How To Winterize A Boat? Cost To Winterize A Boat

Winterizing your boat poses questions during the bustling boating season or in the quieter winter months. You might wonder about the costs involved, how to locate a boat storage facility nearby, or if you need extra compartments for gear storage instead of leaving it on the boat.

Fear not, fellow boater, as we’re here to clear up any confusion regarding boat storage and the facilities available for this purpose.

Let’s delve into the three primary winterize options:

• Storage in the water
• Outdoor dry storage
• Indoor dry storage

Boat Winterize Options: How To Winterize A Boat?

Some people succeed in leaving their boats in the water throughout the year. This approach suits milder climates or when the boat is fully prepared for winter with the addition of an agitator to prevent surrounding water from freezing.

Outdoor Dry Boat Storage

Outdoor dry storage is a favored choice for many. It offers a good level of protection for your boat at a lower cost than other options. You might wonder, “Where can I find outdoor boat storage near me?” or “How to winterize a boat?” While we can only provide specific locations by knowing your area, the good news is that inexpensive outdoor storage is commonly found near water bodies, offered by marinas, boatyards, and commercial storage sites. Additionally, fenced lots often serve as boat storage spaces during the off-season and for boat trailer storage in summer.

Indoor Dry Boat Storage

On the other hand, indoor storage provides the highest level of protection for your boat, though at a higher cost. Finding indoor storage can be challenging unless you can access a “dry stack” facility or a garage large enough to store your boat at home. The question of “Where can I find indoor boat storage near me?” may be harder to answer, but it is worth exploring for the added protection.

Cost To Winterize A Boat

The cost of winterizing a boat hinges on the location and size. Prices are influenced by the local economy, making storage more affordable in low-cost living areas than in pricier locales. The amount of space your boat occupies significantly impacts the cost.

Prices change from a few hundred dollars for smaller boats stored outdoors for the winter to thousands for indoor storage, escalating to tens of thousands for large vessels in wet slips. A rough estimate for minimal indoor or covered storage is about $50 per foot of the boat, but in costly regions, this can soar to $200 per foot per season or more. An important consideration is that indoor dry stack facilities typically house boats year-round, eliminating the need for separate summer wet slip fees and offering year-long protection. Conversely, permanent wet slip storage obviates the need for separate winter storage, though annual haul-out fees for maintenance are a given.

Trailer-mounted boats may incur lower storage fees at marina parking areas accessible year-round. However, marinas generally won’t handle boat launching and retrieval, necessitating a capable tow vehicle.

Boat Winterizing: Pros and Cons

Winterizing a boat in the water full-time offers convenience but comes with risks, such as potential ice damage if marina power fails and the water freezes. Thus, many prefer dry storage in colder climates. Some opt to keep their boat on a lift in the marina during winter. Marina storage often includes perks like pools, clubhouses, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that enhance the boating experience.

Outdoor storage is cost-effective and widely available, especially for trailer-mounted boats. However, security is a concern; thus, facilities are usually fenced and monitored. This option requires protective measures against weathering, like shrink-wrapping or using a storage canopy.

While offering the best protection, indoor storage is more expensive and less accessible. Access outside business hours requires planning, and some facilities restrict on-site boat maintenance, necessitating professional services. Despite these disadvantages, indoor storage greatly extends a boat’s lifespan by shielding it from the elements.

FAQs About Winterize A Boat