Outdoor boat and trailer storage yard

Owners of small motor boats, sailing dinghies and cruisers who live far from the water or lack space at home, plus local clubs and marinas that are full.

Monthly or seasonal fee per space, priced by boat length or footprint. Extras can include launch-day access, winter checks and trailer parking.

• Organising space and bookings
• Customer service
• Basic site security and upkeep

• Planning permission or change of use may be needed, check with your local council before you start
• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for customers' boats while in your care
• Pollution risks such as fuel, oil and bilge or wash-down water, check Environment Agency (or SEPA, NRW, NI equivalent) guidance
• If you rent the land, check your lease allows commercial storage
• Business rates and VAT may apply, check with the council and HMRC
• Make your storage agreement clear on who is responsible for damage and theft

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your site, fencing, gating and security. Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many boats you can store and your pricing.

Planning permission or change of use may be needed, so check with your local council before you start. If you rent the land, check your lease allows commercial storage, and check whether business rates and VAT may apply.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' boats in your care. Also check pollution risks such as fuel, oil and wash-down water against Environment Agency (or SEPA, NRW, NI) guidance, and make your storage agreement clear on damage and theft.