Family road trips offer the perfect opportunity to explore new places, enjoy quality time together, and even incorporate exciting activities like boating. However, for families traveling with a boat, storing the boat while on the road can be a challenge.
Whether you’re taking a trip across the country or just heading to a nearby lake, proper boat storage is key to ensuring that your boat remains safe, secure, and in good condition. In this article, we’ll share practical tips to help you store your boat during your family road trip.
Why Proper Boat Storage is Essential During Road Trips
When you’re on the road, it’s important to think about your boat’s safety and well-being. Poor storage can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. For example, exposure to weather conditions such as rain, sun, and wind can cause fading, rust, or other damage. Additionally, when storing your boat while traveling, you want to make sure that it is safely secured to avoid accidents or theft.
Space is another issue. Boats can take up a lot of room, so finding a practical storage solution is essential to keeping your road trip organized. The last thing you want is to be constantly rearranging your vehicle or trailer just to make room for your boat. A little forethought in how and where to store your boat can go a long way toward making the trip more enjoyable.
Tip 1: Use Boat Storage Facilities Near Key Stops
One of the best ways to store your boat during a family road trip is to use boat storage facilities along your route. Planning ahead and identifying storage locations along the way will help reduce the stress of searching for a place to keep your boat on short notice.
For instance, if your road trip takes you through several states or areas near water, you can search for local boat storage services to help you store your boat safely while you explore. Websites and apps dedicated to helping travelers find boat storage make it easy to locate facilities along the way. Simply use a tool that allows you to search for boat storage in advance, ensuring that you can stop at secure locations without interrupting your travel plans.
If you’re heading toward a popular boating destination, like a beach town or lake region, you’ll likely find a variety of storage options available, from indoor facilities to outdoor covered spaces. The key is finding a secure location that will keep your boat safe until you’re ready to continue your journey.
Tip 2: Consider Trailer Storage When Storing a Boat
If you’re traveling with a boat on a trailer, one option is to store the boat on the trailer while it’s parked. This can be a more convenient solution because it allows you to keep your boat ready for transport and easy access. Many people find it useful to keep their boats on trailers during road trips because it allows them to launch the boat at various locations along the way, saving time and effort.
When using trailer storage, ensure that the trailer is parked in a secure location. This could be a designated parking area or a secure facility with limited access to ensure that no one can tamper with your boat. Be sure to check that the trailer’s wheels are locked and that the boat is tied down properly to prevent movement. Some boat storage facilities offer trailer-specific parking, which can be more secure and convenient for road trippers.
Tip 3: Utilize Marinas and Boat Launch Sites with Storage Options
Many marinas and boat launch sites offer both storage and launch services. This can be a great option for families who plan to take short breaks or explore other areas while their boat is stored securely at a marina. Marinas often provide both indoor and outdoor storage, and some even offer climate-controlled spaces for added protection.
If your road trip takes you near a marina or boat launch site, it’s worth checking to see if they offer storage services. Some marinas even offer a combination of storage and docking services, which means you can leave your boat in the water for a short time while you take a break. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning to spend a few days in a particular area before continuing your trip.
In cities like Houston, boat storage services are common due to the abundance of nearby lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. A boat storage in Houston can provide you with a convenient and secure place to store your boat while you’re exploring the area.
Tip 4: Ensure Proper Boat Covering for Protection
Whether you’re storing your boat on a trailer, in a marina, or at a storage facility, covering your boat is essential. Covering your boat protects it from the elements, such as sun, rain, and dust, which can cause damage over time.
Make sure to use a high-quality boat cover that fits snugly around your boat to keep out moisture and debris. If you’re storing your boat on a trailer, using a weather-resistant tarp or boat cover will protect it from dirt and damage while it’s being transported. For added security, consider locking the cover in place to prevent it from blowing off during strong winds.
Covering your boat is an easy step that can go a long way in ensuring that your boat stays in good condition during the road trip, whether it’s stored on a trailer or in a storage facility.
Tip 5: Pre-Trip Boat Maintenance and Prep
Before you hit the road, it’s important to perform some basic maintenance and preparation for your boat. Ensuring that the boat is in good working order before your trip can prevent problems later on. Begin by checking the boat for any leaks, cracks, or damage that could worsen during transport or storage.
Additionally, clean your boat thoroughly to remove any dirt, algae, or saltwater residue, which can cause corrosion over time. Make sure that any necessary repairs are completed and that the boat is ready to be stored for an extended period. If you’re using a trailer, check that the tires are properly inflated, the lights are working, and the brakes are functioning correctly.
Maintaining your boat before storing it during a road trip will not only help protect it but also ensure that it’s ready for use when you reach your next stop.
Conclusion
Storing your boat during a family road trip may seem like a challenge, but with a little planning and the right solutions, you can keep your boat safe and secure while still enjoying your journey. Whether you choose boat storage facilities, trailer storage, or marinas, these practical tips will help you store your boat efficiently and travel without worry.
Planning ahead and using boat storage services will ensure that your boat is well-protected and ready for the next adventure. Before your next road trip, take the time to explore storage options along your route, prepare your boat, and invest in a quality cover to protect your investment. This way, you can focus on the fun of the road trip without the stress of storing your boat.