A properly organized boat storage facility can accommodate around 25 to 100 boats per acre. However, there is so much to consider when analyzing the number of boats you can store on an acre of land.
It simply means that the amount of boats you can store on an acre of land will vary depending on certain important factors.
Prior to estimating the number of boats you can store per acre, it is important you first understand what the size of an acre of land is in terms of the space it offers. According to an estimate, an acre of land is about 43,560 square feet of space.
According to reports, Americans own close to 12 million registered recreational boats, and they all have to store those boats somewhere when they aren’t in the water.
Owing to the popularity of boating in the U.S., it is becoming evident why investors love the idea of building a boat storage facility.
You need to understand that any storage facility you build will have to inculcate other things, such as the driveway and water runoff.
In addition, based on how often storage units get broken into in your area, you will also need space for fencing coupled with other security measures.
Owing to this, the average buildable space available in one-acre land is around 15,000 and 20,000 square feet. Nevertheless, note that number of units depends on the unit mix you choose.
Factors That Determine the Number of Boats You Can Store on an Acre of Land
Just as was noted above, the amount of boats you can store on an acre of land will vary depending on certain very important factors. Those factors include;
1. Boat Size
This is a very notable factor that will determine the number of boats you can fit into an acre of land. You have to understand that smaller boats, such as personal watercraft or small fishing boats, can be stored more densely especially when put in comparison with larger vessels such as yachts or sailboats.
2. Storage Configuration
You will also want to take great care when designing the layout of the storage area because it will determine the amount of space you have to store boats.
Storing boats side by side in rows or making use of vertical boat racks can help boost the space you have available. Nevertheless, boats might require enough access and spacing for maintenance and transportation.
3. Aisle Space
This is a very important factor to keep note of especially since you will need adequate aisle space between rows of boats to guarantee vehicle access, towing, and maintenance. Most often, you will want the aisles to be wide enough for trailers or equipment to maneuver safely.
4. Regulations and Codes
It is very much possible for zoning regulations and land use codes in your location to add certain restrictions on boat storage density.
Most often, these regulations that vary from one state to another might as well stipulate setbacks, spacing requirements, or maximum boat storage capacity based on safety and environmental considerations.
5. Storage Type
Truth be told, there are various storage types used by businesses that store boats in the United States. Various types of boat storage facilities, such as dry storage racks, marinas, or open lots, tend to feature varying space utilization efficiencies.
6. Stacking and Racking
Also note that it is possible for boats to be stored in racks or stacked, and this can increase the number of boats that the Acre of Land can contain.
7. Additional Facilities
Just as was noted above, any storage facility you build will have to inculcate other things, such as the driveway and water runoff.
In addition, based on how often storage units get broken into in your area, you will also want space for fencing coupled with other security measures.
As such, it is important you take into account whether extra facilities such as boat lifts, boat sheds, or covered storage areas are part of the storage plan, as these may take up more space.
8. Local Climate
Although most won’t even bother about this, it is important you understand that your local climate and weather conditions can in many ways determine storage requirements. Boats stored in areas with very unbecoming winters might require more space for winterization and shrink-wrapping.
Don’t forget to consult with local authorities and comply with all applicable regulations especially when making arrangements for a boat storage operation.