How to Start a Boat Storage Business

Levels maximize storage.

In most of the country, boats cannot be left in the water in winter and should to be stored somewhere safe and secure --- preferably out of the elements to protect the value of the boat. Some boat owners do not like to keep their boats in the water at all, so a boat storage business can be lucrative year-round.

Things You'll Need

• Facility Licensing Boat Cradles Boat Lift Insurance Protection Partners

Instructions

How to Start a Boat Storage Business

1. Create a quality storage facility. The quality of your facility will determine who your clients are. If you just have a vacant lot with a decent fence and some security, you will likely draw in boat owners who want the cheapest storage. To attract more affluent customers, you will need a building. When looking for existing buildings or considering building a new boat storage building, keep in mind the average size boat you will be asked to store. Most are 18 to 40 feet long, 8 to 12 feet wide and weigh 2,000 to 10,000 pounds.

2. Make sure your property is conveniently located to active boating areas: lakes, rivers, oceans. You will be much more successful if your boat storage business is located near the water.

3. Build stacked boat cradles inside your storage unit to make maximum use of space. You will need to buy a boat lift to move the boats around and place them in the cradles, but you will be able to rent more spaces per square foot of your building.

4. Get the proper licensing from the state and local county offices where your company is located.

5. Get good insurance coverage that provides protection against theft, damage and injury on your property. One of the most important issues for boat owners is the security and protection of their boats. Make your business one that is very attractive to boat owners and protect yourself by providing that security.

6. Add even more security by installing surveillance cameras, key pad entry and alarm systems. Remember that you aren't just protecting the boat itself from theft but also the items inside, including stereo systems, televisions, depth finders and other electronics. Items in boats are easier to steal than items in cars because the boats are usually open on the top.

7. Improve your business by partnering with marinas in the area, boat manufacturers and boat equipment companies to offer your clients the best values while bringing in extra income.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the competition before you invest a lot of money in a building and equipment. Make sure the location you choose isn't already saturated with boat storage businesses.

References

• Boat Storage Business Ideas