Boat Storage: What's A Boatel

Lynnhaven Marine Boatel

Are you looking for a dry, secure place to store your boat, away from vandals and inclement weather? You need to consider a boatel.

What is a boatel?

A boatel is a waterside "hotel" for boats, not just during the off-season, but also during boating season. Such facilities are dockside warehouses where boats are stored on racks, usually three to four boats high. With a boatel, you don't have to worry about your boat being unattended in an open dock nor do you have the hassles of trailering your boat back and forth to the water every time you want to use it. Plus, your boat isn't taking up room in your garage or driveway.

Boatel amenities

In addition to keeping your boat safe and dry, most boatels offer extra amenities. Just a few of these may include:

• On-demand service -- You just have to call ahead to have your boat launched in the water and waiting for you.
• Full service fueling -- You don't have to find a fueling station after you get your boat in the water. It's all right there.
• Freshwater washdown -- Salt water can eat away at your boat's finish. Many boatels offer fresh water washdowns to get rid of that salt water residue.
• Off-season dry storage -- When boating season is over, you don't have to find another storage facility. The boatel staff can winterize your boat and it’s already in a secure place for the winter.
• Waste pump station -- Most boatels offer waste pump stations to clean your boat's head.

Things to consider at a boatel

Although a boatel offers a number of advantages over traditional outdoor docks, these facilities are not right for every boat owner. Generally, there is a size limit for boats to be stored in a boatel. In addition, not all boatels offer 24/7 access, which could be a problem if you're an early morning fisherman or if you tend to return from a day's excursion after midnight.

Stop worrying about your boat when you're not in the water. Using a boatel can maximize the hours you spend out on the water enjoying your investment and minimize the hassle.