Whether you own a small dinghy or a large houseboat, you need to find an appropriate storage facility for your prized possession. And you cannot keep off the decision for the last minute. It is imperative to look for such a facility as soon as you purchase your boat.
A little inflatable can be stored in your garage or backyard. But it won’t be possible to accommodate a bigger vessel, unless you own acres of land. Again, even if you own ample land, if it is too far away from water, the transportation costs will be humongous.
How do you solve the problem? It isn’t as tough as it seems. Numerous service providers offer indoor and outdoor storage facilities for recreational vessels. The more significant question is – how do you make a choice?
Let’s take a look at how you can find the right facility to store your watercraft.
Consider the location
Choosing a storage facility too far away from a water body can increase transportation costs. While it may be properly secured and well maintained, you also need to keep this in mind.
You don’t want to keep your boat in your garage because your home is at a good distance from the lake or the sea. A facility at an inopportune location isn’t a correct choice either because of the same reason.
Consider the category.
The next question is – whether an indoor or outdoor facility will be suitable for your boat? For this, you need to pay attention to the weather conditions as well as the way the vessels are stored at the place of your choice.
If the locale experiences inclement weather for most of the year, it is best to keep your boat in an indoor area. Again, a cramped up indoor area filled with numerous vessels may not be the ideal place as your boat may suffer damage in such a small space.
Consider the lease terms.
. Many recreational craft storage facilities have strict lease agreements that run for a year. If you aren’t going to keep it in store for years, such services won’t be suitable for you.
Check the terms and conditions of the lease agreement before you make a decision. A service that lets you store your watercraft for a shorter period, say a month, may work better for your requirements. Opt for such flexible plans.
Consider the price.
You can store your boat in your garage for free. But it isn’t always a practical, or possible, option. If it is neither, you need to look for a facility that offers competent services and fits your budget.
It is a good idea to compare costs. But it isn’t to opt for the cheapest choice. It may not always be the best. The safety and security of your vessel matters most; you have to choose a place that can guarantee this.
Consider the convenience.
How often do you take out your vessel for a drive? If you rarely take it out in a year, it is best to look for indoor storage facilities that offer affordable rates for long-term leases. Your convenience is of utmost importance.
But if you often ride your recreational watercraft out on the waters, it may be a good idea to opt for an outdoor storage place next to the water body. This will save you a lot of time and let you avoid a lot of hassles.
Consider the access.
Do you need to drive hours to reach the boat storage facility? And when you do reach it, you face closed doors and an automated voice tells you that you need to come between this and this time?
This can be quite a bother. If you don’t have any fixed schedule about your boat ride, make sure you find a service that offers 24 hours access to owners. Otherwise, you may have to face such trouble.
Consider the security
Why do you want a storage facility for your recreational vessel? The answer is simple; you need to make sure that your valued asset is safe, secure and in good condition even when it is not in use.
A well-guarded fenced facility is always a good choice. Also, many new-age boat storage services incorporate security features such as CCTVs, 24×7 surveillance and such others to ensure your peace of mind.
Choose carefully to choose well. The correct place will be able to keep your personal recreational watercraft safe and sound. And whenever you take your vessel for a ride, make sure you have your boat driver’s licence.
