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Boat Storage Basics

Most people would love to own a boat. Those who do not sigh with envy when they see that truck pulling a boat behind it are living in denial. They long for a warm afternoon in the sun spent cruising around the waves. Unless you own a boat yourself, you may not realize that it is not as easy to store as your car.

If you’re considering fulfilling a long-awaited dream of buying a boat, you should consider where you will store it first. Chances are that if you own a home in a modern subdivision, there will be rules prohibiting you from storing your boat in your driveway. What would your alternatives be?

Obviously, you have to have a trailer to take your boat anywhere. Your trailer can double as a storage unit for your boat if your subdivision allows you to keep it in the driveway or in the backyard. If your garage is big enough, you may be able to store the boat in the garage as well. The nice thing about storing your boat on your own property is that you don’t have to pay any rental storage expenses.

If you’re your own property is not an option for storage, there are storage sheds that will store your boat on a rack when you’re not using it. The boat is transported to and from the rack by means of a fork lift. Before you buy your boat, check with your dealer for the names of boat storage facilities.

One of the best ways to store your boat is at a boat marina. Imagine taking your fishing equipment and your food for a trip out on your boat. You don’t have to load the boat on the trailer because it is already there on the water. This option can get pricey so it is best suited for those people who can afford it. Slip ownership is another possibility for those who do not wish to rent their boat slip. Prices and availability vary by locale.

Good marinas will have access to water, electricity, and showers. Are you concerned about the winter? Some marinas will service and store your boat during the off-season for an extra charge.

Storage units are one other option to consider. Many inland communities do not have access to a marina. Modern subdivisions in residential neighborhoods often prohibit the storage of boats or RVs on neighborhood properties. Storage facilities usually have covered parking or enclosed storage units that give boat owners an extra option for off-season storage. Check with local storage companies to see if they will allow boat storage.

Storage is one of the most important things that a potential owner has to consider before they ever set out to buy a boat. Your storage options include leaving your boat on the trailer including it in your driveway or in your backyard, buying or renting a boat slip at the local marina, or stowing your boat away at a storage facility.

Owning a boat is a big responsibility. Under the right conditions, boat recreation can leave a family with lasting memories for years to come.

Using Self Storage to Store Your Boat in Tennessee

Many people don’t think of self storage as a good option for truly large items, but using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee is a great option if you’d like to keep your boat safe and secure somewhere away from your home. Self storage is a popular, flexible and cost-effective method of storing things away from our homes and offices so why not a boat?

Using self storage to store your boat is a clever way to finally have room for that boat you’ve always wanted, or the one that’s been taking up valuable space in your yard or garage for years. Your neighborhood may not even allow you to have a boat parked anywhere visible from the street. This can pose problems for people short on space.

Many people only think of self storage when they think about moving, and need a place to store certain things during the transition, or if they need a place to temporarily store things. And sometimes people use self storage just to get clutter and stored items out of their house while they decide what to do with them.

But self storage can be used for large items that we might not really have that much room for in our yards or garages. People store not just boats, but motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers and motorcycles. People even park cars in self storage units these days.

Self storage is wonderful because you can access your stored items, whether a boat, a huge room full of furniture or a smaller room full of boxes or whatever you want to store, at any time the facility is open. You don’t need to let anyone know what you’re taking out, what you’re putting in, or any personal and private details like this (though you may have to sign into the facility for security purposes).

Using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee may even be a more secure storage option than keeping it on your own property. Most self storage facilities (especially those that have enough room for and allow items like cars, RVs and boats) have general security systems and procedures in place to further protect your stored items.

You’ll want to find a self storage facility that has special units for vehicles and boats that are covered if they don’t actually have storage space much like their regular indoor storage but larger for these items. Some self storage facilities cater to customers who want to store large items like boats in Tennessee and offer boat-related services like cleaning and storage preparation for additional fees.

If you’re thinking about using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee, you’ll want to make sure the boat is properly prepared for storage. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s well worth it to pay the extra to the storage facility, or someone who’s familiar with how to care for a boat, to prepare your boat for storage.

You’ll need to do basic mechanical things like tightening anything that might be loose, lubricating the moving parts, flushing the fuel line and the cooling system, and making sure that all water is drained from the engine. New oil and filters as well as a good cleaning are essential, too.

And if you’re using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee, don’t forget to take extra items off the boat before storing, like life preservers, anything electronic, fire extinguishers or anything you don’t want subjected to extremes in weather or that you might use elsewhere. Especially if the storage is outside, be sure to tarp the boat.

You might find self storage options for storing your boat in Tennessee that allow you to store the boat inside. These might be the more expensive options, but they probably offer extra security, and your boat is protected from the elements. As long as you properly prepare the boat and remove all possible sources of moisture from the mechanical parts, indoor storage is ideal.

But you might choose to opt for facilities that offer outdoor storage. These are a more cost-effective self storage option, and the facility probably will have enough security measures in place to protect even those items like cars, RVs and boats that are stored outside. Just make sure you properly prepare, dry, and cover your boat, and check carefully to make sure your storage spot is well-covered, and you can save a little money while using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee.

Tips for Getting Your Boat Ready for Storage

When winter comes and you are no longer able to enjoy your boat it is important that you spend some time getting your boat ready for storage. Storing your boat for the winter or long periods without use is much different than storing your boat in between outings. During long periods between boat use following a boat storage routine is the best way to ensure the continued usefulness and reliability of your boat. If you are new to long term boat storage our tips will help make getting your boat ready for storage quick and easy.

One of the first things that you should do when preparing your boat for storage is stop condensation from forming in the fuel lines and tank of your boat. To do this you must fill your boats gas tank up completely and then add a good fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. The instructions for adding fuel stabilizer vary from manufacture to manufacture. For this reason it is extremely important that you follow the instructions provided on the fuel stabilizer container with no deviations. Do not make the mistake of assuming that all fuel stabilizers are the same because that is simply not the case. Once you have filled your boats fuel tank up completely and added the stabilizer start the boats motor on flusher and let it run for about one minute so that the new fuel with the stabilizer can work its way through your boats system.

Next you must apply fogging oil to the boats carburetors. Many boats have a fitting for applying fogging oil and you will need to read your boats manufactures guide to find out where it is. In the event that your boat does not have a fogging oil fitting then you will need to find a good place to apply the oil on your own or with the help of someone who is comfortable with boats. Some find it easiest to just remove the carburetor cover for application. Once the fogging oil is applied to your dormant boat expect the motor of the boat to smoke a great deal when it is next used. This is perfectly normal and not a sign of anything wrong. In fact, expect for the boat motor to smoke excessively for the first few uses after the fogging oil is applied.

Fogging oil must also be applied to the cylinders before the boat is put into storage. This can be done by removing the spark plugs and spraying the fogging oil directly into the cylinders. Replace the spark plugs that you have removed with brand new spark plugs. Also take some time to clean the housing of your boat and use anti corrosion spray on all electrical connections.

When you are done spraying the electrical connections of your boat with anti corrosion spray check the steering cables in and on the steering columns of your boat. Clean off any dirt or residue that has built up and air the shaft out completely. When you are finished spray all of the cables with anti corrosion spray. Taking the time to do this will help you avoid corrosion issues when the time comes to start using your boat again.

After the fogging oil has been applied it is time drain and completely flush out the boats gear case. This can be done by unhooking the flusher and then draining the gear case. Check the flushed lubricant for water and if water is in the lubricant replace your shaft seal immediately. Do not wait until you return from your trip or spring has come to replace this seal since neglecting this seal can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. After the lubricant has been completely drained and the shaft seal has been replaced (if necessary) refill the gear case with fresh lubricant.

One of the last things you should do when getting your boat ready for storage is disconnecting your boats battery. Remove the battery from the boat and carefully clean all of its terminals. Then spray the terminals with some of your anti corrosion spray and store the battery in a safe, warm, place that no one sleeps in. While your boat is in storage it is important that you charge your battery for several days each month to keep the battery in working condition.

When the time comes to officially store the boat place the motor in the downward running position and cover it. Use a motor cover that is not made of plastic since this will lead to a build up of moisture. Always use canvas coverings that let the motor breath while it is in storage. Lastly, grease all of the bearings of your boat if it is kept on a trailer and spray all unprotected metal parts of your boat with the anti corrosion spray.

Once you have followed all of the boat storage tips outlined above you will be able to rest knowing that your boat will be in good condition when the time comes to resume regular use.

Advantages Of Indoor Boat Storage

If you are making a valid attempt to decide if you want to store your boat inside or not this year you are going to have to consider the advantages. It is up to you to decide whether you want indoor or out door storage for you boat. Both have different options and it is for you to decide which type you prefer. There are several locations for either that offers you only indoor or only outdoor storage facilities.

In case you require a certain kind of storage for your boat, you would have to weigh the pros and cons of the different storage systems for your boat. Is your boat going to be stored for the winter or do you live in a region that is weather friendly and you will want access to your boat regularly? Regardless of where you live you will find ample indoor as well as outdoor boat storage. It is obviously vital that you select the kind of storage that will provide the maximum protection for you boat.

Actually both indoor and out door storage have their own plus and minus points with regard to boat storage. Think about the options for indoor storage. If you choose indoor storage, your boat will be completed protected from the elements and this will cause less damage to your boat in the long run. Some of the boats which are kept in fairly large storage areas can be maintained, repaired and cleaned while they are stationery which is fairly conveniently. Certain indoor facilities offer extra services than others while in storage. However, indoor storage facilities are definitely more expensive than out door.

Think about what you want to pay for the storage and the type of storage that you would need. Do not come to any hasty decisions, but take your time to think about the kind of storage that you would find best. There are spaces available for rent at the marina for your boat storage requirements. Payment terms can be for one whole season or on a monthly basis. A marina situated close to a water body that you often go to is perfect and should be a major consideration before you close a boat storage deal.

There are certain elements to be considered when you choose your boat storage location. You should first consider your own resources before anything else. This alternative, however, entails some considerations such as the manner in which your boat will be kept; easy access to your boat anytime; and the stipulated conditions in renting the place. It is also important that the boat storage facility is protected against harsh weather conditions. There are quite a few options for storage of a boat during the off season months. If you are a new boat owner you may not have yet thought of what you would do with your boat during the long winter seasons. Winter boat storage facilities provide you with protection from severe cold.

There are many types of places that you can store your boat during the winter. There are a range of methods to store a boat, such as storage inside, partially enclosed, covered or simply leaving the boat outside. There are many solutions that could work for the needs of your boat. Winter boat storage options should be dependant on the types of storage you will need in the region. In climates that are at higher altitudes and, therefore, more prone to ice, you will need to store the boat indoors. Your boat\’s handbook should give you an idea of what your boat requirements for inside or outside storage in the cold months should be. Ultimately, the final decision rests with what type of material your boat is made from.

When considering all your boat storage options for winter, take the time out to look at several locations to determine which would offer the most efficient protection for your boat. You could find that a visit of the storage facility itself is the best way that you may fully understand what your choices are and what the services are that the facility has to offer. By making comparisons between several winter boat storage facilities, you could also decide the location and costs of the storage facilities that best fulfill your overall needs. A good range of options simply means that you will definitely have a better advantage in attempting to find a good service at an affordable price, provided you put in the research efforts.

Boat Storage Made Easy

All of life’s pleasures come with some sort of baggage. Boats are no exception to the rule. Boating is summer’s most pleasurable activity; however, they require high maintenance, especially in the winter. Boat storage is the last thing on a boat shoppers mind when they are purchasing a brand new boat. They only see themselves enjoying it on a lake, or on the ocean. Pending boat owners never vision where the boat will be doing in the winter.

There are many different types of boat storage and some have more advantages than the other. Most people assume that they will store the boat at their house for winter boat storage. It is the cheapest option considering that it is free. However, not all properties are capable for storing a boat and not all home owner associations allow boat owners to use their property for boat storage. Nevertheless, boat stored in the neighborhood become eyesores for other neighbors. Though it is free, boat storage at home may not be an option.

Many marinas offer boat storage during the winter months. This is convenient for boat owners who rent summer boat slip from the same marina, because you don’t have to haul the boat to another location. However, marinas usually take advantage of this convenience by charging premium boat storage rates. Also, marinas may only have enough boat storage space for their current customers. If you trailer your boat to a boat ramp every summer weekend, this may not be an option for you; on the other hand, there still is another option.

The best option for boat owners; especially for boat owners who use a boat trailer, is self storage. There are two types of boat self storage, indoor boat storage and outdoor boat storage. Indoor boat storage usually involves a self storage unit. If the boat is small enough, and if the property manager allows it, storing a boat inside a self storage unit is a smart idea. The boat is kept inside your own personal self storage unit. Only you have access to the boat. It is protected from the winter weather elements as well as thieves.

Indoor boat storage also may be inside a huge community storage warehouse where it will be parked next to other boats. Outdoor boat storage is just what it means but the boat is safe and secure. Boats are stored in an outside parking lot but within a fenced access controlled gate. Only boat storage customers have access to the secure property. This option is perfect for large boats that are too large of indoor boat storage. Outdoor boat storage at a self storage facility is the cheaper option. It cost less then indoor boat storage and marina storage.

Indoor and outdoor boat storage at a self storage facility is much safer and more secure than boat marina storage. Many marinas are open to the public. Anyone can walk in and out of a marina. Marina managers are usually gone for the winter, so there is no one keeping an eye on your boat.

So before you buy a boat for summer fun, think about what you are going to do about winter boat storage. Review these options and pick the right one for you

How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Boat Storage

Boat storage is something that all boat owners have to worry about sooner rather than later. Most new boat owners experience a few moments of confusion as soon as they realize they need a good place to keep their boats. It can be hard to decide whether or not to store a boat indoors or outdoors. Both storage options offer benefits and negatives. In many situations the final decision is based upon what is easiest and most convenient for the boat owner.

Outdoor boat storage is often the most common and well known and popular type of boat storage. If you are a boat owner that lives near a marina or has easy lake front access then outdoor storage might be the best option. It allows you to easily access the water from your boat whenever you feel like it without having to go through the trouble of transporting your boat. Those who enjoy water sports and outdoors sports will find this arrangement more convenient than other options.

Some boat owners even store their boats outdoors on their own property. Depending on the area it is not uncommon to see boats sitting in backyards or front yards waiting for the families’ next trip to the local lake. Before storing your boat outdoors, take a moment to contact your boat manufacture to make sure the boat you have purchased will be safe outside for long periods of time. This storage option is free and convenient for anyone who owns their own boat but cannot afford indoor storage.

The downside of storing a boat outdoors is the danger of the elements. Rain, wind, and the constant water will lead to damage that can be expensive to repair. In some cases such as bad storms and harsh weather boats stored outdoors can be completely destroyed. There is nothing worse for a boat owner than hearing the news that their boat has been damaged past all hopes of repair.

Another downside of storing a boat outdoors on private property is that not all boats can be easily transported even if you live near the marina. In some situations you will have to pay yearly (usually in the winter) to have the boat moved to your home for storage. This can be an extremely expensive process since outside help will have to be hired to help with the transportation of the boat.

Indoor boat storage has recently seen a rise in popularity. Many boat owners who are tired of dealing with transportation issues have started taking advantage of indoor boat storage. In these situations many boats are kept in one storage facility that is usually quite close to, or part of, the local marina. These facilities make it easy for boat owners to get their boats in and out of the water.

Along with the convenience of being close to the marina indoor boat storage also gives boat owners a chance to take care of boat maintenance. Most indoor boat storage facilities offer large spaces for each boat stored on their property. The large amount of space offered by storage facilities gives boat owners the chance to have routine maintenance and repairs done quickly and easily.

The greatest downside of indoor boat storage is the price. Indoor boat storage is often extremely expensive since a large area is needed to store each individual boat. The storage rates often rise with the size of the boat. There are also additional fees for storing a boat in a heated indoor storage facility. The prices most indoor storage facilities charge can be more than some boat owners can reasonably afford.

The benefits and downsides of indoor and outdoor storage should be considered before making a final choice. It is important that all boat owners make the choice that is best for them and their family. Do not be influenced by too many outside influences, use your own situation and knowledge to help you make your final decision. Once you have gone over the options and made your choice between indoor and outdoor storage never be afraid to change your mind. If you have decided to take advantage of outdoor storage to save money but feel that your boat is being damaged by exposure do not hesitate to look into indoor storage facilities.

Choosing between indoor and outdoor boat storage can be time consuming. Checking into indoor storage options and finding outdoor storage facilities can take time. When you have made your final decision you and your family will be able to enjoy your boat for years to come.

Should You Buy or Rent Boat Storage

Owning a boat can be a fun experience for families and anyone that enjoys engaging in water related sports. Anyone who lives near a lake or beach knows that owning a boat can make it possible for all those that want to engage in water sports to indulge themselves without having to pay boat rental fees or wait to be taken out on boats with dozens of strangers. Before taking the time to purchase a boat it is important to take storage into consideration. Many first time boat owners do not think of anything beyond getting their boat into the water making the problem of boat storage acute when the time comes to consider it. Taking the time to consider all available options will help avoid a stressful situation in the future.

Boat owners have the option of purchasing or renting storage for their boats. There are many different boat storage options available making the decision process little more than narrowing down the choices before deciding on the best method. Once a storage method has been chosen then a person should consider whether or not they want to pay a monthly fee for storage or simply buy their own storage area for their exclusive, year round, use.

The first, and usually more affordable, storage option is outdoor storage. There are many facilities that rent dock space so that boat owners can tie their boats to an area in the dock when they are finished with them. This type of storage sometimes includes nothing more than the guarantee of storage space. In other situations outdoor storage facilities include maintenance services to all renters.

These marinas will monitor boats during rain and bad weather notifying boat owners if a bad storm is coming and sometimes giving them the option to take advantage of indoor storage. Others will keep the exterior of boats as clean as possible and sometimes perform additional maintenance for an additional price. In some situations this maintenance includes getting the boat ready for winter and keeping the boat free of ice throughout the winter season.

Indoor storage is another option that is usually more expensive but often preferable to outdoor storage. Indoor storage facilities let boat owners keep their boats in spacious quarters and often include transportation to and from the water. There are many benefits to indoor storage including the chance to complete more extensive maintenance on boats. In addition to maintenance indoor boat storage will help slow natural deterioration that occurs from excessive exposure to the elements.

Both of these options come with the choice to buy or rent storage. In most cases individuals choose to sell rental space on a monthly basis in the form of outdoor storage docking space or indoor storage facilities. Monthly rental is often more affordable especially to those who are on a tight budget or who only use their boat during certain seasons. The problem with monthly rental for boat owners that need their boat most of the year or who need to store their boat for several years is the monthly fees start to add up. When a person takes monthly rental fees, gasoline charges, maintenance, and other fees that are part of boat ownership into account the price is astronomical.

Purchasing boat storage is often more affordable in the long term for boat owners and buying boat storage has become much easier over the years. Outdoor boat storage is often sold from boat owner to boat owner. There are many brokers online and offline that sell docking space for reasonable prices. This option is perfect for boat owners who do not want to be hassled with monthly boat fees and owning boat storage will give you the option of renting storage to seasonal boat users when you are not using your outdoor storage for various reasons.

Indoor storage can also be purchased on yearly or even a permanent basis. In many areas that are extremely popular with boaters there are boat clubs that offer exclusive benefits to memberships with yearly fees being charged. Others purchase buildings near waterfronts for their exclusive use. This option is best for those that have a way to get their boat from storage to the waterfront easily and who have large boats that might require large storage fees.

Both purchasing and renting boat storage facilities have their benefits and downsides. The ultimate choice should be made based on your own personal needs and what is financial best for you. Also keep convenience in mind when making your final decision. While there might be situations where you might need to be a bit inconvenienced to save money if the inconvenience will not cost you any additional fees then be content with what is available.