Not in This Neighborhood
Author:
Brett Becker
Imagine you've just backed your brand-new boat into your driveway and all your neighbors have come over to gawk and stake their place in line for rides, fishing trips and ski lessons. You've waited for this moment for a long time and you're soaking it all in -- until the block captain for the homeowners' association strolls up.
"Association bylaws prohibit the storage of boats in our neighborhood," he huffs. "You can't keep that thing here."
Now what?
You have a couple of choices, but public storage facilities are becoming increasingly popular among boat owners. Often the same companies that rent space to stash excess household furnishings also offer spaces for boats and RVs. Some of the larger operators in the United States such as Public Storage, Storage USA, U-Haul International, Shurgard and Storage Trust Realty offer three storage options.
Outside Storage - This option will get your boat behind a secured, barbed-wire, chain-link fence for the least amount of money - and it gets the block captain off your back. Expect to spend from $35 to $50 per month.
Covered Storage - Though more expensive, covered storage seems to be popular among boaters, according to the Self Storage Association. It offers better protection from wind and rain, but more important, it protects vinyl, canvas, gel-coat finishes and delicate electronics from prolonged exposure to the sun. Expect to pay from $70 to $120 per month.
Enclosed Storage - What makes this option appealing is that not only is your boat protected from the elements, it's locked so that only you can get to it. This is ideal for fishing boats with a lot of electronics or owners who want to store other accessories on their boats. But you will pay more for the security. Enclosed storage is billed according to the linear foot, usually in 5-foot increments. Say you have an 18-foot runabout. By the time you account for the engine or outdrive, trailer tongue and walk-around room, you need a 25-foot garage. Rates range from $3 to as much as $8 a foot.
Realize that these cost figures represent averages across the country, so call around and check prices. Bring along registration and proof of insurance. Some facilities also require that tags be valid and issued in the same state. No matter which option you choose, realize that storage facilities often are more secure than keeping your boat at home. In that case, any amount of money will be well spent.
