Indoor and rack boat storage building

Owners of higher-value boats, people wanting protection from winter weather, and clients who want their boat ready for launch in spring.

Higher seasonal or monthly fees than outdoor storage, charged by size, with extras for rack handling, battery care, winterizing referrals and spring prep.

• Managing a facility and schedules
• Safe use of lifting or handling equipment
• Customer service and sales
• Budgeting and bookkeeping

• Zoning, building and fire code requirements for storing boats and fuel inside, check with your municipality and fire department
• Care, custody and control insurance and commercial general liability, plus property cover for the building
• Fire and electrical risks, and the cost of heating and snow-load maintenance
• Safety training for forklifts and racking, check provincial occupational health and safety rules
• WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, rules vary by province
• Heavy up-front lease and equipment costs while income is seasonal
• Damage claims, use condition reports and clear contracts

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on your lease, any building conversion and equipment such as racking or a forklift. Expect heavy up-front costs while income is seasonal.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on building size, how many boats you store and what you charge. Income is seasonal, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Check zoning, building and fire code rules for storing boats and fuel indoors with your municipality and fire department. Also check care, custody and control insurance, provincial occupational health and safety rules for forklifts and racking, and WCB/WSIB coverage.