Dry Boat Storage Facility

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Startup Cost
$150,000-$800,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
24-48 months
Profit Potential
$100,000-$500,000/year

Overview

Dry boat storage facilities provide secure storage for boats on land, protecting them from water damage and reducing maintenance costs for owners.

With storage fees ranging from $50-$200 per foot annually and boat owners valuing security and protection, storage facilities generate revenue of $200,000-$650,000 annually with profit margins of 35-50%.

The business requires land or building space, boat racks or storage areas, forklift or boat handling equipment, security systems, and liability insurance.

Services include indoor or outdoor storage, launch and retrieval, winterization prep, wash-down facilities, and sometimes maintenance services.

Pricing typically $50-$150 per foot per year for outdoor, $100-$200 for indoor storage.

Success factors include convenient location near water, efficient boat handling, security and access control, and value-added services.

Most facilities operate year-round with seasonal peaks.

Indoor storage commands premium pricing.

Many facilities offer valet launch service where staff launch boats for owners.

The business requires significant real estate but offers stable recurring revenue.

Marketing focuses on boat owners seeking alternatives to wet slips, security concerns, and hull maintenance benefits of dry storage.

With boat ownership growing and dry storage reducing maintenance while providing security, storage facilities offer stable opportunities for entrepreneurs with waterfront property willing to invest in boat handling infrastructure.

Required Skills

  • Forklift and boat handling equipment operation
  • Facility management and security
  • Boat storage and organization
  • Customer service for boat owners
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Safety and liability management

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Recurring annual storage revenue
  • Growing boat ownership
  • Lower liability than wet slips
  • Value-added service opportunities
  • Year-round revenue potential

Cons

  • Significant land and equipment investment
  • Boat handling equipment costs (forklift, trailers)
  • Insurance and liability
  • Space limitations on revenue
  • Seasonal launch activity peaks

How to Get Started

  1. Secure land near water for storage facility
  2. Purchase boat handling equipment (forklift)
  3. Set up storage racks or outdoor storage area
  4. Obtain insurance and necessary permits
  5. Install security systems and access control
  6. Market to boat owners in area
  7. Develop valet launch services for premium pricing

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