The Complete Guide to Boat Winter Storage Cost
Many boat owners face the challenge of finding affordable and effective storage solutions to keep their boats safe and secure during the off-season. In this complete guide to boat winter storage costs, we'll explore some of the most popular storage options available and give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for each.
The cost of winter storage at a marina ranges from $20 to $50 per linear foot per month. Meanwhile, in storage facilities, the cost ranges from $100 to $300. Indoor storage ranges from $15 to $50 per linear foot per month, while outdoor storage costs around $5 to $20.
If you plan to store your boat for an extended period, you may be able to get a discount on your storage fees. To get more tips on how to save money on boat winter storage, keep reading below.
Summary
- On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 per season for indoor storage and $100 to $500 per season for outdoor storage.
- If you're looking for the most affordable option for boat winter storage, outdoor storage is generally the way to go.
- If you have a larger boat or want more protection from the elements, indoor storage may be a better option.
- Some storage facilities offer additional services, such as winterization, maintenance, and shrink-wrapping, which can add to the overall cost of winter storage.
On this page:
Storage Costs Based on Type of Winter Storage
The table below shows the different types of boat winter storage and how much you can expect to pay for each:
| Type of Winter Storage | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor heated storage | A fully enclosed, heated storage facility that protects your boat from the elements and provides a controlled environment. | $25-$50 per linear foot per month |
| Indoor unheated storage | A fully enclosed, unheated storage facility that protects your boat from the elements but does not provide a controlled environment. | $15-$30 per linear foot per month |
| Outdoor covered storage | A covered storage area that provides some protection from the elements but does not provide a fully enclosed environment. | $10-$20 per linear foot per month |
| Outdoor uncovered storage | An open-air storage area that does not protect from the elements. | $5-$10 per linear foot per month |
Indoor boat storage
Indoor boat storage is a type of storage facility that is designed to keep boats safe and secure from the elements. It is a great solution for boat owners who want to protect their boats from harsh weather conditions, theft, and vandalism. It is typically more expensive than outdoor storage options, but it provides better protection for your boat.
Indoor heated storage
Indoor heated storage is a type of storage facility that is equipped with heating systems to keep the temperature inside the storage unit warm and dry.
This type of storage is ideal for boats that are sensitive to temperature changes, such as wooden boats, fiberglass boats, and boats with sensitive electronics. Indoor heated storage is also a good option if you plan to work on your boat during the winter months.
Indoor unheated storage
Indoor unheated storage, on the other hand, is a type of storage facility that does not have heating systems. It is designed to keep your boat safe and dry, but it does not provide any temperature control.
This type of storage is ideal for boats that are not sensitive to temperature changes, such as aluminum boats and pontoon boats.
The Pros and Cons of an Aluminum Sailboat
Outdoor boat storage
Outdoor boat storage refers to the practice of storing a boat in an outdoor location, rather than in an indoor storage facility. This can be a cost-effective option for boat owners who do not have the space or budget to store their vessels indoors.
However, it comes with some risks. Since the boat is exposed to the elements, it may be subject to damage from rain, wind, snow, and other weather conditions. Additionally, outdoor storage may make the boat more vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
Covered outdoor boat storage
Covered outdoor boat storage involves storing the boat under a roof, canopy, or other type of shelter that provides some protection from the elements. This type of storage is more expensive than uncovered storage, but it can offer several benefits.
Covered storage can protect the boat from rain, snow, sunlight, and other weather conditions that could cause damage over time. It can also help to prevent the buildup of leaves, debris, and other materials that could clog drains or damage the boat's exterior.
Some covered outdoor boat storage facilities may offer additional amenities such as security cameras, fencing, and access control systems to help protect the boat from theft or vandalism. These facilities may also provide additional services such as boat washing, detailing, and maintenance.
Uncovered outdoor boat storage
Uncovered outdoor boat storage involves storing the boat in an open area without any type of shelter. This type of storage is generally less expensive than covered storage, but it may not be suitable for all types of boats or in all climates.
Uncovered storage can leave the boat vulnerable to damage from the sun, wind, rain, and snow. It can also make the boat more susceptible to theft or vandalism.
However, uncovered outdoor boat storage can be a good option for boats that are designed to withstand the elements, or for boat owners who only need to store their vessel for a short period of time. Some uncovered storage facilities may offer additional amenities such as security cameras and fencing to help protect the boat from theft or vandalism.
Pricing Based on Storage Options
| Boat Storage Option | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Marina storage | A storage option provided by marinas, which can include indoor or outdoor storage. Indoor storage may include heated or unheated options. | $20-$50 per linear foot per month |
| Garage storage | A storage option provided by storage facilities or private garages. This option is typically indoor and maybe climate-controlled. | $100-$300 per month |
| Self-storage | A storage option provided by storage facilities that offer individual units for rent. This option is typically indoor and maybe climate-controlled. | $50-$150 per month |
Marina storage
Marina storage is a popular option for boat owners who want easy access to their boats during the winter months. The cost of marina storage can vary depending on the location and the size of your boat, but on average, it is estimated around $20-$50 per linear foot per month for marina storage.
Garage storage
If you have a garage that is big enough to store your boat, this can be a great option for winter storage. Garage storage is usually the safest place to store your boat since it is protected from the elements. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per month for garage storage.
Self-storage
Self-storage facilities can be a good option for boat owners who don't have a garage or a marina nearby. Self-storage units are available in different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your boat.
The cost of self-storage can vary depending on the size of the unit and the location, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per month for self-storage.
How & Where to Store Your Boat in Winter (5 Places)
Boat Winter Storage Costs by Region
The table below shows a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for winter storage in different regions of the United States:
| Region in the U.S. | Indoor Storage Cost (per foot, for the season) | Outdoor Storage Cost (per foot, for the season) |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $100 - $300 | $20 - $50 |
| Midwest | $50 - $200 | $15 - $40 |
| South | $50 - $250 | $10 - $30 |
| West | $50 - $200 | $10 - $30 |
Winter storage costs in the Northeast U.S.
Indoor storage options are more common in the Northeast region of the United States, and prices can range from $100 to $300 per foot for the season. This means that a 30-foot boat could cost between $3,000 and $9,000 to store for the winter.
Outdoor storage options are also available, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per foot for the season. However, outdoor storage does not provide as much protection as indoor storage, and boats can still be exposed to the elements.
The winter weather conditions in this region can be quite harsh and can be damaging to boats if they are left outside. As a result, boat owners often need to find a secure place to store their boats during the winter months. Indoor storage options therefore provide better protection against the elements.
Winter storage costs in the Midwest U.S.
In the Midwest, winter storage costs for boats are generally lower than in the Northeast. This is because the Midwest experiences milder winters compared to the Northeast, where harsh winter weather conditions are more common.
Indoor storage options are available but less common, and prices can range from $50 to $200 per foot for the season. Outdoor storage options are more common, with prices ranging from $15 to $40 per foot for the season.
Winter storage costs in the South U.S.
In the South, winter storage costs for boats tend to be lower than in the Northeast but higher than in the Midwest. For those who prefer indoor storage, prices can range from $50 to $250 per foot for the season. This means that owners of larger boats will pay more for storage than those with smaller boats.
On the other hand, outdoor storage options can range from $10 to $30 per foot for the season, which is generally more affordable than indoor storage.
Winter storage costs for boats in the South are generally lower than in the Northeast, but higher than in the Midwest because the South has milder winter weather compared to the Northeast, but still experiences some colder temperatures that make indoor storage options more desirable. Despite this, outdoor storage options are more common in the South due to the generally milder winters.
Winter storage costs in the West U.S.
Indoor storage options are available in this region, but they are less common, and prices can range from $50 to $200 per foot for the season. This means that if you have a boat that is 25 feet long, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,250 to $5,000 for indoor storage for the winter season.
Outdoor storage options are more common in the West, and they are generally less expensive than indoor storage options. Prices for outdoor storage can range from $10 to $30 per foot for the season. So if you have a boat that is 25 feet long, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $750 for outdoor storage for the winter season.
Note that storage options in more urban areas may be more expensive than storage options in rural areas. Additionally, the cost of storage may be affected by the demand for storage in a particular area. If many boat owners are looking for storage in a particular area, prices may be higher.
Factors That Affect Boat Winter Storage Cost
When it comes to storing your boat for the winter, there are several factors that can affect the cost of storage, including the following:
The location of the storage facility where you store your boat
Storage facilities located in areas with a high cost of living or high demand for storage space may charge more for their services. On the other hand, facilities located in more rural areas or areas with less demand may be more affordable.
The size and type of your boat
Larger boats will generally cost more to store than smaller boats, and boats with more complex systems or equipment may require more specialized storage options. For example, a sailboat may require a different type of storage than a motorboat.
The length of time you plan to store your boat
Most storage facilities charge on a monthly basis, so the longer you store your boat, the more you can expect to pay. However, some facilities may offer discounts for longer storage periods, so it's worth asking about these options.
Additional services needed
If you need your boat shrink-wrapped or winterized, you can expect to pay extra for these services. Similarly, if you need your boat moved to or from the storage facility, this may also add to the overall cost.
How to Save Money on Boat Winter Storage
If you're looking to save money on boat winter storage, here are some tips on how you can spend less and still keep your boat safe during the winter months:
Early booking discounts
Many marinas and storage facilities offer early booking discounts if you book your storage space in advance. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you're planning to store your boat for a long period of time.
Take advantage of group discounts
If you have several friends or family members who also need to store their boats for the winter, perhaps consider renting a storage space together. Many marinas and storage facilities offer group discounts that can save you money.
Ask for long-term storage discounts
If you plan to store your boat for an extended period of time, you may be able to get a discount on your storage fees. Many marinas and storage facilities offer long-term storage discounts that can save you money. You can ask about these discounts when you're booking your storage space.
Do the winterization work yourself
You can save money by winterizing your boat's engine yourself instead of paying a mechanic to do it. If you have an inboard boat motor, you can check out this article for a full guide on the winterization process.
To winterize an outboard motor by yourself, whether 2-stroke or 4-stroke, this article may help you.
You can also save money by removing your boat's electronics and storing them at home instead of paying for storage space for them.
Yes You Can Winterize Your Boat Yourself: Do This
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