Love Your Boat, Hate the Space it Takes Up in the Off Season?
Do you love having a boat, but not as much in the off season? Is your wife yelling at you that she can?t park in the garage because your boat is in her space? Well, there?s a simple solution, boat storage in a self storage facility.
A Bit About Self Storage
As of the second quarter of 2015, occupancy rates for self storage facilities were at 90%, up from 86.8% at the end of 2013. Why, almost 10% of all U.S. households currently rent additional storage space in the form of a self storage unit, up from just 6% 20 years ago in 1995. And you would assume that people who use self storage have no storage space in their own homes, but that just isn?t so. About 65% of all self storage users have a garage, 47% have an attic, and 33% have a basement, yet they still rent additional storage. That?s because of people like yourself with a boat or extra vehicle (or so).
Now, only around 13% of self storage renters say they plan to rent for less than three months. Around 18% plan on renting for three to six months, another 18% for seven to 12 months, 22% plan on using the space for one to two years, and 30% intend to keep the space for longer than two years. Many of those long term renters are using the space for vehicle storage, such as motorcycle storage, boat storage and year round car storage.
And the good news is, there?s plenty of choices of facilities that will meet your storage needs, including safe, secure boat storage. In fact, of more than 10,000 facilities surveyed, almost 20% offer boat storage and/or parking.
Tips for Boat Storage
If you plan on storing your boat for more than 30 days, consider getting the oil changed. In its owner’s manuals, Ford recommends it, stating that used oil has dirt in it that could damage engines. And remember to fill your tank before storing for more than 30 days. This will help keep moisture from building up inside the fuel tank while preventing the seals from getting dry. Also, when in storage, it?s a good idea to check your boat’s electrolyte levels and make sure your battery is fully charged every 30 days.
It?s simple really, find nearby boat storage. You?ll have access to your boat when the seasons change again, and you can finally have a peaceful winter, though I can?t promise that your wife won?t find something new to yell at you about.