Organizing My Storage Unit

If you've recently found yourself the proud owner of a boat, you've probably had a great summer enjoying being on the lake and are looking forward to next season. In order to get the most from your boat, it's important to make the right winter storage arrangements. If you're like many new boat owners, you may be thinking about leaving your boat in the water for the winter. However, this isn't always the best course of action -- your boat may be better off if you find a warm, safe place to keep it for the winter. Here are five reasons why you should consider keeping your boat in dry storage during the winter months. 

Your Boat Won't Be Vandalized Or Even Stolen 

Unfortunately, vandalism is a real problem in most marinas -- particularly those that don't get much traffic during the winter. Vandals are generally opportunists who take advantage the fact that no one's around to witness their crimes. In the worst case scenario, they may even decide to untie boats from the docks, and it can be hours or even days before anyone notices the mischief. Besides being subject to possible vandalism, your boat may also end up being stolen if you decide to winter it over in a marina. Even if other people are around, they just might assume that the person who's putting the boat on a trailer and hauling it away is the rightful owner. 

You'll Be Eligible for a Break on Your Boater's Insurance

A good boat insurance policy is an important part of responsible boat ownership, but naturally, you want to keep your insurance costs as low as possible while still getting good coverage. Keeping your boat in dry storage for the winter will also make you eligible for a reduction in your boat insurance payments. In some cases, you may even be able to suspend coverage altogether when your boat is in dry storage, so be sure to ask your marine insurance agent about getting a discount for the months that your boat is out of the water. 

Your Boat Will Be Protected From the Elements 

Your boat will be protected from damage caused by rain, snow, wind, and other elements if you place it in dry storage for the winter. You can also prevent mold and mildew buildup from occurring during the course of the winter months if you select a climate controlled storage unit, and you won't have to worry about strong winds causing your boat to break loose of its moorings 

You'll Have Peace of Mind

If you leave your boat in a marina for the winter, you'll undoubtedly find yourself worrying about possible damage to your boat every time a big storm blows in, and you'll also need to worry about drains becoming clogged by fallen leaves or other debris. After the storm is over, you'll need to drive to the marina and check on your boat, which can be a huge hassle if the marina isn't located close to your home. If you live in an area that gets significant seasonal snowfall, it will be necessary for you to pay periodic visits to the marina to remove the snow from your boat in order to prevent it from building up to the extent that your boat is at risk of sinking, and if heavy rainfall is a part of the picture, you'll have to pump your boat out on a regular basic to keep it from becoming waterlogged. 

You'll Have Easy Access to Your Boat to Get it Ready for Next Season 

Before you take your boat out on the water next spring, you'll want to perform basic maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, flushing the fuel system, and doing whatever upgrades you've decided are necessary -- perhaps you want to replace the seats or install a small kitchen or other amenities. 

Please feel free to contact your local storage company, such as Acorn Self Service Storage, for more information.