Smart Boat Storage Tips For Your Garage

As the season ends, it's time to park your boat till your next adventure hits. But, where to store and how to ensure its safety? After all, it is an expensive investment! Leaving outside means you have to deal with weather damage, theft risks, and a tiring upkeep process. So, what to do? A storage unit may seem a simple solution, but it can be expensive over the long term and inconvenient.

You can't squeeze your boat in a garage since usually there is limited space for proper positioning and maintenance headaches. A smart plan would be to invest in a boat metal garage. Here, we will walk you through the practical storage tips for your beloved boat's safety, easy access, and always being ready for your next adventure.

A. How To Prepare Your Boat For Garage Storage?

Start With Cleaning – Wash your boat and scrub it thoroughly before storing it. This will remove dirt, algae, salt, etc., which can damage in the long run. Make sure to clean compartments, seating, and any storage areas to remove potential odors.

Do Essential Maintenance Checks – You should change engine oil and filters, stabilize fuel, and add fuel preservatives to ensure the engine runs smoothly next time you switch it on. You can lubricate the moving parts, and if you live in a colder area, drain water to prevent freezing.

Use A Quality Cover – A strong metal boat garage shields your beloved boat from everyday dust, dirt, debris buildup, and accidental damage from neighbor kids' baseball. With fully enclosed steel parking garages, you can remove and secure valuable items so they don't get damaged or misplaced during storage.

B. Tips To Get Boat Metal Garage Ready For Storage

Declutter And Organize – A cluttered garage will make it hard to store boats and their accessories. So, you must clear out anything you don't need. The next step is to organize tools and create open pathways around the boat for easy upkeep in the future and to avoid accidents.

Assessing Boat Garage Space And Layout – Before investing in a steel boat cover, always measure your boat size to ensure the garage or carport can fit it with extra space for you to maneuver. For example, the open power boat (2019 Sportsman Open 232) dimensions are:

• Length: 23 ft.
• Beam Width: 8.6 ft.
• Draft: 1.2 ft.

Ensure the door frame is wide and tall for easy entry and exit. Include trailer height as well when designing your metal carport or garage for a boat.

Floor Protection – Boats are generally heavy and can drip oil, fuel, water, etc., so it is best to lay mats or epoxy coatings over a concrete slab to keep the floor clean and free from damage. Epoxy surfaces are also easy to clean, so that's a bonus.

Climate Control – Humidity and extreme temperatures can affect the exterior and interior of the boat. So, it is important to have space with proper ventilation for fresh airflow or a dehumidifier to keep conditions stable & prevent molding.

C. Smart Boat Storage Solution And Techniques

Trailer Storage – Inspect your trailer, such as check tires, bearings, locks, etc., before storing your boat. You can opt for wheel chocks or stabilizers for extra safety. If you have to park in a tight space, choose a trailer dolly to maneuver efficiently.

Vertical Storage Options – Every garage has a limited floor space, so it is best to use vertical storage for storage without cluttering up the floor. A little less common, but you can use lifts or slings to store a boat vertically, especially in areas close to water.

Maximize Vertical Space Around The Boat – If you are installing a steel boat garage, opt for vertical, adjustable shelves and overhead racks to store its accessories, cleaning supplies, and other boating gear.

Pest Protection – Pests like rodents and insects can chew wiring and damage the interior. To avoid it, you can use repellents, traps, and seal all openings (for an enclosed storage garage).

Ceiling Hoists – You can install ceiling hoists to store lightweight boats like Jon boats, skiffs, inflatable boats, dinghies, personal watercraft (Jet Skies), car-toppers, etc. Before storing, though, ensure the hoist can bear the weight of your boat.

D. Smart Metal Boat Garage Upgrades For Boat Storage

Add Overhead Lighting – Proper lighting is necessary for regular upkeeps, especially during evening or after sunset for off-season work. You can opt for LED lights to reduce energy bills and for efficient lighting.

Security Measures – Your boat is an expensive investment, so you must take proper security measures to keep it safe from vandalism and theft. You can choose strong locks, alarms, surveillance systems, motion sensor lights, etc., to protect the boat.

Waterproofing Garage Walls – If you live in coastal areas or want to store your boat around water bodies like lakes or river streams, then a little extra waterproofing will help keep moisture out and protect your boat from humidity.

E. Seasonal Boat Storage Vs. Year-Round Boat Storage Solutions

Winter Boat Storage Tips - Cold weather can take a toll on your boat, damage its internal systems, and lead to costly repairs. So, to avoid it, you should:

• Drain all water systems (pipes, live wells, onboard plumbing)
• Check antifreeze levels (correct type of antifreeze for the boat engine)
• Remove the battery (store it controlled environment)
• Lubricate moving parts (to avoid stiffness from cold winds)

You can go ahead and cover your boat with a weather-resistant tarp to protect it from moisture, dust, and pests.

Summer Boat Storage Tips - To store the boat in the summer or protect it between trips, you can do the following to prolong its lifespan:

• Keep all essential supplies near (such as life jackets, fishing gear, cleaning supplies)
• Check fuel levels regularly (to ensure the engine starts smoothly before the trip)
• Clean and rinse the boat regularity (to remove salt, algae, dirt)

Make sure to maintain proper ventilation inside your garage to reduce humidity levels and prevent molding and mildew growth.

Long-Term Vs. Short-Term Boat Storage Considerations- Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to store your boat for the long or short term. Here's what to do in these situations:

• Short-Term Boat Storage: Proper cover, easily accessible, maintain fuel, charge battery, and organize accessories (for quick grab & go).
• Long-Term Boat Storage: Deep cleaning, proper maintenance, better security, remove electronics, drain fluids, apply anti-rust protections (to metal parts), and secure with sturdy locks and alarms.

Tip: Ensure Safety And Essential Precautions

A careless setup can lead to unnecessary risks, accidental damages, or personal injuries. Here's how to keep everything secure while preparing the boat garage for storage:

• Use proper lifting techniques when moving heavy equipment or while adjusting the boat's position. We suggest bending at the knees and lifting with your legs, not your back.
• Make sure the boat has secure support that rests on a sturdy, well-maintained trailer or a boat stand to distribute weight evenly.
• It is important to keep children and pets away from a garage that is filled with equipment, tools, and electrical outlets.
• Always disconnect electrical devices such as chargers, battery maintainers, and plug in other electronics when not in use.

Protect Your Boat, Maximize Your Space, Try These Tips Now!

Storing a boat in a steel garage is one of the smartest ways to keep it protected while saving space and money. With the right setup, your boat stays secure and shielded from outdoor weather conditions.

Your boat is a big part of your lifestyle and a source of adventure. A robust metal storage building means fewer worries and a longer lifespan for your beloved prized possession. Is there any storage tip you would like to add? Share it with it.