Boat Storage Guide

Boise - Eagle - Nampa

Table of Contents

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What Are the Types of Boat Storage Available at Idaho Storage Connection?

Idaho Storage Connection offers a wide variety of boat storage solutions so that you can choose the best option that works for your vessel. Which type of boat storage do you prefer? These are a list of boat storage options offered at our Idaho Storage Connection locations:

Outside Boat Storage

This boat storage in boise is an inexpensive way to house your vessel when you are not using it. However, this type of boat storage may expose your boat to the elements a little more than covered storage options. Outside boat storage is a great choice for larger boats because it offers you the most available space.

Covered Boat Storage

Storage units for boats that are covered are similar to outside boat storage, except they include a covered roof to protect your boat from rain, snow, hail, falling leaves, and other elements that may otherwise impact your boat during storage. With covered boat storage, you will have less clean-up when you are ready to take your boat out of storage, and you still have the size flexibility of an outside boat storage unit.

Covered Enclosed Boat Storage

Covered enclosed boat storage units offer you even more protection from the elements by adding a secure enclosure around your boat while it is in storage. This boat storage option is essentially a large garage for your boat. Covered enclosed boat storage is a great option for you if you want the added protection of an enclosure, but it can be more limited when it comes to size options.

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What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for Your Boat?

Knowing exactly what sized storage unit you need for your boat is essential, as you want to make sure the facility you choose can accommodate your needs. This is absolutely the most important step when you are choosing a boat storage unit. Be aware of the length, width, and height of your vessel, and find a storage unit that fits these specifications, with a little extra space to move and work around your boat, and store any other equipment you may need. You can follow these general guidelines, but make sure you know the exact measurements of your boat to be sure you are choosing the right-sized storage unit. A smaller sailboat, speedboat, or pontoon boat may be able to fit into a 13x30 foot space, while larger sailboats will require more space, usually at least 20x40.

What Features Should You Look for In A Boat Storage Facility?

When choosing the right boat storage facility for you, it is best to examine the following important considerations so that you can be confident you are making the right choice. As a rule, keep the following points in mind while you search.

  • The storage facility's location should be convenient, so you do not have to transport your boat over long distances.
  • The facility should have on-site managers that offer you top-notch customer service.
  • The facility should be clean and well-manicured, so you know your boat will stay in great condition while in storage.
  • The facility should be entirely fenced, and access should be computer-controlled.
  • Each access gate should have a security camera.
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  • You should be able to access the gate at any time, 24 hours a day or at least 6 am-10 pm, 365 days a year, so you can access your boat at your convenience.
  • The facility should offer a wide variety of storage unit sizes, so you know they will have a size that fits your needs if they grow.
  • Make sure the facility offers month-to-month leases, so you can pay in a way that works for you.
  • The facility's office should be open seven days a week for the best customer service.
  • They should offer online bill pay for ease and convenience.

Idaho Storage Connection is happy to offer all these features and more to our customers seeking a top-quality boat storage facility. When you rent boat storage with us, you can expect to receive great customer service and enjoy a pleasant experience from start to finish.

Boat Storage Frequently Asked Questions

If you are well-informed about boat storage, it will be easier to know exactly what will suit your needs. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we answer about boat storage:

Why Choose a Boat Storage Facility?

There are a few great reasons to store your boat in a storage unit when you are not using it. First, it saves you room on your personal property. Storing your boat in your garage, driveway, or yard undoubtedly takes up a lot of space. Storing your boat in a storage unit frees up this area for you to keep other things. Also, HOAs or condo associations often will not even let you store your boat on your property and if you do, you may face fines. These are all great reasons why a boat storage facility is a great option.

Is It Ok to Store My Boat Outside During the Winter?

It is perfectly acceptable to store your boat outside during the colder months in Idaho if you take the proper precautions. Taking extra steps when winterizing your boat is essential if you are planning to store your boat outside and storing it inside is always a better option when possible.

How Do You Winterize A Boat Before Storing for the Season?

Even if you are storing your boat inside an enclosed area, you will want to take certain steps to make sure your boat stays safe when it is not in use. To start, always refer to your owner's manual for specific winterization instructions for your vessel. Next, prep your engine by ensuring all water has been drained. This will prevent corrosion from happening over the winter. Corrosion is extremely damaging and dangerous, so be sure to apply corrosion protection to your engine.

Next, to make sure your fuel doesn't degrade during the time your boat is in storage, you'll need to add a stabilizer to your fuel system, and then run the engine to disperse it throughout the system. Change your engine's fuel filters and fuel/water separators. If your boat has freshwater plumbing systems, drain them, and add antifreeze to make sure that nothing freezes when the temperature drops.

The final steps towards winterizing your boat are to ensure that all water is removed from the systems throughout your boat. Then, remove the drain plugs. Finally, move your boat into a Boise storage facility. If you are storing your boat in an outside area, a cover or tarp is essential. If you choose an enclosed storage unit, a cover is still wise since it can help keep dust and dirt out. You can also have your boat shrink wrapped for an added layer of protection.

Tips for Taking Your Boat Out of Seasonal Storage

When you are ready to use your boat for the season, you will have to take it out of storage, which may seem a little daunting. But here are a few tips to make the process quick and easy. First, make sure to do a thorough inspection of the entire boat. Look for cracks, dents, and scratches, and make sure all bolts and screws are tight. Your boat was stored safely away when you were not using it, but it is still essential that you make sure everything looks just as you left it and all parts are in working order. Change the oil and oil filter and lubricate any moving parts if you did not do it prior to winterization. Look at the fuel lines to make sure they have not been damaged, and test your spark plugs to ensure they have not died.

Once your boat is out of storage, give it a thorough cleaning to remove any built-up dust or grime. This will not only keep it looking fresh but will also protect its surface and make all parts last longer. While you are cleaning, keep an eye out for corrosion, especially around any electrical connections. Corrosion in any part of your boat can lead to danger, so be sure to contact a professional to assess any damage. From here, replace the bilge drain plug, inspect the zincs, and replace them if you need to. Double-check the bilge pump and bilge circuit, and the automatic switch to make sure they are in working order.

Finally, make sure to check that all your safety equipment is in working order. Check your fire extinguisher's pressure and ensure that life jackets and life preservers are usable. Visual distress signals like flares and navigation lights are important to have on hand, and, depending on the size of your boat a bell or whistle is required. And always consult your owner's manual to see if there are instructions that are specific to your model of boat. If you can make sure your boat is in working order and ready to get on the water as soon as you take it out of storage, you will have less to worry about later.

Aerial View of Boat Storage Containers | Idaho Storage Connection
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Why Choose Idaho Storage Connection for your Boat Storage Facility?

When it comes to storing your boat when it is not in use, Idaho Storage Connection is your premier boat storage destination. Our convenient locations in Boise ( Franklin, Joplin, Joplin II), Eagle and Nampa ( Karcher and Usave), Idaho area are kept spotless and are fully fenced, cameras at every gate, and computer-controlled gate access. With more than 25 years of experience to back us up, we are proud to offer you the best possible storage options for your boat in a wide variety of sizes. Feel free to contact us for a quote or to obtain more information about the storage solutions we offer. You can also come by to tour our outstanding storage facilities.