A Mechanic’s Take on Storing Your Boat Without Getting Soaked

Alright, let’s talk straight. You love being out on the water—I get it. I’ve been wrenching on boats in Miami and Lauderdale for 15 years. But the minute you’re not using your boat, the biggest headache becomes where to stash it. And the number one question I get at the marina, right after “What’s that weird noise?”, is “How much is this going to cost me?”

I’ve seen guys pay anywhere from fifty bucks a month to over two hundred, and the price can swing wildly. It’s not random. It comes down to your boat’s size, where you are, and how much you care about it not getting stolen or baked to a crisp by the Florida sun. Last season, a guy I know, Dave, tried to save a few bucks storing his 24-foot Contender in some unsecured lot off the Turnpike. He saved maybe $50 a month. He lost a $3,000 GPS. You do the math.

So, this isn’t going to be some corporate blog post. This is the real-deal advice I give my customers. We’ll cut through the BS and talk about what really drives the price, the different kinds of places you can park your rig, what hidden fees to watch out for, and how to prep your boat so it’s not a mess when you pull it out.

Let’s get into it.

The Lay of the Land: What You’re Really Paying For

First off, anyone telling you they found boat storage for $28 a month is either storing a kayak or they found a unicorn. For most of us with actual boats, you’re looking at a range of $40 to $250 a month for an outdoor spot. Down here in South Florida, for a boat up to 25 feet, you’re realistically starting around $90 and can go up to $220 pretty easily.

What makes the price jump around so much? It’s not black magic. It’s a few simple things.

• Size Matters: How Long is Your Boat? This is the big one. Most places charge by the foot or have price tiers. A little 17-foot Mako is going to be a lot cheaper than a 30-foot Pursuit. It’s simple geometry—bigger boat, bigger space, bigger bill. For a 40-footer, you could be looking at $150, maybe even $190 a month, easy.
• Location, Location… Yeah, It’s a Big Deal: Storing your boat in the middle of nowhere in Central Florida is going to be way cheaper than a spot a mile from the Haulover boat ramp. Prime real estate costs money. High-demand coastal areas with lots of boaters mean higher prices. Supply and demand, my friend.
• What You’re Paying For: Security and Extras: Is the lot just a patch of grass with a flimsy fence? Or does it have 24/7 cameras, a coded gate, and staff on-site? That peace of mind costs extra. Some fancier places might have wash-down stations or power hookups for your battery charger, which is nice, but you’ll pay for it.

Where to Park It: Types of Outdoor Storage

You’ve got a few options when it comes to outdoor storage. They all have their pros and cons, and the price tags vary. Here’s the rundown on the usual suspects:

• Dedicated Boat Yards: These places are built for boats. The lanes are wide enough to actually maneuver a trailer without taking out a fence post, and the staff knows what they’re doing. They’re usually close to the water. They can be a bit pricier, but the convenience is often worth it.
• Self-Storage Lots: You know the ones—endless rows of orange doors and a big parking lot in the back for RVs and boats. This is usually your cheapest bet. The downside? Security can be hit-or-miss, and the spots can be tight. Make sure you can actually get your trailer in and out of there before you sign anything.
• Marina Overflow Lots: Some marinas, like Dinner Key or Bahia Mar, have dry storage lots on their property. The huge plus here is convenience—your boat is right there. The downside? It’s usually the most expensive option, and they might require you to be a marina member. But you get access to their ramps, fuel docks, and repair services.

I put this table together to give you a rough idea of what to expect down here in the Miami/Lauderdale area. These are just ballpark figures from what I’ve seen.

Storage Type	Typical Monthly Cost (Miami/Lauderdale)	My Two Cents
Dedicated Boat Yard	$120 – $250+	Good security and convenient. Worth it if you use your boat often and it’s a newer model.
Self-Storage Outdoor Lot	$80 – $150	The budget option. Great for smaller boats or if you’re not too worried. Visit the place first.
Marina Overflow Lot	$180 – $300+	The price of ultimate convenience. If you can afford it and use that marina, it’s a no-brainer.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs and Fine Print

The monthly rate isn’t the whole story. I’ve seen guys get nickel-and-dimed to death.

• Upfront Fees: Almost every place has a one-time “admin fee” or a security deposit. Ask about it upfront.
• Contracts: Don’t get locked in. Some places, especially for winter storage, will make you sign a 3-month minimum contract. If you think you might need to pull your boat out early, make sure you know what the penalty is.
• Prep Costs: If you’re storing for the off-season, you have to prep your boat. That means fuel stabilizer, changing the oil, maybe even shrink-wrapping. You can do it yourself to save money, or you can pay me or another mechanic to do it right. Don’t skip this—it’ll cost you thousands in repairs later.
• Insurance: Call your insurance agent. Make sure your policy covers your boat while it’s in storage. Theft, hurricanes, fires—bad stuff happens. Don’t assume you’re covered.

Prepping Your Boat for Storage: Don’t Be Lazy

Leaving your boat to sit outside without proper prep is like leaving a fish out in the sun. It’s going to get ugly. Here’s your must-do list:

1. Engine First: That ethanol fuel we get down here turns to gunk if it sits. Fill the tank about 90% full and add a good marine fuel stabilizer. Change the engine oil and filter. It gets all the acidic byproducts out of there.
2. Battery: A dead battery is the #1 reason for a bad day at the ramp. I always tell my customers to pull the batteries and take them home. Put them on a trickle charger in your garage. If you can’t, at least disconnect the terminals.
3. Clean It Up: Give the boat a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Get all the salt, fish guts, and spilled beer off. It prevents stains and stops mold from growing. And for God’s sake, take all the food and trash out unless you want to come back to a rat’s nest.
4. Cover It Right: This is your boat’s only real defense against the sun and rain. Get a high-quality, breathable cover that fits well. A cheap blue tarp will just trap moisture and flap itself to shreds in the first big thunderstorm. Make sure it’s tied down securely. For long-term storage, shrink-wrap is the best money you can spend.
5. Don’t Forget the Trailer: Check the tire pressure—inflate them to the max PSI listed on the sidewall to prevent flat spots. Make sure the bearings are greased. Your trailer is your boat’s foundation; don’t let it rot.

How to Find a Good Spot and Not Get Ripped Off

Finding a good spot is easy if you do a little homework.

• Ask Around: The best recommendations come from other boaters. Ask guys at the ramp or on local Facebook boating groups where they store their boats.
• Visit in Person: Don’t just trust the pictures online. Go there. Does it look sketchy? Is the gate flimsy? Are there cameras? Talk to the person in the office. Use your gut.
• Get Quotes: Call at least three places. Tell them the exact length of your boat (including the engine and trailer tongue) and ask for the total price, including all fees.
• Read the Contract: I know, it’s boring. But read it. Know the rules about access hours, minimum stays, and what happens if you’re late on a payment.

FAQ: Questions I Get Asked All the Time

Here are a few questions I get asked weekly at the shop.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a storage spot isn’t rocket science. It’s about being smart. Balance the cost with what you’re getting in security and convenience. Do the prep work. It’s an investment in your boat and your future time on the water. Spend a little time and money now, and you’ll avoid big, expensive problems later.

Now you know what to look for. Do your homework, find a good spot, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your boat is safe until your next trip out.