Storfind
Boat Storage

Off-season storage for your boat

From 16-ft fishing boats to 35-ft cabin cruisers, the right storage spot keeps your hull, engine, and electronics safe through Canadian winters. Compare facilities and book online.

What it is

What is boat storage?

Dedicated parking — indoor, covered, or outdoor — designed to fit boats on trailers or stored on stands.

Boat storage is purpose-built parking for trailered or cradled boats. In Canada, most owners haul out between October and May to protect against ice damage, freezing temperatures, and UV breakdown. Indoor and heated facilities also let you do off-season maintenance without scheduling around weather.

Outdoor storage is the most common option for runabouts and small fishing boats. Pontoons, sailboats, and cruisers over 25 feet typically need indoor heated storage or covered shrink-wrap solutions to survive a Quebec or Ontario winter.

Sized for trailers

Spots from 20 ft up to 50+ ft fit most trailered boats with their tongue and outboards extended.

Winter-ready

Indoor and shrink-wrap-friendly facilities protect against freeze damage and snow load.

Launch when ready

Drive-up access and on-site shrink-wrap removal mean spring launches go fast.

Size guide

Boat storage size guide

Measure overall length on the trailer (including the tongue and outboard motor) to pick a spot that fits.

10' × 20'

200 sq ft

Personal watercraft (PWC), small fishing boats, jon boats, kayaks on trailer

10' × 25'

250 sq ft

Bowriders, runabouts, ski boats up to 22 ft, small bass boats

10' × 30'

300 sq ft

Mid-size cabin cruisers, deck boats, pontoon boats up to 24 ft

12' × 35'

420 sq ft

Large pontoons, cabin cruisers, day cruisers, sailboats up to 28 ft

Options

Indoor, covered, or outdoor?

Three tiers of protection. Pick what matches your hull's value and how harsh your winter is.

Indoor heated

$200–$600 / month

Climate-controlled or heated indoor space. Maximum protection — best for fiberglass, wood, and high-value hulls.

  • Full freeze protection
  • No shrink-wrap needed
  • Off-season maintenance friendly
  • Best for valuable boats and gel-coat preservation
Most popular

Indoor unheated / covered

$120–$300 / month

Enclosed but not heated, or carport-style covering. Strong protection for most trailered boats.

  • Snow + UV protection
  • Lower cost than heated
  • Shrink-wrap recommended for winter
  • Good for most fiberglass boats

Outdoor

$50–$175 / month

Gated outdoor lot with paved or gravel surface. Most affordable — pair with a quality cover or shrink-wrap.

  • Lowest monthly cost
  • Easy drive-up access
  • Shrink-wrap mandatory for Canadian winters
  • Bring sturdy boat stands or use trailer
Winterization checklist

How to prep your boat for storage

Proper winterization protects against the #1 boat killer in Canada: freeze damage.

Engine and systems

  • Fog the engine. Spray fogging oil through the air intake while the engine runs to coat internal cylinder walls.
  • Drain water systems. Run RV-grade antifreeze through livewells, washdowns, freshwater tanks, and the head.
  • Stabilize fuel. Top off the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate.
  • Change the oil. Acidic byproducts in used oil corrode internals over a long winter. Always store with fresh oil.
  • Disconnect the battery. Remove and store indoors at room temperature on a wooden surface with a trickle charger.

Hull and exterior

  • Wash and wax. Clean the hull thoroughly and apply a good wax coat. Protects gel coat from UV and stains.
  • Remove electronics. Take fishfinders, GPS units, and stereos home. Cold and humidity ruin electronics over winter.
  • Shrink-wrap or cover. For outdoor storage, professional shrink-wrap is worth the $200-400 cost. A snug cover works for indoor.
  • Support the trailer. Block up the trailer to take weight off tires and bunks. Cover tires from UV exposure.

Pro tip — Quebec winters

If you're storing outdoor in Quebec or Ontario, factor a snow load of 30-40 lbs/sq ft on your shrink-wrap. Cheap wrap collapses in February. Pay for the heavy-duty stuff.

FAQ

Common questions about boat storage

Measure the total trailered length: from the tongue of the trailer to the tip of the outboard motor (when trimmed up). Add 2 feet of clearance. A 22-ft bowrider on a trailer often measures 28-30 ft total — so book a 30-ft spot, not a 22-ft one.

Things to consider

What to look for in a marina or boat storage

Length and clearance

Measure with the trailer tongue extended and outboard up. Indoor facilities have door-height limits — check before towing in.

Shrink-wrap on-site

On-site shrink-wrap saves a separate trip to the marina. Look for facilities that bundle the service or have a partner.

Heated vs unheated

Heated above freezing protects fiberglass from gel-coat micro-cracking. Worth the premium for cruisers and sailboats.

Spring launch access

Some facilities are far from launch ramps. If you're storing far inland, factor towing fuel and time into the cost.

Surveillance and lighting

Boats are theft targets — especially outboards and electronics. Ask about cameras, fencing, and after-hours lighting.

Wash-down station

Useful for spring prep. A facility with a wash bay saves you from doing it in your driveway.

Boat stored at a marina facility

Explore

Find boat storage near you

Browse facilities across Canada with indoor, covered, and outdoor boat spots. Compare prices and book online.