Boat Storage

[SoFlaBassAddict]

So I've been looking for a glass boat for a while now, my major issue has been storage.  My HOA won't allow boats to be kept in public view.  I can't fit a trailer into the backyard.  My only hope would be garage kept, that really narrows down the size of the boat/trailer I can stick in there along with the other stuff I have that must go in the garage.  Buying a larger house, as nice as it would be, just isn't an option.

How many of you guys use the public storage lots?  How safe do you feel with them?  Are they worth the costs involved, or do you feel it's pretty ridiculous.  I already store my saltwater boat down at my uncle's property and I absolutely hate it being down there.  Can't load up the night prior, etc etc.  I've found some very nice, five and six year old boats that are in impeccable shape for a decent price.  I'm just wondering how good of a thought storing at one of the public yards really is.  One of my other concerns is the accessible time to the boat.  I know some of the storage lots have very specific hours that you have access.

[gar-tracker]

I cant imagine not living were my boat is, there's too much stuff to get ready. Pines provides a lot that the city maintains. I live east of you in Hollywood were they allow the boats to be, the eastern city's are a little more boat friendly.

I always wondered about public storage.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Yeah, it's murder.  When I first moved up here it wasn't horrible.  My boat is close to the marina where I launch, it's safe, etc etc.  Not being able to prep it the night before is aggravating.  The drive from here to Homestead isn't bad, but it sucks on fuel.

Now that I find myself more and more enjoying freshwater, not being allowed to keep a boat at home just sucks.  There are so many places that are super close that I can get to in minutes.  Holiday park is around the corner.  Lox is far closer than I ever realized.  The Alley is relatively close as well.  I'm planning on taking my Jon out to the Alley at some point in the future, not sure how not having a trailer is going to work for launching, but we'll see.

As much as I enjoyed Lox, it's really starting to irk me that I can't keep a boat here.  I found a fantastic deal on a Ranger Intracoastal that would satisfy my freshwater and I can still go work the flats for bonefish, snook, and permit.  Even with a folding tongue, it would be a stretch to fit something in the garage.   

[slonezp]

My HOA says no trailer can be stored on the property for more than 24 hrs.( check your HOA rules for wording) I keep my boat in a very secure lot with 24hr keypad access. It's only 10 minutes from the house and less than $60 a month. 6 years I have never had anyone tamper with the boat. I pick the boat up the night before I go out. Plug in the OB charger and make sure everything checks out. I also bring the neighbors salmon and panfish to keep the peace.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I'll have to check into that. Here's the catch. I've got three cars I keep in the driveway. We're not allowed to park on the street at all. I have parked on it in the past, and woken up in the morning with one of those nice little stickers informing me that they're ticked and will tow it next time. I know they do tow cars once in a while, etc etc. I've got some figuring out to do. Either a car has to go into the garage, or a boat. I wonder how much it would run me to extend the garage a few feet.....

[hitchhiker]

I don't like HOA's. 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

It's not that I don't like them.  I actually like mine a lot.  The property value here is kept very high because of them.  They have a lot of stuff they do for children.  As a parent, I absolutely love that.  They keep my front yard cut and looking fantastic.  Which means I don't have to worry about it.  It's just the darn boat issue that kills me.  I had no problems with it when the house was built.  I wasn't concerned one bit with it.  Now that I want a second boat, it's just killing me.

[South FLA]

I found a fantastic deal on a Ranger Intracoastal that would satisfy my freshwater and I can still go work the flats for bonefish, snook, and permit.

Now that Ranger Intracoastal is one very, very nice boat!  Shoot me a PM and I'll send you setup details. 

[shortbasser]

I have been keeping my rig in a public storage lot/shed since the day I got it.  Access is from 7:00AM-10:00 PM. The City of Virginia Beach has an ordinance that keeps all boats and RV's from the front of your house.  It can be alongside of the house but back behind the front. I live in a townhouse so I have no choice but to comply.  It is permissable to keep it in the driveway over-night for loading/unloading.  No on street parking permitted.

During the summer I push the issue and keep it in the driveway since I am fishing a good bit.  I have been given a notice in the past.  Grumpy neighbors will turn me in.  I now keep those folks happy with a few fish and so far this summer no notices. 

It's a pain but we live with it.  If you come to town with a boat and trailer and park it in a driveway or on the street they will find it and give you a notice.  So much for catering to the tourists.  We are a big time salt water fishing area.  Just don't bring your rig to town and park it where it is visible.

Shortbasser

[etommy28]

When im at school I have to keep my boat in a storage facility about 10 mins from my school, it is covered and has electric. Its a little pricey but not too bad. I have never had any problems, it is frustating not having it on site but both the school and the appartments im living in this year laughed when I asked. so you gotta do what you gotta do.