Boat Storage Owasso keeps your boat safe and frees up space at the dock when not in use. Find out what the different options are and how much they cost.
Warehouse-style boat storage facilities offer “high-and-dry” rack storage for vessels of varying sizes. It costs more than indoor storage, but provides full protection from harsh weather conditions and offers faster launch times.
1. Dock Boxes
Dock boxes are a great way to keep all of your gear in one place, ready for your boat or other water activities. They provide a safe and convenient spot to store everything from floaties and sunscreen to life vests, fishing poles, games, stereos, and more. They’re also a great way to avoid clutter on your deck or in the car. And they’re especially helpful for keeping your items sheltered and secure from water and weather elements, as well as out of reach from envious neighbors or strangers!
What Is a Dock Box?
A dock box is a sturdy storage container designed specifically for use on docks. They’re usually made from durable materials that can withstand the elements and are often equipped with locks to help safeguard your belongings from unauthorized access.
Standard dock boxes are rectangular and can be found in a variety of sizes to accommodate various storage needs, from life jackets to cleaning supplies. Many feature gas shocks to help make opening and closing the box easier, as well as stainless steel hinges for strength and security.
Unlike traditional fiberglass dock boxes, Taylor Made’s dock boxes are made from high-density rotational molded polyethylene that is eco-friendly and UV-resistant to protect your belongings from harsh marine environments. They’re also reinforced to withstand the weight of items stored inside and have lockable lid lifts that stay open when you’re using your boat, even on a moving or swaying dock. They’re easy to clean and maintenance-free, and are backed by a 10-year crack-proof warranty!
2. Bungee Cords
A bungee cord is an elasticized rope, typically with a hook on each end, used to bind items together or secure them. Bungees are often made of natural or synthetic rubber and can be shaped to a specific length. They’re also frequently used in recreational activities, such as bungee jumping and camping.
To get the most out of your boat storage, use bungees to hang gear and accessories off the ground. This frees up floor space and prevents things like life jackets and hoses from becoming moldy or mildewed over time. Using hooks on the walls of your storage unit is also an effective way to maximize space. Shelves can be installed to store a variety of items, such as tools, supplies and equipment.
Another way to save on boat storage costs is to choose a covered parking option. These types of facilities are a great choice for people who don’t want to pay the higher costs associated with indoor storage but still need protection from the elements. They’re also ideal for people who plan to work on their boats during the off-season.
There are several different types of covered parking options available, including all-steel boat garages and fabric shelters. All-steel options tend to be more expensive than their fabric counterparts but offer full protection from the elements and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Fabric storage solutions, however, are more versatile since they can be disassembled and moved around throughout the season if necessary.
One final tip to keep in mind is to clean and dry your boat before storing it. This helps remove salt and grime that can damage the boat over time. Whether you’re storing your boat for the season or until the next sailing trip, keeping it clean is essential to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
3. Mesh Pockets
The smallest items on a boat are the most likely to be misplaced or damaged. From crushed sunglasses to exploding tubes of sunscreen, keeping these small items in a secure place is crucial to maintaining an organized, functional environment on board. Thankfully, there are plenty of smart solutions for storing these small boat accessories. Silicone, suction cups and Velcro are versatile materials that can be used to create removable storage options that attach securely without leaving marks or holes. This type of boat storage can be used on smooth surfaces such as cabin walls, cooler lids or the curved edges of T-tops.
One of the most effective ways to keep smaller boat accessories organized is with mesh storage bags. These flexible, breathable bags are perfect for holding everything from sun-protecting gear to fishing tackle and rigging. They can be hung on T-tops or mounted under deck, utilizing otherwise unused space to organize boat accessories. Plus, the breathable material allows wet gear to dry quickly and reduces mold.
For a more permanent storage option, consider mesh boat tackle containers that can be attached to gunwales or the interior framing of hatches. These customizable options can be used to organize large boat tackle boxes as well as nooks and crannies on the sides of consoles or inside hatches. The breathable mesh also helps to protect gear from sun, rain and theft while still allowing for quick access.
Another way to organize boat accessories is with sandpaper organizers. These sleeves help to keep sandpaper flat and protected, extending its lifespan and ensuring that it is ready for use when you need it on the job. They can be labeled to easily identify different grits, and can be grouped together so that similar grits are easy to find.
4. Knife Set Blocks
Whether you’re cooking at home or on the boat, keeping knives safe and organized is important to your safety and to help protect your investment. There are a variety of knife block options to choose from. These blocks feature deep slots for holding your knives, and they typically come with built-in sharpeners. Some knife blocks can be mounted to the wall, while others are freestanding. Some even include a locking mechanism to keep the knives secure.
While free-standing knife blocks may work in the home, they are ill-suited for use aboard boats and other marine vessels. They can easily move about when the boat is in motion, and this movement could cause the knives to fall out of the holder and potentially cause bodily harm. In addition, they are often made of plywood and are exposed to the harsh salt environment, which corrodes the wood over time.
Drawer-style knife holders are also ill-suited for marine environments because they do not secure the knives and they can be easily crushed by items placed in the drawer alongside them. A magnetic knife holder is another option that is much better suited for marine environments because it mounts to the wall and does not take up any drawer space. The magnets are strong enough to hold your knives, but they will not stick to ceramic or aluminum pots and pans.
Compared to other sets on the market, this set is a good value for your money. This set includes a full assortment of kitchen knives, including four razor-sharp steak knives and every blade you need for vegetable and meat prep (including a chef’s knife, a santoku knife, and a pair of shears). The handles are comfortable to grip and the block features a self-sharpening design.
5. Vacuum Storage Bags
Whether you’re a full-time cruiser or just a weekender, you can maximize storage space in your RV and boat with clever hacks that keep everything organized and neat. One such space-saving organization trick involves using vacuum bags to shrink bulky items like clothing or bedding down to a fraction of their original size, freeing up precious closet or underbed space. They also keep clothes, blankets, and towels dry and protected from mildew during long periods of time on shore.
Vacuum bags come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate anything from a few sweaters to a king-size comforter. Some are flat and roll up, while others are more like cubes. There are even jumbo-sized bags available to hold large duvets and blankets. Some brands include a hand pump with their bag sets so you can remove air manually rather than with a vacuum cleaner.
While most bags are water resistant, Vig warns that you should still be careful where and how you store them. For example, if you store a set of vacuum bags in your boat’s forecabin, don’t put them directly under the bed because moisture from condensation can seep into the bag and cause mildew.
Many manufacturers also offer a warranty on their products, so you can buy with confidence. And don’t forget to give your vacuum-sealed items a fresh airing now and then. Just set aside a day to do it and you’ll be amazed at how much more room your boat will have when you get back onboard after your next trip. The same goes for any clothes you’ve put in your vacuum bags — make it a regular part of your seasonal cleaning routine to get them out and aired out before packing them away again.