How much does Boat storage cost?

Whether boating season has ended, or you need boat storage in between those perfect summer days on the water, there are many types of storage facilities that can house your beloved watercraft. 

From long-term winter storage, to facilities that are accessible on a daily or weekly basis, this guide explains the pros, cons, and costs of each boat storage option. 

Need a home for your RV, too? Read How much does RV storage cost? 

The cost of boat storage depends on the size of your boat, location, type of storage, and additional amenities. Boat storage rates range from $10–25 per foot, on average, so storing a 20-foot craft will cost $200–500 per month. 

Different types of boat storage have varying degrees of security and protection from wind, rain, snow, sleet, and salt, which can damage a vessel and shorten its lifespan. You can determine the best storage option for your needs based on the local climate, facility proximity to your home or the nearest body of water, and storage fees. 

Here are the most common types of boat storage available:

Wet storage. The most convenient outside storage option, wet marina storage keeps your boat on the water year-round in its own slip, allowing easy access to the watercraft without need for a boat trailer to haul your vessel to and from dry storage.

Convenience comes at a price, though. Wet storage at a local marina can be expensive in some high-demand areas, may expose your boat to bad weather, and requires extra maintenance to keep barnacles, algae, and corrosion at bay.

Average cost per month: $10–20 per foot

Outdoor dry storage. Outdoor dry storage facilities can be covered or uncovered, and require your boat to be stored on a boat trailer. One of the cheapest boat storage options, outdoor dry storage is widely available in most areas and usually provides reasonable security and accessibility. However, because it’s outdoors (fully or partially), boat owners should use a boat cover to protect their vessels from rain, snow, and sunlight.

Average cost per month: $5–20 per foot

Indoor dry storage. Indoor dry storage facilities are typically more expensive than outdoor boat storage because they provide additional security and protection from the elements. Indoor storage requires your boat to be stored on a boat trailer in a designated spot.

Facilities usually have ample security cameras and accessibility, and may have additional amenities such as climate control, on-site security, and 24-hour access. Indoor boat storage facility spaces are often smaller than outdoor ones, which may not fit a large boat.

Average cost per month: $10–40 per foot

Dry stack storage. Typically located near a body of water, dry stack boat storage facilities (also known as dry docking or rack storage) provide ample security and convenience, and may offer some protection from the elements depending on whether they’re indoors or outdoors. Dry stack facilities use forklifts to stack boats on “racks,” and will haul your boat to and from the water when you need it, eliminating the need for your own boat trailer. 

Unfortunately, dry stack storage can have limited accessibility and requires advanced notice to deliver your boat (with wait times if the facility is busy). Some facilities limit the number of times you can access your boat each month, after which they’ll tack on additional fees. Also, larger boats may not fit on the racks.

Average cost per month: $10–40 per foot

At-home storage. If you have ample garage or driveway space, storing your boat at home on a trailer or blocks is the cheapest route. If you keep it outdoors, you’ll need a cover or shrink wrap to protect the boat and trailer from the elements. There are pros who specialize in shrink wrapping vessels after flushing liquids from its system to prevent damage in freezing weather. The average cost of shrink wrapping a vessel is $10–15 per foot.

Insurance discounts. Your boat insurance may offer a monthly discount if you store your boat in a dry indoor facility, which provides the most protection against damage and future insurance claims. The discount amount will depend on the policy, the boat, and boat storage option.

How much does it cost to store a boat?

The average monthly cost of boat storage is $10–25 per foot, depending on the size of your boat, location, type of storage, and additional amenities. 

What is the cheapest way to store a boat?

The cheapest way to store your boat is in your garage or driveway. If you keep it outdoors, you’ll need to protect the boat and trailer from the elements with a cover or shrink wrap. Hiring a pro to winterize and shrink wrap your watercraft will cost $10–15 per foot. 

How much does dry docking cost?

The average cost per month for dry dock storage is $10–40 per foot. Dry docking hauls your boat out of the water and stores it on a rack, typically, which reduces the need for added maintenance that can come with wet storage.

Find boat storage in your area.