Storing a boat typically costs $50 to $450 per month in 2026. Where you fall in that range depends mostly on three things: your boat’s length, the type of storage, and how close the facility is to the water. A 20-foot runabout on a trailer in an inland outdoor lot might cost about $80 a month. The same boat in a coastal marina slip can run $400 or more.
Enter your boat’s details below to estimate your monthly and seasonal cost. The calculator also shows your boat’s price in every other storage type.
Boat Storage Cost Calculator
Estimate monthly, seasonal, and yearly boat storage costs with 2026 rates
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Estimate based on 2026 national averages. Marina slip and rack rates vary widely by waterfront location and season.
Boat Storage Costs by Type
Most facilities price boat storage by the foot of boat length per month. Marinas and northern storage yards often quote a flat price per foot for the whole winter season instead. The table shows typical monthly rates for a 21-foot boat, which is about the size of a bowrider or center console.
| Storage type | Typical rate | 21 ft boat, inland | 21 ft boat, coastal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor lot | $3 – $5 per ft | $65 – $105 | $90 – $140 |
| Covered | $5 – $8 per ft | $110 – $170 | $150 – $230 |
| Indoor enclosed | $8 – $12 per ft | $170 – $265 | $225 – $355 |
| Dry stack / rack | $11 – $17 per ft | $235 – $370 | $320 – $495 |
| Wet slip | $10 – $20 per ft | $250 – $395 | $340 – $530 |
If you are pricing winter storage only, industry guides such as Discover Boating put seasonal rates at roughly $20 to $50 per foot for outdoor storage and $50 to $200 per foot for indoor storage for the whole off-season. Use the calculator’s “months” field to compare a seasonal quote against month-to-month rates.
Outdoor lot storage
Your boat sits on its trailer in a fenced, gated lot. This is the cheapest paid option and the easiest to get in and out of: hitch up and go. The trade-off is exposure. Sun fades gelcoat and vinyl, and rain, snow, and falling debris add up over a season. A fitted cover or shrink wrap is a must, especially for winter storage in the north.
Covered storage
A roof or canopy keeps direct sun, rain, and most snow off your boat while you keep the easy trailer access of an outdoor lot. Covered storage usually costs 50% to 70% more than an open lot. For many boaters it is the best value, because UV damage is the biggest cause of cosmetic wear.
Indoor enclosed storage
Your boat and trailer go inside a garage-style drive-up unit or a shared storage building. It is protected from weather and is much harder to steal. Expect to pay roughly double the outdoor rate, more if the building is heated or climate controlled. Check the door height before you rent: boats with towers, bimini tops, or tall windshields may not fit a standard drive-up unit.
Dry stack or rack storage
Marinas store boats on multi-level racks, usually inside a large building, and use a forklift to launch them when you call ahead. You get indoor protection without owning or towing a trailer, and many dry stack marinas include launching in the rate. The downsides are cost, boat size limits (typically under about 35 feet), and waiting for the forklift on busy summer weekends.
Wet slips
A slip keeps your boat in the water at a marina, ready to use whenever you want. Slips are priced per foot and often include water and access to marina amenities; electricity is sometimes extra. Keeping a boat in the water full time means more hull maintenance, such as bottom paint and zincs, and in cold climates slips are usually seasonal only.
Winterization and Seasonal Service Costs
In colder regions, the storage bill is only part of the off-season cost. These are typical one-time charges to budget for:
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Outboard engine winterization | $150 – $350 per engine |
| Inboard / sterndrive winterization | $300 – $600 |
| Shrink wrapping | $10 – $20 per foot |
| Haul-out and spring launch | $5 – $12 per foot |
| Battery charging / maintenance | $20 – $40 per month |
Many marinas bundle haul-out, winterization, shrink wrap, and storage into one winter package. Ask for both the bundled price and the itemized price. The bundle is often cheaper, but not always.
What Size Storage Space Does Your Boat Need?
For land storage, measure the total length on the trailer, from the tip of the bow or outboard to the end of the trailer tongue. That is usually 3 to 5 feet longer than the boat itself. Then add a little room to maneuver.
| Total length on trailer | Space or unit size | Typical boats |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 14 ft | 10×15 | Jet skis, small aluminum boats |
| Up to 19 ft | 10×20 | Small fishing boats, kayak trailers |
| Up to 24 ft | 10×25 | Bass boats, small bowriders |
| Up to 29 ft | 10×30 or 30 ft parking space | Bowriders, pontoons, center consoles |
| 30 ft and up | 35 – 45 ft parking space | Larger cruisers and sailboats |
Pontoons and wide-beam boats may need a wider space than a standard 10-foot unit, and boats over 8.5 feet wide often cost more to store. See our vehicle, boat, and RV storage guide for more on choosing a facility.
How to Save on Boat Storage
- Store at home if you can. A driveway or side yard is free. Check HOA and local rules first, since many neighborhoods limit boats parked in view of the street.
- Look a few miles inland. Facilities away from the waterfront often charge 20% to 40% less for the same space.
- Book before the fall rush. Indoor and covered spaces in northern markets fill up by October. Booking early gets you better rates and more choices.
- Prepay or sign a longer term. Seasonal and annual contracts typically save 5% to 15% over month-to-month rates.
- Match protection to your climate. In mild climates, a quality cover in a covered space often protects well enough that you don’t need indoor storage.
- Winterize it yourself. Handy owners of outboard boats can save $150 or more by doing basic winterization themselves. Check your engine warranty requirements first.
Storing other vehicles too? Try our RV storage cost calculator and car storage cost calculator.
Boat Storage FAQ
How much does it cost to store a boat per month?
Most boat owners pay $50 to $450 per month. A 20-foot boat typically costs $65 to $140 in an outdoor lot, $170 to $355 indoors, and $250 to $530 in a marina wet slip, depending on location.
How much does winter boat storage cost?
For the full off-season, expect roughly $20 to $50 per foot for outdoor storage and $50 to $200 per foot for indoor storage, plus winterization and shrink wrap if needed.
What is the cheapest way to store a boat?
Storing the boat at home on its trailer is free if your property and local rules allow it. The cheapest paid option is an outdoor lot away from the waterfront, combined with a good cover or shrink wrap.
Is indoor boat storage worth it?
For newer or higher-value boats, and in regions with harsh winters or intense sun, indoor storage usually pays for itself by reducing UV damage, weather wear, and theft risk. For older boats in mild climates, covered storage is often enough.
What size storage unit do I need for a boat?
Measure the total length with the trailer, from bow to hitch. A 10×20 unit fits up to about 19 feet total, a 10×25 up to about 24 feet, and a 10×30 up to about 29 feet. Anything longer usually needs an outdoor parking space.
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