Popular Boat Storage Facilities NearCentreville, VA
Popular Boat Storage Facilities Near Centreville, VA
What Kind of Boat Storage Do You Need?
Self-storage facilities that provide boat and trailer storage services offer three types of boat storage: outdoor boat storage, stack or dry stack storage, and indoor boat storage. These storage services are each designed to protect your boat or trailer, but come with different perks and price points. The winner of the age-old indoor vs outdoor boat storage debate largely depends on the size of your vessel, your location, and what you're willing to spend to keep Sailin' Sally safe.
Boat and Trailer Storage Type | What is it? | Benefits | Cost Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large parking spaces where boats and trailers can be stored. Some facilities offer covered outdoor boat storage, but you'll need to read individual listings if a covered boat space is what you're looking for. | Ideal for those living in and storing boats in mild climates, outdoor boat storage frees up space on your personal property and provides a safe place to store and park your boat. This storage option is best paired with a boat cover. | Cheapest boat storage option. | |
| Indoor storage units are a good option for boats less than 50 feet long, as you'll want to ensure your indoor boat storage unit has ample space to move around and maneuver the boat while it is in storage. Another indoor boat and trailer storage option is warehouse-style storage, where your boat will be stored with other watercraft. | Keeping your watercraft indoors will give you the option of finding a facility that offers heated boat storage, perfect for areas that experience freezing temperatures. You'll also enjoy additional perks like added security, boat winterization, trailer storage, and boat transport, depending on your facility and storage package. | Depending on your decision to store your boat in a storage unit or a warehouse, this option is for those with a medium to high budget. The added perks and amenities offered by indoor storage units create some variability in prices, which are balanced by added convenience and amenities. | |
| Stack or dry stack boat storage is an affordable alternative to creeping marina fees. Your boat will be stacked on a large rack with other boats. Dry stack storage takes the same approach, but will store each stack in a warehouse protected from the elements 24/7-365. Always measure your boat before choosing dry stack boat storage, as there are some size limitations. | Dry stack storage, in particular, offers year-round protection from sun, rain, snow, and other extreme weather. | This is another mid-budget option, with pricing variations based on location, seasonality, and whether you're opting for dry stack over standard stack storage. |
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for Your Boat?
Boat storage applies to any watercraft, from pontoon storage to jet-ski storage, and everything in between. But boats come in different shapes and sizes, and require different things, like additional boating trailer storage. Finding the right marine storage solution for you means figuring out just how much space you need to securely store your boat.
Check out our helpful boat storage size guide below for help picking out your boat's new haven. Then head over to our storage unit size guide to learn more about storage unit dimensions and how to store oversized or awkwardly shaped items like kayaks.
10’ Wide x 15’ Long
150
SQ FT
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Most small single-person fishing or rowing boats, plus personal water crafts, come in at just around 15 feet in length.
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Always make sure to measure your boat before renting out a storage unit, it must be under 15 feet in length to fit in a 10’x15’ unit.
-Because most small boats fit into a 10’ wide unit, most boat storage facilities will not note the width on their facility page.
10’ Wide x 20’ Long
200
SQ FT
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Personal watercraft (jet skis, wave runners) - typically 10-12 feet long
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Small fishing boats and dinghies (12-16 feet)
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Kayaks and canoes (multiple units)
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Small sailboat dinghies (8-14 feet)
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Jon boats and car-top boats
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Most boats in this category will be stored on small trailers, adding 2-4 feet to overall length
10’ Wide x 25’ Long
250
SQ FT
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Small to mid-size fishing boats (16-20 feet)
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Runabouts and bowriders (16-20 feet)
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Bass boats (17-20 feet)
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Small pontoon boats (16-20 feet)
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Small center console boats (17-19 feet)
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Day sailers and small cabin sailboats (up to 20 feet)
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Remember that boats on trailers typically add 3-5 feet to the boat's stated length
10’ Wide x 30’ Long
300
SQ FT
Mid-size boats (20-24 feet) including pontoons, fishing boats, and cruisers- Walleye and musky fishing boats (20-24 feet)
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Deck boats and sport boats (20-24 feet)
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Wakeboard and ski boats (20-23 feet)
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Small cabin cruisers (22-24 feet)
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Boats with towers, bimini tops, or T-tops may require 12-14 foot ceiling heights
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Always account for the trailer tongue extending beyond the bow
10’ Wide x 35’ Long
350
SQ FT
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Larger boats (24-28 feet) suitable for coastal and offshore use
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Express cruisers and cuddy cabins (24-28 feet)
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Larger center console boats (24-27 feet)
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Large pontoon boats (24-28 feet)
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Walkarounds and pilothouse boats (24-27 feet)
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Small sailboats with keels (up to 26 feet)
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Boats with hardtops, radar arches, or tall outboards may need 14-16 foot ceilings
10’ Wide x 40’ Long
400
SQ FT
Large boats (28-32 feet) including offshore fishing boats and cruisers- Sport fishing boats with towers (28-32 feet)
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Large express cruisers and sedan cruisers (28-32 feet)
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Large center consoles with T-tops (28-31 feet)
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Downeast-style boats (28-32 feet)
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Catamarans (up to 30 feet)
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Many boats this size have significant beam (width of 9-11 feet) and may require wider door openings
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Tower-equipped boats often require 16-18 foot ceiling clearance
10’ Wide x 50’ Long
500
SQ FT
Very large boats (32-40+ feet) including offshore sportfishers and yachts- Large sportfishing boats with towers (32-40 feet)
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Motor yachts and trawlers (32-38 feet)
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Large cruisers and flybridge boats (32-40 feet)
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Large sailboats (30-38 feet) - may require mast removal
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These vessels often exceed 10 feet in beam and may require 12-14 foot wide units
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Tower-equipped boats routinely need 18-20+ foot ceiling clearance
Why Choose a Boat Storage Facility Over Boat Parking at Home?
Boat and RV storage searchers face a similar predicament: if you park your fun machine at home, it's convenient and close by, sure, but your neighbors are mad, your partner is annoyed, and your driveway is full. This is why, of all the boat storage ideas out there, finding a boat storage facility is at the top of the list. Need another reason to outsource your boat storage? Look no further:
How Much Does It Cost to Store a Boat?
Boat storage prices vary greatly based on seasonal demand, indoor vs outdoor boat storage, and additional amenities like climate controlled boat storage. The good news is that boat storage costs are often billed monthly, making boat storage rentals flexible for short-term and long-term stays. Below, you'll find average boat storage rates across different unit sizes.
Storage Unit Size | Average Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 10x15 | $80.65 |
| 10x20 | $77.19 |
| 10x30 | $84.99 |
Parking Unit Size | Average Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| 15' Long | $79.56 |
| 20' Long | $77.17 |
| 25' Long | $80.04 |
| 30' Long | $85.01 |
| 35' Long | $94.44 |
| 40' Long | $106.98 |
How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage
Learning how to prepare your boat for storage is one of the most important things a responsible boat owner can do. By taking a few simple steps, you can prepare your boat for storage and ensure smooth sailing the next time you take it out. These steps also cover a majority of what you’ll learn on your journey to discovering how to prepare your boat for winter storage.
step | description |
|---|---|
| Step 1:Check the fluids | Top off your gas tank, change the oil, and consider using a fuel stabilizer if you're putting the boat away for a longer period of time. If you're storing for more than six months, use a battery tender (also called a battery maintainer or charger) to make sure it runs when you're ready to take the boat out of storage. |
| Step 2: Fix any major repairs | Take your boat into the shop and fix major repairs before you put it in storage. |
| Step 3: Use a cover | The most important item required for boat storage is a cover specifically designed to fit your vessel. This ensures that there are no low areas to collect moisture, but leaves enough room for air to circulate, preventing mildew. |
| Step 4: Clean and remove excess | Clean your boat, making sure to remove any organic material or water from the inside. These things can rot or mold and cause your boat to smell foul or even inflict significant damage. |
| Step 5: Take care of the engine | Your boat's engine will be your main focus. Turn it on and make sure everything is moving smoothly, tightening up any parts that are loose or wobbly. Then disconnect the fuel line and let it run until it stops. Make sure the propeller shaft is well lubricated. When in doubt, go ahead and re-lubricate it to be safe. |
| Step 6: Flush the system | The next step is to flush the engine (consult your owner’s manual to see which kit you need) as well as the cooling system. After you’re done, drain the engine of any water. Getting your boat ready for long-term storage may require additional professional assistance if you’re not sure how to tackle the mechanical steps yourself. |
| Step 7: Check the carburetor | Turn the engine on again, and spray fogging oil (if you’re winterizing a fuel-injected engine, use two-cycle oil) into the carburetor. While the engine is still running, shut off the fuel supply using the fuel valve. When it stops, pull the spark plugs, use some fogging oil on the cylinders, crank the engine a few times, and reinstall the plugs. |
| Step 8: Prepare your boat trailer | Check the tire pressure, tighten the lug nuts on the wheels, and test the wiring to make sure the lights are working. If you're storing the boat outside, buy an outboard motor lock to secure and protect this valuable piece. Cover the tires to prevent cracking from sun damage. Lastly, chock the wheels of the trailer and use a lock to secure the boat to a large, sturdy object. |