How Much Does It Cost to Store a Boat Per Year?
Storing a boat is about more than finding space—it’s about preserving its condition, planning for access, and managing year-round care. This guide walks through storage types, influencing factors, and smart strategies to help boat owners make confident, cost-effective choices.
Storing a boat isn’t just about finding an empty space—it’s about protecting your investment and planning for annual maintenance, seasonal changes, and usage needs. Whether you’ve just purchased a new boat or you’re an experienced owner trying to manage costs, understanding how much boat storage costs annually is key to budgeting and care.
From dry storage lots and covered boat storage to slips, lifts, and full-service facilities, the range of boat storage options is wide—and so are the storage rates. The type of storage solution you choose, along with your boat’s size, your region, and how often you use your boat, all heavily impact the cost.
This guide explores how much does it cost to store a boat per year by breaking down expenses across methods, locations, and boat types.
It also includes real-world examples, cost-saving tips, and insights to help many boat owners make the most informed decisions—including RV and boat owners who need multipurpose solutions.
Annual Boat Storage Costs: What to Expect
When you’re trying to maintain and store your boat year-round, one of the most significant recurring expenses is storage. Just like annual maintenance, it’s a key part of responsible ownership. Yet, many boat owners underestimate how much this can vary—by location, storage type, and size of the boat.
National Averages and Cost Ranges
So, how much does boat storage cost per year? The answer depends on your boat’s size, storage type, and where you’re located—but national averages help establish a reliable baseline.
Across the U.S., here’s what you can expect to pay annually based on estimated current industry data:
- Outdoor Storage (open or covered): $20–$50 per foot per season.
- Indoor Storage (rack, warehouse, or heated): $50–$200 per foot per season.
- Marina Slip Rental (in-water): $15–$50 per foot per month.
Average Annual Boat Storage Costs by Type and Size:
| Boat Size | Outdoor Storage(Open/Covered) | Indoor Storage(Rack/Warehouse) | Marina Slip(In-Water) |
| 16–20 ft | $400 – $1,000/year | $1,000 – $4,000/year | $3,600 – $12,000/year |
| 21–30 ft | $500 – $1,500/year | $1,500 – $5,500/year | $4,500 – $18,000/year |
| 30+ ft | $1,000 – $2,000+/year | $3,000 – $8,000+/year | $6,000 – $20,000+/year |
Note: These numbers reflect a generalized estimate. Costs vary depending on the size of your boat, whether the facility is inland or coastal, and whether you’re storing seasonally or all year. In high-demand areas like California, Florida, or New York, prices may run significantly higher.
Key Factors That Influence Price
Storage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors impact boat storage costs significantly—some of which may not be immediately obvious until you’re receiving invoices.
- Location: Coastal states, resort towns, and popular waterways bring higher costs. Storage in California or New York will cost more than in inland states like Georgia or Iowa. Local real estate values and demand for boat yard space can dramatically shift pricing.
- Boat Size and Type: A foot boat with a wide beam or a tall profile may need oversized storage accommodations. The more square footage your outboard engine or flybridge takes up, the more you’ll pay in fee per foot.
- Storage Type: There are big pricing differences between covered boat storage, dry stack, marina slip rental, and at-home trailer storage. Lift cost, mooring, and climate control also add up.
- Usage Frequency: If you use your boat only a few hours a year, a seasonal solution may work better than a full-year marina slip. But if your boat stays docked year-round, in-water storage comes with additional fees for inspections, bottom paint, and hull cleaning.
Understanding these variables will help you decide which storage offers the best balance of cost, access, and protection for your boat—and your budget.
Types of Boat Storage and Their Yearly Costs
When exploring your options, it’s important to understand how different boat storage solutions compare—not just in terms of price, but in what they offer in protection, convenience, and long-term value. Some owners prefer dry storage in a secure lot. Others want immediate water access with a rented dock slip.
Outdoor Storage (Open Lot or Covered)
This is the most budget-friendly option. Boat and RV owners often park in open gravel lots or beneath partial canopies. While affordable, it offers minimal protection and may require extra annual maintenance like shrink-wrapping and bottom paint upkeep.
| Boat Size | Open Lot | Covered Storage |
| 16–20 ft | $320 – $800/year | $640 – $1,600/year |
| 21–30 ft | $420 – $1,200/year | $840 – $2,400/year |
| 30+ ft | $600 – $2,000/year | $1,200 – $4,000/year |
Indoor Storage (Heated, Unheated, or Warehouse-Style)
Provides full protection from elements, ideal for high-end electronics, valuable finishes, or areas with harsh winters requiring winterization and antifreeze use. Indoor facilities typically charge $50–$200 per foot per season:
| Boat Size | Indoor Storage |
| 16–20 ft | $800 – $4,000/year |
| 21–30 ft | $1,050 – $6,000/year |
| 30+ ft | $1,500 – $8,000+/year |
Marina Slip Rental (Wet Storage)
Wet slips provide dockside convenience but come with higher slip costs, regular hull cleaning, and haul-out fees. Industry data indicates rates of $15–$50 per foot per month:
| Boat Size | Marina Slip |
| 20 ft | $3,600 – $12,000/year |
| 30 ft | $5,400 – $18,000/year |
| 40+ ft | $7,200 – $24,000+/year |
At-Home Storage on Trailer
If you have space and tow capacity, DIY storage keeps costs low—typically $100–$500/year for upkeep and insurance, plus the initial trailer lift investment. It demands more owner effort but offers maximum flexibility.
Summary Table: Storage Type Comparison
| Storage Type | Protection Level | Annual Price Range (20-ft boat) |
| Outdoor Lot | Low | $400 – $1,600 |
| Covered Storage | Moderate | $640 – $1,600 |
| Indoor Storage | High | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Marina Slip | High access/water | $3,600 – $12,000 |
| Home Trailer | Owner-managed | $100 – $500 |
Those figures represent generalized estimates. Actual annual costs will vary depending on the size, storage type, and regional market conditions—from rural inland yards to premium coastal marinas.
Year-Round vs Seasonal Storage: Cost Differences
Choosing between year-round and seasonal boat storage can affect your budget. Your boating habits and local storage options play a big role in this decision.
Full-Year Contracts vs Month-to-Month Rates
Storage facilities usually have two payment plans: full-year contracts and month-to-month rates. Full-year contracts can save you money if you store your boat all year. Month-to-month rates give you flexibility, letting you only pay for the months you need.
For instance, a marina might charge $200 a month but offer a 10% discount for a full year. This could save you $240 annually. But, if you only need storage for a few months, the month-to-month rate might be better.
| Storage Type | Monthly Rate | Full-Year Rate | Annual Savings |
| Outdoor Storage | $150 | $1,500 (10% off) | $180 |
| Indoor Storage | $300 | $3,240 (10% off) | $360 |
| Marina Slip Rental | $400 | $4,320 (10% off) | $480 |
Winter-Only Storage Options
Many facilities offer dry storage or indoor warehouse spaces specifically tailored for winterization, complete with antifreeze flushes, engine fogging, and battery disconnection. Some even include haul-out and launch services as part of their package.
Locations that follow clean marina best practices may also ensure safer material handling, proper runoff control, and better overall maintenance conditions—especially during haul-out or re-entry periods.
Prices for winter-only storage vary depending on the size of your boat and the services included. A smaller boat might cost around $300–$700 for the season, while a larger 30-foot boat stored indoors could run $1,000–$2,500.
Real-World Boat Storage Examples Across the U.S.
While averages give a helpful baseline, real storage costs vary widely by location and facility type. Here are verified 2024 rates from actual marinas across the country:
| Marina | Storage Type | Rate |
| Chicago Harbors (IL) | Outdoor Winter Storage | $44.50 per foot per season |
| Chicago Harbors (IL) | Indoor Heated Storage | $72.50 per foot per season |
| Port of Everett (WA) | Covered Moorage | $15.23 per foot per month |
| Dagmars Marina (WA) | Uncovered Stall | $265.75 per month (15–21.5 ft boats) |
| Dagmars Marina (WA) | Covered Stall | $320.75 per month (15–21.5 ft boats) |
For example, storing a 25-foot boat indoors at Chicago Harbors would cost about $1,813 for the winter season, while the same size vessel stored outdoors would be closer to $1,113. In contrast, year-round wet moorage in Everett, WA could run over $5,000 annually for a 30-foot boat.
These examples highlight how regional demand, facility type, and access to amenities can greatly impact what you’ll pay each year to store your boat.
Extra Fees That May Affect Your Yearly Storage Cost
When planning for storage, don’t focus solely on the base rate. Several additional fees can significantly raise your yearly total—especially for boats with complex systems or high-value components.
Common Add-Ons That Impact the Cost:
- Security Fees: Gated access, 24/7 surveillance, and on-site staff help protect your investment—but may add $100–$300 annually.
- Access Fees: Need weekend or after-hours access? Expect a surcharge or usage cap in some facilities.
- Launch/Haul-Out Services: If you don’t handle your own lift, launch service fees can range from $50–$200 per use, depending on the lift cost and body of water access.
- Utility Charges: Some indoor storage includes electric or water hookups, climate control, or dehumidification systems—all of which carry utility fees.
- Environmental Fees: Proper disposal of bottom paint, engine fluids, and bilge water is often regulated. Facilities may charge a fee per haul-out or per season to cover compliance.
- Insurance Requirements: Some facilities require proof of active boat insurance, with minimum liability or full-coverage levels based on boat value and storage type.
These fees can add up to several hundred dollars over the course of the year. Facilities may also include additional service fees tied to environmental compliance, security systems, or proper marine safety—especially in indoor or full-service locations where regulations are stricter.
Tips to Save Money on Boat Storage Long-Term
There are ways to save on boat storage costs. By using smart strategies, you can reduce expenses and make the yearly cost of owning a boat more affordable.
Shared Storage, Dry Stack Alternatives, and DIY Options
Looking for cheaper storage options is a smart move. Shared storage lets you split costs with others. Dry stack storage keeps your boat safe indoors, away from the weather.
Storing your boat at home can also save money. But, think about the space, security, and upkeep needed. It’s not always easy.
- Shared storage facilities: Split costs with other boat owners.
- Dry stack storage: Warehouse or covered storage without the need for a personal storage unit.
- DIY storage: Store your boat at home, considering space, security, and maintenance.
Final Thoughts: Budgeting Wisely for Boat Storage
Whether you buy the boat new or used, planning where and how you’ll store it is just as important as selecting the right model. With storage costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to $18K per year, it’s essential to choose a storage solution that balances protection, access, and affordability.
Think carefully about how many hours a year you really use your boat, and what type of facility best suits your needs—dry storage, indoor heated space, marina dock slips, or at-home DIY setups. Each comes with its own set of trade-offs in terms of maintenance costs, access, and long-term value.
For owners looking to simplify and save, facilities like RecNation offer secure, scalable boat storage space with flexible terms and built-in savings—ideal for those storing RVs, boats, or both in a single location. With options ranging from outdoor lots to protected dry stack storage, RecNation helps you reduce slip costs and focus on what matters most: getting back on the water.
Smart storage planning today helps you protect your investment, reduce long-term wear, and ensure your boat is ready when you are.
FAQ
What’s the average annual cost for boat storage?
Boat storage costs vary a lot. It depends on your boat’s size, the storage type, and where you live. On average, you might pay between $500 and $5,000 each year.
Can I store my boat at home to save money?
Storing your boat at home can save you money. But, you need enough space and to check local rules. You’ll also need to think about trailer costs, upkeep, and keeping your boat safe.
Does boat length significantly affect storage fees?
Yes, boat length really matters for storage costs. Bigger boats need more space and special storage, which costs more. Longer boats will cost more per foot.
What are the benefits of dry stack storage?
Dry stack storage is convenient, secure, and protects your boat from the weather. It’s a good choice if you can’t store your boat at home or don’t want to trailer it.
How can I save money on boat storage?
To cut costs, look into shared storage, dry stack alternatives, or DIY solutions. Also, watch for off-season discounts and annual payments can help.