Winter boat storage on your own land

Local boat owners with no room at home, cottage owners, and people whose condo or neighbourhood rules ban boats in driveways.

A flat seasonal fee per boat (for example fall to spring), or a monthly rate by boat length. Extras like moving boats with your tractor or truck can add income.

• Organizing and keeping simple records
• Careful with other people's property
• Basic towing and manoeuvring of trailers
• Friendly, reliable customer service

• Zoning: some rural and residential areas restrict outdoor storage, check with your municipality
• Ordinary liability insurance may not cover customers' boats, ask about care, custody and control (bailee) cover
• Theft and vandalism, consider a gate, lighting and cameras
• Fuel, oil and bottom-paint runoff, and rules on wastes like shrink-wrap, check local environmental requirements
• A written contract covering unpaid fees and abandoned boats, check your province's rules on liens
• Income is concentrated in the off-season, so plan for quiet summers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the site, security such as a gate, lighting or cameras, and how many spots you set up. Your own figures may differ.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many boats you store and what you charge. Income is concentrated in the off-season, so plan for quiet summers.

Check zoning with your municipality, as some rural and residential areas restrict outdoor storage. Also ask your insurer about care, custody and control (bailee) cover, and check your province's rules on liens for unpaid fees and abandoned boats.