Boat Storage Costs Explained (For 50+ Locations)

Written by Sophia Roa in Sailing Cost

Boat storage costs can vary greatly depending on location, type of storage, and the size of your boat. For example, storing your boat in a popular, high-demand marina can be considerably more expensive than storing it at an inland facility. Additionally, the type of storage—whether it's indoor, outdoor, or dry-stack storage—can also significantly impact the overall cost. In this article, you'll find a wide range of boat storage costs at over 50 different locations.

Boat storage costs in the Central US range from $75 to $300 per month; on the East and West coasts, as well as in Alaska and Hawaii, $100 to $600 per month; in Europe, €100-€500 per month; in Asia, $200-$800 per month; and in Australia, $65-$390 per month.

Outdoor storage is usually less expensive, with typical costs around $35 per foot, while indoor storage can be about $125 per foot. Marina storage typically costs around $5 to $30 per foot per month. You may also need to factor in state taxes and additional features that could impact the overall boat storage cost. Let's learn more about these extra boat storage fees below.

Summary

  • Storage facilities in high-demand areas or near popular boating destinations may charge more for their services.
  • Marinas generally charge per foot based on your boat's length.
  • Indoor storage and dry stack storage might be more expensive than outdoor storage, but they usually offer better protection from the elements.
  • Consider seasonal discounts, multi-boat discounts, and long-term contract discounts to reduce your boat storage costs.

On this page:

  1. Cost to Store A Boat on the East Coast
  2. Cost to Store A Boat on the West Coast
  3. Cost to Store A Boat in Central US
  4. Cost to Store A Boat in Alaska and Hawaii
  5. Boat Storage Cost in Europe
  6. Boat Storage Cost in Asia
  7. Boat Storage Cost in Australia
  8. Boat Storage Cost in South America
  9. Boat Storage Cost in Africa
  10. Types of Boat Storage
  11. Analyzing the Costs of Boat Storage

Cost to Store A Boat on the East Coast

Popular boating regions with high demand for storage typically have higher prices. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $75 and $600 per month for boat storage across different locations in the United States. Let's look at some more specific examples.

East Coast Boat Storage Cost
Boston, MA $150-$350 per month
Miami, FL $200-$600 per month
New York, NY $200-$500 per month
Annapolis, MD $150-$500 per month
Charleston, SC $100-$350 per month
Newport, RI $200-$600 per month

Boston, MA: The Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 100 feet in length. It is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is home to many historic landmarks.

Miami, FL: The Miami Beach Marina offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 250 feet in length. There are also several dry stack storage facilities in the area that offer storage for boats up to 50 feet in length.

New York, NY: Many of the marinas and storage facilities are located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to all that New York has to offer. The Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, NJ offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 150 feet in length.

Annapolis, MD: The Annapolis Landing Marina offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 100 feet in length. There are also several dry stack storage facilities in the area that offer storage for boats up to 35 feet in length.

Charleston, SC: The Charleston City Marina offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 200 feet in length. It is located just a short walk from downtown Charleston and provides stunning views of the city skyline. There are also several dry stack storage facilities in the area that offer storage for boats up to 30 feet in length.

Newport, RI: The Newport Shipyard offers indoor and outdoor storage for boats up to 300 feet in length. It offers sailboat storage and maintenance services, as well as easy access to Newport's famous sailing events. There are also several dry stack storage facilities in the area that offer storage for boats up to 40 feet in length.

Cost to Store A Boat on the West Coast

West Coast Boat Storage Cost
San Diego, CA $100-$350 per month
Seattle, WA $150-$500 per month
San Francisco, CA $200-$600 per month
Portland, OR $100-$300 per month
Los Angeles, CA $150-$500 per month
Vancouver, BC CAD$150-CAD$500 per month

San Diego, CA: San Diego is known for its beautiful weather and stunning coastline. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area offer outdoor storage options, providing easy access to the water and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Seattle, WA: Seattle is a hub for boating and fishing, and many of the boat storage facilities in the area cater specifically to these activities. The Shilshole Bay Marina, for example, offers dry stack storage for boats up to 45 feet in length, as well as easy access to the Puget Sound and surrounding waterways.

San Francisco, CA: San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks and rich cultural history. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located in or near these landmarks, providing a unique and picturesque backdrop for boat owners.

Portland, OR: Portland is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and many of the boat storage facilities in the area cater to this crowd. The Riverplace Marina, for example, offers outdoor storage for boats up to 60 feet in length, as well as easy access to the Willamette River and surrounding parks and trails.

Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the United States, and many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located in or near the heart of the city. The Cabrillo Way Marina, for example, is located in the Port of Los Angeles and provides easy access to the city's many attractions.

Vancouver, BC: Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located in or near these landmarks, providing easy access to the water and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Cost to Store A Boat in Central US

Central US Boat Storage Cost
Chicago, IL $100-$300 per month
Dallas, TX $100-$250 per month
St. Louis, MO $75-$200 per month
Minneapolis, MN $75-$200 per month
Denver, CO $100-$300 per month
Kansas City, MO $75-$200 per month

Chicago, IL: Chicago Harbors, is located on Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for boaters. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located near the lakefront, providing easy access to the water and stunning views of the city skyline.

Dallas, TX: Dallas is not located near the coast, but there are still many opportunities for boating in the area. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area offer indoor storage options, providing protection from the hot Texas sun. Lake Ray Hubbard Marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

St. Louis, MO: Yacht Club of St. Louis, located on the Mississippi River, offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as a clubhouse, pool, and restaurant. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located near the riverfront, providing easy access to the water and beautiful views of the city.

Minneapolis, MN: Located on Lake Calhoun, City of Lakes Marine Services offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as maintenance and repair services. Minneapolis is known for its many lakes and waterways, making it a popular destination for boaters.

Denver, CO: Denver is not located near the coast, but there are still many opportunities for boating in the area. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area, like the Cherry Creek Marina, offer indoor storage options, providing protection from the harsh Colorado winters.

Kansas City, MO: Kansas City is located near several lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for boaters and fishermen. Many of the boat storage facilities in the area, like the Lake Jacomo Marina, offer outdoor storage options, providing easy access to the water and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Cost to Store A Boat in Alaska and Hawaii

Alaska and Hawaii Boat Storage Cost
Anchorage, AK $100-$400 per month
Honolulu, HI $200-$600 per month
Ketchikan, AK $150-$350 per month
Hilo, HI $150-$500 per month
Juneau, AK $200-$600 per month
Kauai, HI $150-$500 per month

Anchorage, AK: Ship Creek RV Park and Marina - Located on Ship Creek, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as RV camping and fishing opportunities.

Honolulu, HI: Ko Olina Marina - Located on the west coast of Oahu, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Ketchikan, AK: Knudson Cove Marina - Located on Tongass Narrows, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fishing charters and equipment rentals.

Hilo, HI: Hilo Harbor Boat Storage - Located in the Port of Hilo, the boat storage facility offers indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to the water and surrounding attractions.

Juneau, AK: Auke Bay Harbor - Located on the Gastineau Channel, the harbor offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Kauai, HI: Port Allen Marina Center - Located on the west coast of Kauai, the Port Allen Marina Center offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services. The marina also provides easy access to the water and surrounding attractions, including beaches, hiking trails, and restaurants.

Boat Storage Cost in Europe

Europe Boat Storage Cost
Barcelona, Spain €150-€500 per month
Amsterdam, Netherlands €100-€300 per month
Athens, Greece €100-€350 per month
Marseille, France €100-€400 per month
Stockholm, Sweden SEK1,500-SEK5,000 per month
Venice, Italy €150-€500 per month

Barcelona, Spain: Port Vell Marina - Located in the heart of Barcelona, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Sixhaven Marina - Located on the IJ River, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options.

Athens, Greece: Flisvos Marina - Located on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services. Athens is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, providing easy access to the many islands and waterways in the area.

Marseille, France: Vieux-Port de Marseille - Located in the heart of Marseille, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options.

Stockholm, Sweden: Djurgårdsbrunn Canal - Located in the heart of Stockholm, the canal offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options, as well as fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Venice, Italy: Marina di Venezia - Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the marina offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options.

Boat Storage Cost in Asia

Asia Boat Storage Cost
Singapore $200-$600 per month
Hong Kong $300-$800 per month
Tokyo, Japan ¥20,000-¥80,000 per month
Dubai, UAE AED500-AED1,500 per month
Shanghai, China ¥1,000-¥5,000 per month
Mumbai, India INR10,000-INR30,000 per month

Singapore: Singapore is a popular destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, with many marinas and boat storage facilities located around the island. One of the most famous is the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, which offers indoor and outdoor boat storage options.

Hong Kong: Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located in the Victoria Harbour area, providing easy access to the water and beautiful views of the city. The Aberdeen Boat Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Hong Kong, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, providing easy access to the many islands and waterways in the area. The Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Marina is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Tokyo, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Marina Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Dubai, offering indoor and outdoor storage options. The marina also provides easy access to the many attractions of Dubai, including beaches, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Shanghai, China: Shanghai is located on the coast of the East China Sea, providing easy access to the many islands and waterways in the area. The Shanghai International Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Shanghai, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Mumbai, India: Mumbai is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, providing easy access to the many islands and waterways in the area. The Gateway of India Boating Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Mumbai, offering indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as boat rental services. The club also provides easy access to the many attractions of Mumbai, including historic sites, museums, and restaurants.

Boat Storage Cost in Australia

Australia Boat Storage Cost (in AUD)
Sydney $200-$600 per month
Melbourne $150-$500 per month
Perth $100-$300 per month
Brisbane $100-$300 per month
Cairns $150-$500 per month
Darwin $200-$600 per month

Sydney: Many of the boat storage facilities in the area are located in the Darling Harbour area. The Sydney Superyacht Marina is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Sydney, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Melbourne: Melbourne is located on the coast of the Bass Strait. The Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Melbourne, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Perth: Perth is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The Royal Perth Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Perth, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Brisbane: Brisbane is located on the coast of the Coral Sea. The Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Brisbane, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Cairns: Cairns is located on the coast of the Coral Sea, providing easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and many other islands and waterways in the area. The Cairns Marlin Marina is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Cairns, offering indoor and outdoor storage options.

Darwin: Darwin is located on the coast of the Timor Sea. The Darwin Sailing Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Darwin, offering indoor and outdoor storage options. The club also provides easy access to the many attractions of Darwin, including national parks, museums, and art galleries.

Boat Storage Cost in South America

South America Boat Storage Cost
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil R$300-R$800 per month
Buenos Aires, Argentina ARS$5,000-ARS$20,000 per month
Lima, Peru S/300-S/800 per month
Santiago, Chile CLP100,000-CLP300,000 per month
Montevideo, Uruguay UYU5,000-UYU20,000 per month
Cartagena, Colombia COP300,000-COP800,000 per month

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro offers many boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to beaches and water sports. The Marina da Glória is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Rio de Janeiro, offering fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Buenos Aires is situated on the coast of the Rio de la Plata. The Club de Veleros San Isidro is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Buenos Aires, offering a clubhouse and restaurant.

Lima, Peru: Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Lima has several boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to fishing opportunities. The Yacht Club Peruano is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Lima.

Santiago, Chile: Although Santiago is inland, the nearby coast provides easy access to boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as fishing opportunities. The Club de Yates Algarrobo is one of the most famous boat storage facilities near Santiago, offering a clubhouse and restaurant.

Montevideo, Uruguay: Montevideo is situated on the coast of the Rio de la Plata and has several boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to fishing opportunities. The Yacht Club Uruguayo is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Montevideo.

Cartagena, Colombia: Located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena has several boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options. The Club de Pesca is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Cartagena, offering a clubhouse and restaurant.

Boat Storage Cost in Africa

Africa Boat Storage Cost
Cape Town, South Africa ZAR1,000-ZAR3,000 per month
Nairobi, Kenya KES10,000-KES30,000 per month
Casablanca, Morocco MAD1,000-MAD3,000 per month
Lagos, Nigeria NGN50,000-NGN150,000 per month
Cairo, Egypt EGP1,000-EGP3,000 per month
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania TZS300,000-TZS800,000 per month

Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and offers many boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to fishing and water sports. The V&A Waterfront Marina is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Cape Town, offering fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi is located inland, but the nearby Lake Victoria provides easy access to boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as fishing opportunities. The Kisumu Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities near Nairobi.

Casablanca, Morocco: Casablanca is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Marina Casablanca is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Casablanca, offering fuel, maintenance, and repair services.

Lagos, Nigeria: Lagos is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Lagos Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Lagos, offering a clubhouse and restaurant.

Cairo, Egypt: Cairo is located inland, but the nearby Nile River provides easy access to boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options. The Cairo Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities near Cairo.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Dar es Salaam is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and has several boat storage facilities with indoor and outdoor storage options, as well as easy access to fishing and water sports. The Dar es Salaam Yacht Club is one of the most famous boat storage facilities in Dar es Salaam.

Types of Boat Storage

When looking for a place to store your boat, you have several options to choose from. Some popular choices include marinas, indoor storage facilities, outdoor storage lots, and dry stack storage. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

Marina

Marina storage or wet slip storage is ideal for those of you who frequently use your boats. This is a type of boat storage that provides a dock or mooring for boats to be tied up to. Marinas can be indoor or outdoor and can provide various amenities such as fuel, electricity, and water.

In marinas, the typical cost of storing a boat ranges from $5 to $30 per foot every month, with an average cost of around $10 per foot per month. Your costs could be lower or higher depending on factors such as location, season, and boat length. Generally, prices can vary significantly between shorter stays and longer stays.

Indoor storage

Indoor storage provides better protection from the elements and typically costs between $8 and $18 per foot of your boat per month, making it the more expensive option. Indoor storage costs are closer to $125 per foot. These facilities can be climate-controlled or non-climate-controlled and can provide added security features.

  • Indoor storage without a trailer: Approximately $8.25 per square foot
  • Indoor storage with a trailer: Approximately $7.25 per square foot

If you're wondering whether you need to winterize an indoor-stored boat, here's the answer.

Outdoor storage

Outdoor storage is a cheaper alternative, with prices for storing a small boat on a trailer in an uncovered outdoor lot ranging from $45 to $90 per month. Outdoor storage usually has a seasonal cost of about $35 per foot.

Outdoor storage is the most affordable but offers the least protection from weather elements. This type of storage typically costs around $7.50 per foot with a trailer.

Dry stack storage

This type of storage is a vertical storage system that is used to store boats in a covered area. Boats are stacked on top of each other and are typically launched using a forklift when needed. This type of storage is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in areas where space is limited.

One of the main advantages of dry stack storage is that it provides a secure and protected storage solution for boats. Boats are stored out of the water, which helps to prevent damage from exposure to the elements such as sun, wind, and saltwater. This can help to prolong the life of the boat and reduce the need for maintenance and repairs.

Analyzing the Costs of Boat Storage

Buying vs. renting a boat storage

Owning a boat storage space can be a good long-term investment if you plan to store your boat for many years. On the other hand, renting a storage space can be more cost-effective, especially for short-term use. Rental costs can range from $50 to $250 per month depending on the location, boat size, and type of storage.

Climate-controlled vs. non-climate-controlled storage

Storing your boat in a climate-controlled space can help prevent damage caused by excessive heat, cold, or humidity. Although more expensive, the additional protection offered by climate-controlled storage can prolong your boat's lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance costs. High-end facilities often offer temperature-controlled indoor storage, which can be more expensive than outdoor storage with no temperature control.

Recreational boats vs. commercial boats

Commercial boats are generally larger, requiring more storage space, which increases the overall cost of storage. Additionally, commercial boat storage facilities may offer specialized services such as fuel storage and maintenance support, further impacting costs.

Variable costs when storing your boat

Size of the boat

Generally, larger boats require more space and, therefore, higher storage fees. Smaller vessels, such as jet skis and fishing boats, can fit into more affordable storage spaces, while larger watercraft like sport boats and pontoons will require pricier options.

Duration of storage

Some facilities offer discounts for long-term storage, while others may have seasonal rates. It's essential to consider how long you require storage and choose a facility accordingly.

Accessibility

Easier access to storage spaces, such as drive-up or dock-side storage, may come with a premium price. If you want to reduce inconvenience, make sure you choose a storage location that is easily accessible.

Storage facility amenities

Some storage facilities offer extra services like boat maintenance, cleaning, security, and boat repair, which can increase the cost. While these services might come at an additional fee, they can be a valuable resource to help keep your boat in tip-top shape.

  • Security features: Facilities with higher security levels, such as video surveillance and gated access, may charge a fee for that peace of mind. Analyze the security features at the boat storage facilities to ensure your boat will remain safe. Look for facilities with gated access, cameras, and 24/7 monitoring.

  • Covered vs. uncovered: Covered storage offers some level of protection against rain and sun damage, while uncovered storage is more affordable but less protective.

  • Maintenance services: Some facilities offer maintenance services for an additional fee, such as regular cleaning, engine checks, and battery charging.

If you're looking for something more affordable, self-storage facilities offer boat storage prices as low as $50 a month and up to $400 a month. Boat owners can rent storage units on a monthly basis, and they can access their boats at any time during the facility's operating hours. Many facilities offer 24-hour access to units, while others may have limited access hours.

Self-storage facilities for boats provide a convenient and secure storage solution for boat owners, particularly in areas where space is limited and traditional boat storage options may not be available. With a range of unit sizes and flexible rental options, self-storage for boats can be an affordable and practical solution for anyone in need of extra storage space for their boat.

How to reduce boat storage costs

As a boat owner, you might be looking for ways to reduce the costs when storing your boat. In this section, we'll explore three strategies that can help you save on boat storage costs: seasonal discounts, multi-boat discounts, and long-term contract discounts.

Seasonal discounts

Seasonal discounts are often available at many boat storage facilities. These discounts can be particularly helpful if you only need storage during specific times of the year, like winter or hurricane season. To take advantage of seasonal discounts, you can:

  • Research different storage facilities in your area and compare their rates and discounts during off-peak seasons.
  • Approach the facilities directly and inquire about any available seasonal promotions they have.
  • Keep track of possible price fluctuations and time your storage rental accordingly so that you can maximize savings.

Multi-boat discounts

Do you own multiple boats or know other boat owners who are in need of storage? In many cases, storage facilities provide multi-boat discounts to customers who rent storage space for more than one vessel. With this approach, you can:

  • Form a group with other boat owners to secure multiple storage slots.
  • Negotiate a discounted rate with the storage facility based on the number of boats being stored.
  • Look for storage facilities that specifically advertise discounts for multiple boat rentals.

Long-term contract discounts

Finally, long-term contract discounts can be another great way to reduce boat storage costs. Many facilities offer reduced rates to customers who commit to storing their boats for an extended period. To benefit from these discounts:

  • Assess your boat storage needs and determine whether a long-term contract could be a good fit for you.
  • Compare the long-term rates offered by different storage facilities, considering factors such as location, security, and amenities.
  • Make sure to read the contract terms carefully, as there may be additional fees or restrictions associated with long-term storage agreements.

Did you find the answer to your specific question?
👍 0 👎 0

Leave a comment