Boat Storage: How to Store a Boat at Home or at a Facility

Boat storage isn't just another expense you need to factor in—it's key to the long-term ownership experience. The right boat storage setup can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the boat. Depending on your location, a popular storage option may be all wrong—especially for your wallet.

If you're storing a boat on the coast of British Columbia, salt water and air could be your main concerns. If you're in the lake-rich Okanagan Valley region, weather protection might be the top priority. Storing a boat in a big city? Security could top the list.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to boat storage. Your best option depends on how often you use your boat, your budget, and where you live.

Quick Boat Storage Tips

• Check your boat monthly, even during winter storage
• Never store your boat dirty—clean it thoroughly first
• Keep fuel tanks full, but remove all batteries
• Cover your boat properly—professional shrink wrap beats tarps every time
• Use moisture absorbers inside the cabin to prevent mould
• Block all openings with tape to keep pests out

Types of Boat Storage: What Works Best?

Not all boat storage is the same. For waterfront homes in Kelowna, Vancouver, and elsewhere in BC, there's nothing more convenient than at-home boat storage. 

However, for 99.9% of boat owners (and even a huge share of owners with waterfront homes), boat storage at home simply isn't within reach. 

Thankfully, there are several other excellent options. Let's break down your main boat storage options.

Indoor Boat Storage: Maximum Protection

Indoor boat storage keeps your boat safe from sun damage, rain, snow, and even nosy neighbours. It's like giving your boat its own garage. 

When you're ready to enjoy summer weather on the stunning lakes of the Okanagan Valley, simply set the day and time to pick up your boat (or have it dropped in by the facility)

Just like storing a canoe, your boat stays cleaner with indoor boat storage. No bird droppings, tree sap, or dust to deal with. This means less cleaning and maintenance when you're ready to hit the water.

The downside is that indoor boat storage costs more. Sometimes a lot more. You're paying for that peace of mind. Indoor storage spaces also fill up fast, especially in popular boating areas. If you want this option, book early!

Indoor boat storage in the Okanagan Valley can be found at:

• Aqua Boat Club in Kelowna's Lower Mission neighbourhood
• Tow and Stow Dry Marina/Dockside Marine Centre in Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna

Outdoor Boat Storage: Budget-Friendly Option

Looking to store your boat on a budget? Outdoor boat storage costs less and gives you easy access to your boat.

Many outdoor storage facilities offer parking lot-style outdoor storage where your boat sits on its trailer. This setup makes it easy to hitch up and go whenever you want.

The tradeoff is more wear and tear from the weather. The sun fades your seats and finishes, and rain finds its way into places it shouldn't. 

However, much of that wear and tear can be avoided by properly shrink-wrapping the boat. Alternatively, a good boat cover helps protect against most issues.

In the Okanagan, some of the top options for outdoor boat storage include:

• Blue Water Boat and RV Storage (Kelowna North, ~3 km from downtown)
• Sun Country Storage (Lake Country, ~20 km north of downtown)
• Mega Storage Inc. (West Kelowna, ~8 km west of downtown)

Dry Boat Storage: The In-Between Choice

Dry storage means your boat stays on land in garage-style bays instead of in the water or completely outdoors. Most marinas in the Okanagan Valley offer this option, but the cheapest facilities are those further away from the lakes.

How it works: The marina uses a forklift to remove your boat from the water and store it on racks (sometimes stacked several boats high). When you want to use your boat, call ahead. 

They may be able to have the boat in the water waiting for you, but depending on the season, services, and location, you may have to schedule in advance. 

This option keeps your boat from getting that gross water line and prevents marine growth on the hull. It's usually cheaper than indoor storage but more expensive than basic outdoor storage options.

The only downside is the size limit. Most dry stack facilities cannot accommodate boats larger than 35–40 feet.

For affordable dry boat storage in the Okanagan, look to Space Centre Storage in Kelowna's Rutland area and National Storage RV & Boat in Glenrosa, West Kelowna.

Storing Your Boat at Home

Some boat owners believe that storing their boat at their home is free—technically, this isn't true. While you'll avoid monthly storage fees, home storage comes with its own set of problems and hidden costs.

For boat owners, waterfront homes with the proper frontage, water depth, and channel access are the pinnacle. Docks and piers are among the highest-ROI waterfront home features available, enabling you to keep the boat in your backyard (literally!). 

Boat lifts enable at-home dry storage, and with proper shrink wrapping, you can store your boat at home and simply unwrap and lower it into the water when you're ready to cruise. However, inland homes or those without the proper waterfrontage still have several storage options.

Garage, Driveway, and Yard Storage

If you have space in your garage, that's your best home storage option. Your boat stays protected from the elements, secure from theft, and you can work on it anytime. However, you can say goodbye to parking your car inside. 

Most garages barely fit a small boat, and maneuvering it in and out is a real headache. You can't afford to skip any garage organization steps when you're storing a boat in there!

Most people end up storing their boats in their driveways or yards. This seems like a money-saver until you factor in:

• Faster deterioration from sun, rain, and snow
• Higher risk of theft or vandalism
• Potential HOA violations and fines
• Reduced home curb appeal
• The hassle of towing to and from the water each time

Will your HOA allow boat storage? Check these 3 things before parking at home:

• Review your HOA covenants specifically about boat storage
• Look for rules about the maximum time boats can be visible
• Check if there are screening requirements (fences or covers)

The "free" home storage option often leads to more frequent repairs, higher boat and home insurance premiums, and faster depreciation. When you add these costs up, you may find that you're not saving much at all.

Using a Storage Facility

For many boat owners, professional storage facilities hit the sweet spot between convenience and cost. These boat storage facilities offer different levels of protection: uncovered (open parking), covered (roof but no walls), or fully enclosed (complete protection).

A good storage facility gives you:

• Better security than home storage (cameras, gates, lighting)
• Protection from weather damage
• Reasonable monthly costs (about half what marinas charge)
• None of the HOA hassles of home storage

The main drawback is that you'll need to tow your boat to the water each time you use it. To offset the inconvenience, many savvy boat owners choose storage facilities near their favourite lakes or waterways to minimize towing time.

How to Choose a Storage Facility That Won't Let You Down

Picking the right storage facility might seem simple, but little details make a huge difference. Here's what to look for.

Location: Make It Easy on Yourself

Let's be honest—if your storage facility is 50 km away, you'll use your boat less often. Facilities in Summerland are on the more affordable side, but if you're living in Kelowna, that 45-minute drive could be a dealbreaker. 

Look for places that make sense with your routine. Think about:

• How far is it from your home?
• How easy is it to get your boat in and out?
• Do they have weird hours that may limit when you can grab your boat?

Most indoor facilities require you to call ahead to access your boat. This can kill spontaneous fishing trips and water recreation on Okanagan Lake! Always ask about their access policies before signing up.

Security: Keeping Your Boat Safe

Good security isn't just nice to have—it's essential. Boats are big-ticket items that attract thieves.

The best boat storage facilities offer:

• Gated parking lots with personal entry codes
• Security cameras watching the property 24/7
• Good lighting throughout the storage area
• On-site staff or regular security patrols
• Solid locks on individual storage units

Don't settle for a place with a chain-link fence and not much else. Your boat deserves better protection.

Many quality storage providers now offer a key code system for entry, giving you 24/7 access while still keeping security tight. These gated parking lots give peace of mind that your boat is safe when you're not using it.

Extra Services That Make Life Easier

Some storage providers go beyond just storing your boat. These extra services can save you time and headaches:

• Winterization services (draining fluids, adding antifreeze)
• Essential maintenance, like oil changes
• Battery charging or monitoring
• Shrink-wrapping for winter protection
• Washing and detailing

These services cost extra but can be worth it, especially if you're short on time or don't have space to work on your boat at home.

What's the Right Way to Prep Your Boat for Storage?

No matter where you store your boat, proper preparation is crucial. Follow these steps for trouble-free storage:

For the exterior:

• Wash and completely dry your boat
• Apply a good coat of wax for protection
• Cover with a proper boat cover or shrink wrap
• Seal all openings with tape to keep pests out

For the interior:

• Remove all food, clothing, and electronics
• Take out cushions and fabrics if possible
• Place moisture absorbers in the cabin
• Leave cabinet doors open for air circulation

For the engine and systems:

• Change the oil and filter
• Fill the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer
• Flush the cooling system
• Remove the battery and store it separately
• Grease and lubricate all fittings

Storing Your Boat For Winter: Avoid Costly Mistakes

Winter can wreck your boat if you don't prepare it right. Preparing your boat is just as important as getting your home ready for winter. Here's how to keep it safe until spring:

Winterization Musts

Drain all water systems, add non-toxic antifreeze, fog the engine, change the oil, and store batteries indoors. Skipping this could mean costly repairs later.

Boat Covers: Do It Right

Use a tight-fitting, secure cover—factory covers are good, but shrink-wrap offers the best protection. A loose cover can cause serious damage.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage

Indoor storage best protects from winter damage. If not an option, use shrink-wrap, reinforced covers, or a roofed shelter, and check your boat regularly.

The Bottom Line on Boat Storage

Choosing the right boat storage option means balancing convenience, protection, and cost. Be honest about how often you'll use your boat and what level of protection it needs in your climate.

Remember that the cheapest option upfront isn't always the most economical long-term. Protection from the elements extends your boat's life and preserves its value.

The right storage today means more worry-free boating tomorrow. And isn't that the whole point of owning a boat?