercrafts that require a trailer for transportation and stability should be on a trailer while at any Shield Storage facility. Kayaks, paddle boards, and other similar watercrafts do not require a trailer for storage.