How-To Store Boats in a Storage Unit

Boat Storage


Texas Mega Storage
January 28th, 2023


boat storage
Many people want boats but don’t have a place to keep them. One of the best options for boat storage is self-storage. These locations allow you to place the vessel inside yourself, keeping control of your ship in your hand. If it’s your first time, you might wonder how to store boats in self-storage.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to store boats in self-storage, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about preparing a vessel for self-storage to ensure it comes out in one piece when you remove it in the future. These steps are necessary for owning and storing a boat in self-storage.

Storing a Boat in a Self-Storage Facility


Prepare the Inside and Outside


First, it’s critical to prepare the inside and outside of the boat for storage. Every boat requires something different, so it’s critical to examine your owner’s manual to see if there are any specific instructions specified by your boat’s manufacturer.

The best interior preparation for most boats is to examine any material or surface that will be exposed in storage. Vinyl, metal, and fiberglass are all valuable and vulnerable while sitting in self-storage, so add a protective solution to the surface. Open wooden doors to prevent mildew and remove any food from fridges if you have some onboard.

On the outside, scrub everything down beforehand. Clean the hull with soap and water to remove blemishes and dirt. You can also add a layer of wax for additional protection inside the storage area. If left alone, these stains could push their way into the paint and ruin the structure and appearance, requiring costly repairs.

Once you’ve cleaned the inside and the outside, it’s time to move to regular maintenance. Anything left uncompleted before storage should occur now to prevent further decay while the vessel sits.

Complete Regular Maintenance


Routine maintenance is the best way to ensure your boat will float and operate for as long as possible. Before putting your vessel in storage, it’s critical to complete maintenance to ensure everything is in the best condition. Anything in a mediocre state will only worsen if the boat is left alone for an extended period.

Here are a few of the best maintenance actions to perform on your boats:

  • Use a fuel stabilizer.
  • Change the oil.
  • Disconnect the battery from the system.
  • Add fog oil to the engine.
  • Drain the antifreeze and replace it.

These will ensure your boat stays intact and the components do not fall apart while you are away.

Although maintenance might seem like a pain, completing it beforehand will save you the hassle of making extensive repairs if something goes wrong in storage.

Once maintenance is done, you’re almost there. It’s time to add another layer of protection to your vessel.

Cover the Boat


With cleaning and maintenance out of the way, your boat is almost ready to go inside storage. For additional protection, it’s ideal to add a boat cover. This extra layer will prevent dust and other items from coating your boat, ensuring there is no decay while you are away. There are tons of excellent boat cover options on the market.

An ideal boat cover will be:

  • Fitted
  • Breathable
  • Moisture and dust repellant
  • UV-resistant

These will do the most for your boat.

Many outdoor stores carry boat covers filled with experts who will guide you toward the best options for your money. If you don’t want to enter a store, you can purchase a boat cover online or through a site like Amazon. They have affordable options any boat owner will love.

Pick Storage Type


Once you have all your defensive layers, it’s time to pick the right place to store your boat. There are many options, each with varying price points and exposure levels for your vessel. It’s critical to think this decision through carefully.

Here are the storage options you have with self-storage boat systems:

  • Outdoor boat storage: This option is like a parking space for a boat. It isn’t covered or enclosed by walls, leaving your boat more exposed to the elements.
  • Indoor boat storage: This option is closed-off and occasionally climate-controlled, secured on all sides.
  • Covered boat storage: This option puts a covering over your boat but no walls.

Each has something different to offer interested parties.

Will your boat be able to withstand the elements? How will it do in the colder months? Consider your boat’s resting place carefully to keep it in the best condition.

Ensure You Have Storage Requirements


Storing a boat isn’t as simple as dropping it off at a storage facility. There are a few documents you need to prove the identity and ownership of a vessel.

Here are the necessary items to store a boat:

  • Owner’s name
  • Watercraft make
  • Trailer license plate number
  • Photo ID
  • Registration number

These will help the storage company identify you and ensure you are the proper owner of your boat.

Security is critical when storing large items like boats. No matter how confident you feel in a location, provide this information to ensure everyone is on the same page and that your boat stays in your hands through the endeavor.

Once you have over the documents, it’s time to move your boat into storage. It will remain safe until you remove it again in the future.

Storing a Boat in Spring, Texas


There is a process you must follow to store a boat in self-storage if you want to keep the item in the best possible shape while you are away. It’s necessary to prepare the vessel, complete maintenance, cover it, pick a proper storage type, then bring all the storage requirements to the right person. After these steps, your boat is ready to be stored until use.

If you’re interested in a location to store your boat in self-storage, look no further than Texas Mega Storage. We offer a variety of storage unit sizes, permitting storage of everything from a pair of shoes to a large boat. Our units are clean and will provide quality protection for your items while you are away.