5 Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing Orlando Boat Storage
As a reliable Orlando boat storage, we help people find long-term or short-term boat storage for their boats, RVs, and campers. Having stored boats across Central Florida for years, we’ve helped countless captains protect their investments. From covered slips to climate-controlled units, options fit every need and budget. However, choosing the proper boat storage can feel overwhelming with so many factors to weigh.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover the top questions to ask so you can make an informed decision when selecting indoor boat storage in Orlando. We’ll explore the storage types available, essential features to look for, frequently asked questions, critical preparation steps, typical pricing, and more. With the insider tips and advice I share from my years of hands-on experience, you’ll have peace of mind your boat is safely stored away from harsh weather and secure from threats.
So batten down the hatches and get ready to learn the need-to-know information for finding the perfect indoor haven for your prized vessel! Whether you’re storing short-term or off-season, this guide covers you.
1. What Types of Boat Storage Options Are Available?
When considering indoor boat storage in Orlando, you’ll first want to understand the main types available to choose the best solution for your needs. Here are the most common options boat owners face:
- Indoor Storage Units: Fully enclosed, climate-controlled storage facilities specifically designed for protecting boats are ideal. Many have drive-in/drive-out access, high ceilings to accommodate tall vessels, and specialized equipment.
- Outdoor Storage: Some facilities have covered or partially covered outdoor storage spaces. These are more affordable but offer less protection. Ensure areas are fully secure and well-lit, and provide cover from rain.
- General Self-Storage Units: Standard self-storage units that fit your boat can work if indoor boat storage isn’t available. However, ensure your enclosed storage unit has climate control, proper ventilation, and no leaks.
Many storage facilities cater to R.V.s and boats or even provide combined solutions. When researching, compare each option’s security policies, access procedures, gate hours, surveillance systems, and safety protocols at a storage facility. Inspect the grounds in person before committing to ensure the location meets your needs.
2. How Do Indoor Storage Features Compare to Storing a Boat Outside?
Storing your boat indoors provides significant advantages over keeping it outside exposed to the elements:
- Protection from Weather: Indoor storage shelters your boat from damage caused by the sun, wind, rain, storms, and other external threats all year.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Keeping your boat sealed away eliminates exposure leading to cracked hulls, faded paint, interior mold, mildew, dry rotting seals, and more costly repairs.
- Security and Safety: Indoor units offer better protection against vandalism, theft, and accidental damage that can happen with outdoor storage options.
However, indoor storage does come at a premium cost. If storing at home is your only option, investing in a high-quality boat cover, proper tie-downs, locking wheel chocks, and other precautions is essential.
3. What Security Measures Should You Look for in Storage Facilities?
Protecting your valuable assets is critical when selecting indoor boat storage. Be sure to inspect the following security provisions before choosing a provider:
- Access Control: Look for restricted access via individual door locks, computerized gate codes, key fob entry, perimeter fencing, security cameras, and guard patrols.
- 24/7 Monitoring: The best indoor boat storage facilities have extensive camera networks, motion sensors, and central monitoring so staff can respond to any suspicious activity detected onsite.
- Insurance Requirements: Most providers mandate customers carry insurance policies to cover boats in case of fire, flooding, theft, or accidents on the premises. Ask about requirements and consider adding extra protection.
Don’t forget to check guest protocols, documentation for facility access, processes for reporting issues, and staff availability in case immediate assistance is required.
4. How Do You Find the Right Boat Storage Locations Near You For Long-Term Storage?
Finding secure, affordable, long-term indoor boat storage convenient to access year-round is critical, especially if you need parking space for your recreational vehicle. When researching the best facilities near where you’ll be boating, consider these factors:
- Proximity: Look for indoor boat storage units near your boat launch or keep it on a trailer. Storage near popular Central Florida boating destinations can fill fast.
- Accessibility: Ensure the facility has extended gate hours for late-night returns, drive-up unit access, well-lit grounds, paved roads, and accommodations for trailers.
- Amenities: Many top-rated boat storage locations have specialized equipment, such as forklifts, convenient cart rentals, wash stations, electrical hookups, waste removal, and battery charging.
Orlando has endless options, but reputable facilities book up quickly. If the perfect indoor storage isn’t available near prime boating lakes, securing an affordable unit within reasonable driving distance is the next best option.
5. What Features and Amenities Should the Right Boat Storage Near Orlando, FL Offer?
At a minimum, you want to select a fully enclosed, 24-hour access indoor boat storage facility with extensive security provisions, climate control, and unit options to fit vessels of different sizes. Additionally, look for these desirable extras:
- Electrical Hookups: Onboard battery chargers, dehumidifiers, and other systems need power while in storage. Many indoor units provide outlets.
- Special Equipment: Onsite forklifts capable of lifting boats help position vessels. Some locations have specialized trailers to move boats quickly.
- Wash Stations: After a day on the water, it’s convenient to rinse off your boat onsite. Some facilities have sprayers and drainage systems, essential boat storage tips for maintaining your vessel in interior and exterior conditions.
- Maintenance Services: From hull cleaning to winterization, some indoor boat storage facilities have staff available to assist with protective services for an added fee.
Conclusion:
To recap the central points covered in this guide:
- Inspect all security measures, facility access policies, staff availability, and safety protocols before selecting indoor boat storage.
- When reserving an appropriately sized unit, consider your boat’s dimensions, clearance requirements, additional storage needs, and other essential factors.
- Before committing to a long-term rental agreement, compare storage types based on offerings, pricing, and convenience factors.
- By knowing what specifications to look for, what questions to ask of providers, and what steps to take when prepping your boat for storage, you can be confident that it will remain securely protected until you’re ready to set sail again!
The insider tips and advice we’ve gained from storing boats for years have helped dozens of people to keep their prized vessels safe from threats. Hopefully, the thorough information shared here will also guide you to finding the perfect indoor storage solution. Fair winds and following seas on your search!
Send Your Request for Boat Storage