As a boat owner, looking after your boat throughout the year can be challenging. Proper boat storage is essential to extend the life of your boat and protect it during an off-season or when it’s not in use. Delaying storage can lead to costly repairs, neighborhood complaints, or a reduced resale value. Today, we will share the top five signs that your boat needs storage sooner than you think and the easiest solution.
1. Visible Weathering and Wear
After spending so much time and money investing in your boat and its maintenance, you’ll want to do all you can to keep it in the best condition possible for years to come. Fading paint, cracking upholstery, rusted parts, or brittle ropes indicate UV and weather damage, making the boat less aesthetically pleasing and dangerous to use. Prolonged outdoor exposure can quickly deteriorate a boat’s condition, especially under the scorching Texas sun in the summer months. Storage helps shield your boat from the elements and is a much better option than leaving it on your driveway when not in use. While there are other options you may consider, such as boat covers, they still aren’t as effective as moving your boat into storage.
2. You’re Not Using It as Often
If your boat sits idle for weeks or months, it’s better placed in storage to prolong its life. Inactivity can cause battery drain, fuel breakdown, and corrosion, all of which will make it harder to get back on the water again when you are ready to. We know that everyone goes through different life changes, some of which may impact your free time or your ability to get out on the water. Storage keeps your boat protected and ready for your next trip. It will also give you better peace of mind and avoid cluttering your driveway or garage when not in use for an extended period. If you are considering selling your boat, it will also give you extra time to consider whether this is the final decision you want to make.
3. HOA or Neighborhood Restrictions
Many homeowners’ associations prohibit boats from being parked in driveways or visible from the street. If this is the case in your neighborhood, you must find an alternative location to store your boat. Ignoring these rules can result in fines or neighbor complaints, creating tension in your home. A secure self-storage unit avoids violations while ensuring your boat is always safe. If you’ve recently moved homes, always read your HOA or neighborhood regulations before moving to ensure you are in compliance at all times and don’t end up making enemies in your first weeks in your new home.
4. Lack of Space at Home
Not everyone has enough room to store a boat on their property. This is especially an issue in urban or suburban areas, where garages and driveways are usually much more limited in space. Tight parking, shared driveways, or cluttered garages make maneuvering and storing a boat inconvenient and challenging for boat owners, which is why you’ll want to look for another space where you can store your boat.
There are many benefits of dedicated boat storage that any boat owner will appreciate. It’s a very convenient option that offers excellent security and protection for large items such as a boat. The space you save by investing in boat storage will allow you to use your garage or driveway for other items and vehicles, helping to make your home more clutter-free and offering a better first impression when anyone visits you.
5. You’re Planning an Off-Season or Long-Term Trip
If you won’t be on the water for a while due to travel, weather, or work, storing your boat is the smart move. Many boat owners find they don’t have so much interest in going out on the water, either in the hottest summer months or in the winter. We all know that life gets busy, and if you notice your boat is sitting unused for an extended period, it’s a good idea to consider putting it in storage. Families and boat owners looking to travel for an extended period also won’t want to leave their boat out on the driveway for weeks or months, so boat storage is a good solution for this as well.
Boat storage prevents theft, vandalism, and weather damage while you’re away. For temporary storage needs, flexible month-to-month options are available, which you can extend if your situation changes again. Storage units come in all shapes and sizes and are suitable for various boats. You’ll just want to ensure you have the correct measurements for your boat when you start reviewing storage options. This correction will help you find a storage unit that offers adequate protection and space to get around it for basic maintenance if you plan to keep your boat in storage for months.
Whether you are using your boat less frequently, going away for an extended period, or have HOA or neighborhood regulations that forbid you from storing it on your driveway, boat storage is a great option to keep your boat safe and protected when not in use. Amy’s Attic Self Storage is the ideal storage facility for boat owners in the local area, thanks to the secure and spacious storage units and the convenient location for Texas residents. Our team will work with you to find the perfect storage unit and ensure your boat remains well-protected during the off-season or while you aren’t using it. Contact our team to reserve your boat storage unit today and protect your investment before it’s too late.
