Storing Your RVs and Boats

Inside or outside storage options are common with many storage companies especially boat or yacht storage companies. Some boats or yachts can be so large that storing these inside is not even an option in the local area.

If you are being offered inside storage for your large items always look around at the facility to ensure the doors are all wide enough and high enough so the item can actually get in to the bay without damage. You then need to check if the storage space intended for your item is high enough so that it can be safely and securely stored with no chance of damage due to tight space. This is especially important if your large item is to be stored on a rack similar to an outside car park where cars are stored on racks on top of another.

The advantage of inside storage is to protect your items from inclement weather conditions. Some facilities are even heated and this is often more for your comfort that for the protection of the actual items being stored. Many facilities that offer inside storage in bay type units may also offer electricity as an option you can choose should you need. Outside storage may be all you need and will cost you less however if there is a chance that outside storage will damage your item do not even consider this option. There are many companies now offering residential storage options. This is where a storage shelter is delivered to your home and your boat, car or RV can be stored inside.

Many boat or yacht storage companies offer added services such as docking and launching. In fact it is not uncommon for these companies to offer a range of goods and services related to the items they store. Some of the services offered may include:

• General repairs on cars, boats or other RV’s
• Sales and purchase of new and used vehicles
• Repairs of osmotic blisters for boats or yachts
• Gloss finishing
• Welding
• High pressure power washing
• General Repairs such as mast repairs for boat or body work for vehicles.
• Bottom painting and buffing on boats
• General servicing of vehicles such as winterizing**
• Launch and haul out to storage
• Cleaning, waxing and detailing ****
• Accessory sale and installation
• Docking, launch ramps
• Fuel service
• Boat rental
• Jet ski and pontoon rental

** Winterizing for boats should include flush out, fogging drain and refill lower unit grease, pressure testing, grease shaft, fittings and steering system, compression test engine, disconnecting battery(s) and replacing water pumps if the recommended 2 years replacement period is up .

*** Detailing should include compounding, waxing and vinyl cleaning (for boats)

Your total cost will vary depending on the options you choose. Group storage will cost you less if you can get some friends or colleagues to store items in the same facility and leverage the bulk discount rate. Inside storage will be more expensive than storing your goods outside and heated inside storage will be even more expensive. If you choose an individual bay with electric outlets you will pay extra for these options.

Always check out the storage company at work before committing to use the company. Some boat storage companies will test the water of the docking area on a regular basis to ensure algae and bacteria levels are at levels that will not damage your boat if it is docked there for a period of time. Ask the storage facility you are looking at if they conduct this exercise and if so ask to view the records.

Finally, you should feel comfortable with the security arrangements of the storage facility you select.