Indoor vs outdoor storage

[sublauxation]

For the past couple years I've had access to an unheated pole shed to store my 18 ft aluminum boat. I evidently upset the wrong in-law and lost my indoor space, but I can still store it outside the shed for free. I looked around and unheated indoor storage is about $200 from now until May. Not being rich, I was thinking as long as it's stored properly outside to keep the snow out, there really wouldn't be much difference.

Any thoughts on that or am I being to cheap for my own good? Cold is cold whether inside or out isn't it? I have a good cover and shouldn't have a problem keeping out the snow.

As a side note, the worst part is this made me do the math and realize it will be 6 1/2 months before I get to use her again.

 

[DaveInAL]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I would think inside storage would be preferable to outside especially in your climate. At a bit over 30 bucks a month you also get peace of mind. I have a 13 foot Boston Whaler because I can fit it in my garage.

 

[macsfriended]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

For only $200 total, I would jump on the inside storage ... FAST!!

Obvious benefit of blizzards, strong winds, snow and ice protection that often results in covers that shift, sag, tear and allow ice to attack and damage your boat's finish and interior. Trailer receives same benefits plus less rust.

Secondary and very important is that your toys are out of sight, locked up and not easily available to bad boys.

Inside storage reduces the concerns that BRRRRR season brings.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I would cover it in plywood, then canvas cover, but thinking about it, plywood isn't cheap either, and I wouldn't have anybody to brush off the snow.

Second consideration is to just move south!

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

Assuming you have a good cover, I'd just put that on the boat and then cover it again with a plastic tarp. I did that for years before I got my carport. The boat always stayed high and dry.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

Hi Neighbor I like my indoor storage I did the outside bit for awhile. But I tell the snow piles up and trashes the cover That was the worst part, trying to keep the snow off. Light fluffy snow isn't bad -its that icy slesh and slut that sticks to the cover and weighs it down.. I pay $160 for my boat and trailer , but hes all filled up . Its gettn late in the season to find the cheaper places really. Your boat being aluminum would be more weather tolerant though

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

$200 is a bargain. I'm paying $30 a month for outside storage! I feel you pain, having a bit of a feud with my uncle cost me my indoor storage as well

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

Assuming you have a good cover, I'd just put that on the boat and then cover it again with a plastic tarp. I did that for years before I got my carport. The boat always stayed high and dry.

But where are you located? Different parts of the country have different problems.

I would also go the indoor storage as you could then go to the storage unit, take off the cover if you put it on, and sit in your boat, with a beer and a rod and dream about spring.

You can also make minor repairs, if needed, when it's inside, using a space heater for your comfort.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

EZ,

I guess your uncle wasn't a boater? Or is he?

Can't we all just get along!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

$200 bucks to be able to cover it with any old thing you have lying around? That's a steal. Where do I mail the check?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I agree with the rest. $200 is a good price. If you can "scrape up the bucks"(a little deer hunting humor), put it inside. Especially, being in the snow belt.....

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

EZ,

I guess your uncle wasn't a boater? Or is he?

Can't we all just get along!

Ugh, long story short....my uncle owns a barn where I used to store my boat. He also owns a cottage on the body of water where I mainly boat. It has become clear in recent years that the so-called "family" cottage is not so much for any "family" anymore other than his. It's his right as he owns it. I'm probably cutting off my nose to spite my face but I'm just tired of his crap. (sorry for the hi-jack).

 

[ThePartsMan]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I think you will save the $200 in repairs in the long run.

Extra tarp supports and ties rite away.
Then a couple years outside and you may need a new $200 cover anyway.
Your paint, floor, carpet and trailer tires will last longer.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I feel the pain EZ, mine is with a passive agressive father in law.

Anybody ever try one of those fabric portable garages? You can get them if you look for about $350, not sure if they stand up to snow though. Some say the expected life expectancy of the fabric is 5 years. That isn't particularly impressive, but if it lasted that long it's still cheaper than going indoors.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I went the instant garage for three years, the last year I put it up at my dad's place and couldn't get to it when we had the "31 dump.

That thing folded up like a cheap lawn chair. Just left it laying on the boat till spring.

Picked up an aluminum car port for free this year and it holds my tow vehicle too.

If you're diligent about keeping the snow off of it the instant garage is definately better than a cover.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

But where are you located? Different parts of the country have different problems.

.

Virginia....we get it all wind, heavy rain, cold, and snow.

In my area, I don't see a problem properly storing a boat outside if you have to. I've never seen a boat dealer in my part of the country that keeps his inventory under roof.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I went the instant garage for three years, the last year I put it up at my dad's place and couldn't get to it when we had the "31 dump.

That thing folded up like a cheap lawn chair. Just left it laying on the boat till spring.

Picked up an aluminum car port for free this year and it holds my tow vehicle too.

If you're diligent about keeping the snow off of it the instant garage is definately better than a cover.

I have an aluminum carprt, too. I wouldn't want 31" of snow on it, either. A lot of them fell last winter. I got up on my more than once to clean the snow off.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I feel the pain EZ, mine is with a passive agressive father in law.

Anybody ever try one of those fabric portable garages? You can get them if you look for about $350, not sure if they stand up to snow though. Some say the expected life expectancy of the fabric is 5 years. That isn't particularly impressive, but if it lasted that long it's still cheaper than going indoors.

i've got one of those, been on the property about 10 years already. The cover has been replaced once, mainly because a severe hail storm took it out. (put it this way, replacing the cover was FAR cheaper than re-shingling a garage!) Also, the new replacement cover had lots of improvements to it, thicker material, better zipper/tiedowns.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

Ugh, long story short....my uncle owns a barn where I used to store my boat. He also owns a cottage on the body of water where I mainly boat. It has become clear in recent years that the so-called "family" cottage is not so much for any "family" anymore other than his. It's his right as he owns it. I'm probably cutting off my nose to spite my face but I'm just tired of his crap. (sorry for the hi-jack).

I got ya big guy. You are right about the ownership part but still it's an ashame.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Indoor vs outdoor storage

I have always stored my boat indoors. The cost is about $450 from November to April. This year the measurements looked tight but I tried to back my boat on one side of my 2 car garage and it fit! Collapsed the trailer tongue and I litterally have about a half inch of clearance. So this year it cost me $0 for storage. With that being said, indoor storage for $200 is dirt cheap.