If you want your boat to remain in good condition for as long as possible, you need a place where you can store it. One of the most cost-efficient solutions is to purchase or build your own boat shelter.
But how exactly do boat shelters work? And what should you keep in mind if you want to establish one?
The Basics of Boat Shelters
The term “boat shelter” can refer to a few different types of boat storage. In general, a boat shelter is a type of structure that's meant to protect your boat while it's on the land. These shelters come in many different forms and many different styles, and they can be permanent or temporary.
An adequate boat shelter should be able to protect your boat from the following:
- Extreme weather. Harsh weather can damage your boat, and in many different ways. With a proper boat shelter in place, your boat will be able to withstand vicious storms, cold weather, and even some natural disasters.
- Environmental hazards. Boat shelters are also ideal for protecting your boat from specific environmental hazards. For example, you can shield your boat from being occupied or harmed by animals.
- Theft. When your boat is secured in a shelter, you don't have to worry about anyone stealing it.
- Vandalism. You could also protect your boat from vandalism.
The end result is that your boat is going to be much less susceptible to damage and destruction, ultimately prolonging its lifespan and potentially saving you money on maintenance and repairs.
Types of Boat Shelters
These are the primary types of boat shelters that you should consider:
- Sheds and garages. If you plan on storing the boat yourself, you can consider things like sheds and garages, or even storage generic units. These units are totally enclosed, giving your boat significant protection from any potential hazard. If you already have a garage or a boat shed, it's definitely worth considering. If you have to build one from scratch, it's going to cost you significant capital – but it might be worth it if you're going to store your boat here frequently. In most cases, if you pursue one of these options, you'll be moving and storing your boat on your own. Keep this in mind.
- Canopies. If you're looking for something a bit lighter, less expensive, or simpler, consider getting a boat canopy. As the name implies, this is a simple canopy, or covering over your boat, with no real enclosure to keep it protected on all sides. It's excellent for shielding your boat from the elements, but it doesn't offer as much protection for things like theft and vandalism. Depending on your skills, you may be able to build and install a boat canopy entirely on your own.
- Boatyards. Boatyards are designed to give boat owners a place to store, maintain, and make repairs on their boats. However, they don't come with many other amenities. You can essentially think of them as parking lots for boats.
- Marinas. Marinas are similar to boatyards, with they're usually attached directly to the water, with ample accessibility. They usually come with hookups to electricity, water, and other essentials, and in most cases, there are other amenities to enjoy, potentially including recreational areas like tennis courts. Often, marinas are attached to boatyards, but these boat shelter options can also be totally independent. As you might expect, you'll pay more at a marina than you will at a boatyard.
What to Consider in Your Boat Shelter
When considering different boat shelter options, make sure you consider the following factors:
- Materials. First, you'll need to think about the materials that are used in the boat shelter. Some materials are inherently more protective than others, and some are less expensive than others. For example, if you purchase a standalone boat canopy made of aluminum, it's probably going to provide robust protection and last a long time, but it will also cost you more. If you purchase a boat can it be made of cloth, it's going to provide slightly less protection and be more vulnerable to wear and tear, but it will also be much more affordable.
- Costs. Obviously, you'll also need to think about costs. Boat shelters range from very cheap to very expensive, so there are options for practically any budget. You often get what you pay for here, but protection isn't always a top priority; consider your personal priorities and your personal budget carefully when approaching this decision.
- Size. Different types of boat shelters also come in various sizes. Depending on the size of your boat, you may need to be very cautious about taking measurements. You may also want to consider how many people are currently using this boat shelter; storing your boat in a thriving area could be a great opportunity to meet people, but it can also pose certain inconveniences.
- Installation and effort. If you choose the do-it-yourself route, you'll need to think about installation and the overall effort required to erect your boat shelter. Will you have to seek out contractors? Are you planning on building it yourself? How many hours are you willing to expend in this pursuit?
- Availability. If you look at boatyards and marinas, you'll also need to consider availability. Many of these boat shelters are completely open, with ample vacancies, but some may be closed off to new members.
- Overall protection. Finally, think about the overall protection afforded to you by each boat shelter option. Which risks and hazards are you most concerned about? And does this particular boat shelter offer enough protection to give you peace of mind?
Before you can invest in a boat shelter, you need to invest in a boat. That's where TheYachtMarket comes in; we've got thousands of boats for sale, including new and used varieties, across the United States and Europe. If you're interested in browsing for your next dream vessel, get started here today!