Outdoor boat and trailer storage yard

Recreational boat owners, cottagers, and sometimes small marinas, fishing operators or rental fleets that need extra space.

Seasonal storage fees by boat length, plus add-ons such as shrink-wrap, winterizing referrals, hauling, and spring launch prep.

• Organizing space and bookings
• Handling and moving trailers safely
• Customer service and clear contracts
• Basic bookkeeping

• Startup estimate assumes leased land with fencing, gravel, lighting, cameras and a trailer mover; buying land would cost far more
• Zoning, development permits and possibly environmental or shoreline rules, check with your municipality and conservation authority
• Care, custody and control insurance, plus commercial general liability
• Runoff from boat fuel, oil and bottom paint, and disposal of shrink-wrap and other waste
• Damage claims when moving boats, document condition with photos at drop-off
• Abandoned or unpaid boats, check provincial lien and seizure rules and use a written agreement
• Strong seasonality, with most income from fall to spring
• WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, rules vary by province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $160,000, depending on fencing, gravel, lighting, cameras and a trailer mover. That estimate assumes leased land; buying land would cost far more.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on yard size, how full it is and any extras like shrink-wrapping or boat moving. Most income comes from fall to spring.

Check zoning, development permits and any environmental or shoreline rules with your municipality and conservation authority. Also check insurance such as care, custody and control, rules on fuel and paint runoff and waste, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.