Boat Storage

[fhsfish]

Hey guys

There is a pretty good chance I'm going to be moving soon. I'll most likely be moving into a fairly small apartment. My question is this. Where do you guys in similar situations store your boat? I'd like to be able to keep it in some kind of covered, secure structure. One idea I've had is possibly renting a large storage unit but I worry about the cost of that. I'd like to get some input from you all.

[David P]

I have lived in apartments for the better part of 5 years now, and on my second boat currently. I've had the same dilemma. I have stored it at girlfriends' houses, buddies houses, mom's house (40 minutes away, was a PAIN!), but ULTIMATELY the best and most convenient has been keeping it at a marina of choice on the body of water I prefer to fish the most. Not sure if you have marinas with boat storage or not, but it's quite convenient.

 

 The other option is a storage unit not by the water. They can be cheaper than you'd think if you do your research... Some guys rent out property in their backyard for storage of boats (and you can buy a nice tent type cover that goes above it for $100-$150 from walmart. Some key questions to ask though when considering a place like this... Do they have 24 hour access to get your boat at ungodly hours that us fisherman need to get our boats... Is there an electric hook up to charge your batteries after fishing? Is it covered or in the open?

 

 Initial monthly storage MIGHT be cheaper at a place off the water, but consider this... Most marinas when you store your boat their, do not charge you a launch fee (most places out here charge $10 per launch, that's easily $40+ a month if you fish once or twice a week). Gas to tow your boat from a regular storage place to the lake can become costly. 

 

 

 Hope this helps a bit. Having been through it all, I understand the pains and hassle... But if you love fishing enough, ultimately go with the MOST convenient.