Seasonal Boat Storage: When and Where to Store Your Boat
- Highway 75 Parking
- Aug 25, 2025
- 5 min read
For boat owners, few things compare to the feeling of being out on the water. But once boating season ends, the question becomes: where and when should you store your boat?
Seasonal boat storage isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment. Boats that aren’t stored properly can face costly damage from weather, pests, and neglect. By choosing the right time and place for storage, you can extend your boat’s lifespan and save on expensive repairs.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best times to store your boat, different storage options, common mistakes to avoid, and how facilities like Highway 75 Parking make storage simple and secure.
When Should You Store Your Boat?
The best time to store your boat depends on where you live and how often you use it. In Oklahoma and other regions with cold winters, many boaters store their vessels from late fall through early spring.
Here are some key signs it’s time to think about storage:
End of Boating Season: Once temperatures drop and days on the water become rare, it’s time to prepare.
Before the First Freeze: Freezing temps can damage engines, water lines, and fuel systems.
Storm Season: In areas with heavy storms, secure storage offers extra protection.
Extended Downtime: Even in warmer climates, weeks of inactivity can make storage the smarter choice.
Planning ahead prevents the last-minute scramble when storage facilities fill up.
Why Seasonal Storage Matters
Storing your boat isn’t just about parking it until summer comes back—it’s about preserving your investment. Without proper storage, boats are exposed to:
Sun Damage: UV rays fade paint, crack upholstery, and weaken fiberglass.
Moisture and Rain: Standing water can cause mold, mildew, and rot.
Freezing Temps: Ice can crack engines, tanks, and pipes if not winterized.
Pests: Rodents and insects may nest in cushions, wiring, and compartments.
Theft and Vandalism: Boats left at unsecured locations are vulnerable.
Good storage prevents these issues, keeping your boat ready for the next season.
Types of Boat Storage Options
When choosing where to store your boat, consider your budget, convenience, and level of protection needed.
1. At-Home Storage
Driveways, garages, or backyards may be convenient, but they often take up space and leave boats exposed to theft and weather damage.
2. Marina Storage
Some marinas offer slips or dry storage. While convenient for frequent boaters, marinas are costly and often have limited availability.
3. Outdoor Storage Facilities
Affordable and spacious, outdoor facilities like Highway 75 Parking are designed for boats and RVs. They often include gated access, surveillance, and wide lanes for easy maneuvering.
4. Covered Storage
Covered lots provide extra protection from sun, rain, and hail. This option balances cost with added protection.
For most boat owners, a secure outdoor storage facility near major highways offers the best balance of price, security, and convenience.
How to Prepare Your Boat for Storage
Before storing, take these steps to prevent damage:
Clean Thoroughly: Wash the hull, vacuum interiors, and remove all food.
Drain and Dry: Empty water tanks and drain the bilge to prevent mold and ice damage.
Winterize the Engine: Add fuel stabilizer, change the oil, and flush the cooling system.
Cover It: Use a high-quality boat cover to shield against UV rays, dust, and debris.
Check Trailers: Inflate tires, grease bearings, and secure the hitch.
These steps ensure your boat is ready to hit the water as soon as the season starts.
What to Look for in a Seasonal Boat Storage Facility
Not all storage facilities are the same. Look for:
Security Features: Gated entry, fencing, and 24/7 surveillance.
Accessibility: Wide drive lanes and easy trailer maneuvering.
Location: Proximity to highways or lakes for easy transport.
Flexible Terms: Seasonal and year-round rentals.
Property Maintenance: Clean, organized lots show a facility cares for its tenants.
Highway 75 Parking offers all these benefits, making it a smart choice for local boat owners.
Common Mistakes Boat Owners Make When Storing
Even seasoned boaters sometimes overlook key steps. Here are the most common storage mistakes:
Skipping Engine Winterization: Failing to prep the motor can lead to cracked blocks, frozen lines, and expensive repairs.
Using a Cheap Cover: Thin tarps tear easily, allowing water and pests inside. Invest in a fitted marine-grade cover.
Leaving the Battery Connected: This drains the battery over time. Disconnect or remove it for the season.
Not Cleaning First: Leftover food or debris attracts rodents and mold.
Forgetting to Check Insurance: Some insurance policies require boats to be stored at secure facilities.
Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and stress when boating season returns.
Seasonal Storage Timing: Winter vs. Spring
Boat storage needs vary depending on the season:
Winter Storage
Essential for colder climates where freezing is common.
Requires winterization (engine, fuel system, and plumbing).
Best done before the first freeze.
Spring Storage
Popular for owners who only use boats during peak summer.
Focus on pest prevention and sun protection.
Allows for easy, quick launch when warmer weather hits.
Whether you need winter protection or spring convenience, Highway 75 Parking offers flexible solutions to fit your timeline.
Cost Comparison: Marina vs. Outdoor Facility vs. At-Home Storage
Cost plays a big role in choosing storage. Here’s a general breakdown:
At-Home Storage: Free, but comes with risks (HOA restrictions, theft, weather damage).
Marina Storage: $10–$25 per foot monthly, plus potential service fees. Secure but expensive.
Outdoor Storage Facility: $75–$200 monthly depending on boat size. Affordable, secure, and convenient.
Covered Storage: Slightly more than open lots but offers better weather protection.
Most owners find that outdoor storage facilities like Highway 75 Parking provide the best value.
Why Choose Highway 75 Parking for Boat Storage
For boat owners near Highway 75, choosing the right storage is easy. Highway 75 Parking offers:
Secure, gated access with surveillance
Spacious outdoor lots for boats and trailers
Affordable rates compared to marinas
Flexible rental terms for seasonal or year-round storage
Convenient access near major highways
Instead of worrying about weather, theft, or HOA restrictions, you can store your boat with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal boat storage is more than just parking—it’s about protecting your investment, avoiding damage, and ensuring your boat is ready for the water when you are. By storing your boat at the right time and in the right place, you extend its lifespan, reduce repair costs, and gain peace of mind.
If you’re looking for secure, convenient, and affordable boat storage near Highway 75, Highway 75 Parking is the perfect solution. With gated access, wide spaces, and flexible options, your boat will stay safe until it’s time for your next adventure.
Why Choose Highway 75 Parking?
At Highway 75 Parking, we prioritize convenience, your safety and peace of mind.
Our facility is designed with truck drivers in mind, offering:
• Ample, Well-Lit Parking Spaces: Ensuring visibility and reducing risks of accidents and theft.
• Advanced Security Measures: Including multiple surveillance cameras monitoring the entrance and main lot.
• Convenient Location: Strategically situated along Highway 75 just 7 miles north of the Walmart Distribution Center at 2849 SE Washington Blvd in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Choose Highway 75 Parking for a secure, reliable, and driver-friendly parking experience.
3849 SE Washington Blvd
Bartlesville, OK 74006
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