For most boat owners, the question is not whether to store a boat, but where and how to store it as temperatures, daylight, and water levels shift across the year. Choosing between indoor and outdoor storage is ultimately about balancing protection, convenience, access, and cost for your situation.
Continue to read to find a practical comparison of benefits and trade-offs, plus seasonal considerations that influence the decision. Neither indoor or outdoor boat storage option is wrong; each makes sense under the right circumstances.
Boat Storage – What to Consider Throughout the Seasons
Boating season varies depending on your location. In the PNW, you may only use your boat in the summer season. However, in southern states, you may use it throughout the spring and fall as well. No matter where you are located, your boat is typically maintained in storage for some time. How often you will want to take your boat out of storage helps you determine the type of boat storage you need.
If you use your boat throughout the year, you may be looking for boat storage that is easy to access so that you can frequently take your boat out of storage as needed. Quick access to the ramp or marina makes it more likely that spontaneous outings actually happen.
As winter approaches, consider transitioning to a different type of boat storage that best fits your boat type for multiple months in a row.
What is Indoor Boat Storage?
Indoor boat storage is available in various formats and options for boat owners. Enclosed storage units that are about 10’x20’ or 10’x30’ for large vessels such as boats may not be explicitly labeled as boat storage, as they are also often used for car, trailer, and RV storage. Other storage facilities may offer unique boat storage options, such as fully enclosed private units, shared warehouse bays, or dry-stack racking.
Indoor boat storage offers reliable protection from outside weather. It keeps your boat in an enclosed space that may or may not be climate-controlled. Many facilities also provide electrical service for battery maintainers and controlled access systems.
Benefits of indoor storage may include:
- Easy to maintain a clean boat: Cleanliness is easier to maintain, and indoor settings support off-season projects regardless of the weather.
- Temperature and climate control can help reduce wear and tear on the outside of your boat. An indoor boat storage unit may maintain a more consistent temperature and lower humidity, protecting wiring, seals, and sensitive electronics.
- Insurance benefits: Some insurers offer favorable terms for indoor winter storage, and buyers often pay a premium for boats with documented indoor winters and complete service records.
For boaters who enjoy tinkering with upgrades during the off-season—whether that’s adding new electronics, refinishing wood trim, or running wiring—indoor storage provides a controlled and comfortable workspace that outdoor storage simply can’t offer.
The primary trade-off is price; enclosed units and climate-controlled buildings generally cost more than outdoor boat storage. Access may be limited by business hours or retrieval windows. Tall t-tops, towers, or wide beams might not fit certain storage unit entryways. If your boat is racked, the trailer may need separate parking.
What Outdoor Boat Storage Offers
Outdoor storage ranges from reserved paved spaces to covered canopies and purpose-built racks. With the right preparation and a well-fitted and vented boat cover, outdoor storage can protect your boat throughout the storage period. Drive-up access makes hitching early, rinsing late, or loading gear on your schedule simple. Oversized trailers and towers that complicate indoor logistics are often easier to accommodate outside.
Benefits of Outdoor Storage:
- Accessibility: Access can be immediate and flexible, which encourages spontaneous outings. Large boats and trailers fit comfortably without worrying about rack clearances or door heights. For hands-on owners, drive-up space is convenient for quick checks and trailer maintenance.
- Cost efficiency is the standout advantage. Outdoor spaces are usually the most affordable option, freeing budget for fuel, safety gear, upgrades, or slip fees during boating season.
- Less size constraints: Outdoor storage often accommodates a wider range of boat types and sizes, from jet skis to pontoons, without the same dimensional restrictions as indoor units. If you upgrade or change boats in the future, outdoor space usually scales more easily with your needs.
Trade-offs include exposure to sun, rain, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles, which accelerate wear on your boat’s exterior. Expect more frequent washdowns and plan to replace boat covers as they age. Outdoor storage can be perfectly safe with various safety precautions that your chosen storage facility offers; however, you will want to inquire about security measures offered along with other features & benefits before you sign a lease.
Preparing Your Boat for Storage
Before putting your boat in storage, consider washing your boat thoroughly, flushing salt out from your boat and allowing it to dry thoroughly.
To avoid any mildew or mold growth, open lockers to dry, add moisture absorbers, and crack hatches slightly if kept indoors and permitted. Disconnect batteries or connect to a smart maintainer as allowed by the facility.
You may want to consider changing engine oil and gear lube so that those maintenance tasks don’t go forgotten while your boat is in storage. Top off fuel with stabilizer if recommended. Lubricate hinges and latches, and spray corrosion inhibitors on exposed metal.
Ensure your boat cover fits your hull and is supported by a frame or poles to prevent water pooling. Use vents to promote airflow and reduce mildew. Pad sharp edges and install chafe guards where straps contact the hull or trailer.
Another preventative measure you can take is regarding trailer readiness; inspect tires for age and pressure and check lights.
Find a Boat Storage Solution that Works for you
Choosing a storage solution is all about what works for you. For some boat owners, they choose to store their boat differently in the winter and summer. A common pattern is outdoor parking from April through September for ultimate access, then reserving indoor boat storage from October through March for winter protection.
Questions to ask before you Decide on Boat Storage
- How many months of the year do you need to store your boat?
- How often will you use your boat? Will you need to access it frequently?
- What is your budget for boat storage?
- Is your current boat set up to handle all weather conditions?
Are you Ready to Find Boat Storage Near You?
There is no single “right” answer—only a right answer for your boat, your climate, your schedule, and your budget. Are you ready to find a storage facility near you?
Urban Storage has over 80+ storage units across the following states:
Browse our website to see if we have a storage facility that is conveniently located near you or your favorite boating destination. View locations here.
