Covered boat storage in a barn or unit

Owners of higher-value boats, RIBs, small cruisers and dinghies who want winter protection, plus owners of classic boats and clubs short on space.

Monthly or seasonal fee per space, priced higher than outdoor storage. Extras can include winter checks, battery care, cover fitting and handling boats in and out.

• Organising space and bookings
• Customer service
• Handling trailers and vehicles safely

• Planning permission or change of use may be needed, check with your local council
• Fire risk is higher with fuel, batteries and gas, check fire safety rules and your insurer's requirements
• Public liability and buildings or contents insurance, and check cover for customers' boats in your care
• Lease terms, rent reviews and business rates can eat into margins
• Demand is seasonal, so plan cash flow for quieter summer months
• Moving heavy boats is risky, only use trained people and suitable equipment

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your barn or unit, any racking and your insurance. Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on capacity and pricing.

Check whether planning permission or change of use is needed with your council. Also check fire safety rules and your insurer's requirements, as fuel, batteries and gas raise fire risk, plus lease terms, business rates and insurance for customers' boats in your care.

Demand is seasonal, so plan cash flow for the quieter summer months. Moving heavy boats is risky, so check that only trained people with suitable equipment do it. Time needed is typically from around 10 hours a week.