Category: Blog

Before Buying a Boat, Find Convenient Boat Storage

The warm weather has all of us looking forward to a summer full of fun and excitement. If you can’t wait to start planning your summer weekends and little trips away with friends and family, there is no time like the present.

Before Buying a Boat, Find Convenient Boat Storage

Start filling your calendar with all the activities you know you want to get to this summer. You should definitely plan at least one weekend on the lake. Of course, if you owned a boat, you could just clear your calendar and make every single weekend a lake weekend.

However, before you buy your boat, you need to look into a few practical considerations.  For example, where will  you store your boat while you’re not using it?  If you happen to have an oversized garage, then you’re all set, but most neighborhood HOAs won’t let you leave a boat parked in your driveway, and you definitely can’t leave it parked on the street.

Don’t let these small concerns keep you from realizing your dream of owning a boat, because boat storage is available in every price range. You can choose open boat storage, covered boat storage or a enclosed storage. If you live near Wylie Texas we offer boat storage that is just three miles from Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard so storing your boat with us may actually be more convenient than keeping it at your house.

If you have any questions about boat storage, please contact us.

It’s Rainy Season, Let Covered Storage Help

A garage is not merely a garage, when it can offer you peace of mind, protect your investment, and allow you easy and quick access to what you have stored.  Party Barn Boat & RV Storage offers a variety of secure and protective storage, from covered, enclosed, to uncovered.

Which coverage option should I use?

It all depends upon what sort of recreational craft you are wishing to store.  If you have canvas covers, these can offer some protection against the elements.  They do fade though.  And they are soft covers versus firm ones that can shield your boat or RV.  Completely enclosed storage cannot be beat as all destructive forces are kept out.  But this method can be inconvenient.  So, one of the best choices can be covered storage.

Why Choose Covered Storage?

Covered storage offers the most protection against weather.  From hail to rain, our covered storage options offer you a chance to get your boat, RV, and other recreational craft out of the searing destructive rays of the sun and those ever-present gifts from above: guano.  These forces can cause cracks in the fiberglass, tears in the canvas, and your gel coat can deteriorate and leave your finish with a chalky appearance.

It's Rainy Season, Let Covered Storage Help

Storing with us is simple.  If you need days, weeks, months, or years, our facility can accommodate your desired access times.  As for long-term storage, there is no need to worry about battery drain either.  We offer covered storage that has electrical hook ups.

Storage Location

Storing with Party Barn Boat & RV Storage is conveniently located three miles from two popular recreational sporting areas: Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard.

Do we have enough room for your boat or RV?

Our sprawling five acre storage facility has room for over 150 vehicles and it is lined with 12 inches of crushed asphalt surface.  You will feel safe and secure pulling your investment onto our property as well as being able to easily come and get it exactly when you need it.

With those five acres, you will most assuredly have ample space to maneuver your vehicle and/or craft.  Our covered storage options have clearance up to 14 1/2 feet.

Ease of Use

We offer protection from the elements as well as protection from intruders.  Our simple, yet secure code system to access the gate can be operated without even getting out of your car.  And you create the four-digit code to access the system.  Hours of operation of the facility are quite open too:  5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Payment

We accept all credit cards and of course cash.  We also offer the convenience of automatic withdrawal, which would occur every quarter.  Contact us today at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage to help protect your investment!

3 Question to Ask When Looking For Boat Storage

3 Question to Ask When Looking For Boat Storage

Owning a boat is a wonderful luxury that allows for spontaneous fishing trips on the lake, summer boating excursions, and other fun water activities. But like any great luxury, there are some responsibilities that come with owning a boat. One such responsibility is ensuring that the boat has the right boat storage to keep it safe and secure. Before choosing any boat storage location, you need to ask yourself these three questions.

  • “Is This Facility Reliable?” An easy way to tell whether or not a boat storage facility is reliable is by finding out how long they have been around. In addition to that, don’t be afraid to talk with the people working at the facility as well as ask current clients about their experience. When you find a facility with good word-of-mouth, it’s a great indication that they are worth trusting.
  • “Is The Facility in a Good Location?” In general, most boat owners will want to store their boat in an area that is neither too far from their home nor too far from a body of water. Secondly, you will want to make sure that the facility is centered in a safe location. Check out other things around the storage facility and determine whether or not the area is secure enough for your boat.
  • “Is There Easy Access?” You will want to know if the facility allows for easy access to your boat. Stop by the facility to ask any questions about accessibility and get a feel for how they operate. You want a place that safely stores your boat while also making it convenient for you to access it.

For more information on boat storage, contact us today.

4 Important Tips for Boat Storage

4 Important Tips for Boat Storage

What you do in the process of preparing your boat for storage is just as important as storing your boat in the first place. Like with an RV, your boat is an investment and not just of your money but also of your time in making priceless memories. Like with all investments, regardless of the monetary value, we all want to protect those items. Your boat is no different. Taking the time to carefully prep your expensive toy will ensure nothing goes wrong during its stint in boat storage. Below are 4 important tips to consider for storing your boat.

  • Tip 1: Proper Support: This is highly important in regards to the structural integrity of your boat’s hull and frame. Just placing your boat, whatever its size, anywhere on dryland without proper support will only lead to distortion and warping of the hull. This will leave you with an unusable boat. There are several different ways to support your boat which include but are not limited to: Blocks, a custom boat cradle, or jack stands. There are a few areas to keep in mind when placing these supports such as the engines and keel.
  • Tip 2: Water Drainage: When your boat is not in storage, it’s most often in water as such, when it’s time to prep it for storage and you pull it out of the water, pull your bilge plugs. If you do this first and get it set up on your supports you can angle the bow upwards to allow as much water to drain out as possible. In doing this first, you’ll save yourself a lot of time. While the water is draining, you can then clean it out as well as perform any maintenance that needs to be handled.
  • Tip 3: Thoroughly Clean and Dry: Now that your boat is set up to drain water, you should make the most of your time by giving your boat a thorough scrub down as well as clearing out any and all food. Open every drawer, cabinet and compartment then take out every food item. Doing this will ensure your boat is free from any infestations while it is in storage. Also, scrub down every surface to clear it of bacteria and allow it to completely dry. Letting everything you have cleaned dry out will make sure that mildew and mold will not grow during the time your boat is in storage.
  • Tip 4: Maintenance: Take the time to go over every surface both inside and outside of your boat, check in every nook and cranny for any maintenance you can perform. Taking care of torn sails, surface cracks or tarnish will give you more time to enjoy your boat when you’re ready to pull it out of storage. Also, fixing those cracks will make sure they don’t expand while in storage.

The above tips are only a few of many that are out there in regards to boat storage. These four will help ensure your boat is ready to go into storage as well as make sure you can be out sailing when other’s are fixing up their own boats after you’ve pulled yours out of storage. If you would like more information or you have any questions in regards to boat storage, please, feel free to contact us.

Save Time by Preparing for Drop-Off with Boat Storage

Save Time by Preparing for Drop-Off with Boat StorageStoring your boat can be an inexpensive way to get your boat stored somewhere when it is not in use, along with providing you with the peace of mind that it is going to remain in good condition for the length of storage. While towing to the boat storage facility and dropping it off seems easy enough, you can avoid any complications later on by taking the time to prepare your boat for storage.

Top Off the Fuel Compartment

Similarly to a car, you want to make sure that your boat’s fuel compartment is always left full when it will not be turned on for a long period. Condensation can end up forming in the fuel tank if it is left empty, leading to major problems when it is taken out on the water again.

Use Anti-Corrosion Spray

Any electrical parts need to be protected with the application of anti-corrosion spray that can be used directly on any of the electronics, helping to prevent deterioration that can be expensive to repair later. With the corrosion spray used for every electrical connection, you can store the boat without concerns over anything corroding.

Disconnect the Battery

Lastly, you need to disconnect the boat’s battery to make sure that it does not drain unnecessarily. By removing the battery and storing it elsewhere or in the same storage facility, you can preserve it so that it can be used again once you are back on the water.

If you need to store your boat for a few months or longer due to being out of use temporarily, do not hesitate to contact us about our storage options.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of RV Storage

The Do's and Don'ts of RV StorageThe holidays of 2015 are long over and the first month of 2016 is at an end. Storage units are now full to bursting with things new and old. You’re done traveling for the holidays. You’ve packed away all of those holiday decorations. The new gifts you received that are best used in the summer months have also been packed away. There is just one final item to prep and store. You’re RV. Prepping and storing your RV might be old hat to you and for others it may be an entirely new process. Below are a few Do’s and Don’ts for RV storage.

  • Do make sure to winterize your water system: This is especially important in colder climates where snow and rain are a fairly common occurrence. Pouring some non-toxic antifreeze through your water system will prevent freezing and cracking within your water lines.
  • Don’t park your RV just anywhere: Just like Storage Units there are places you can rent to “store” your RV. Some of these places offer enclosed storage and some offer open storage spaces. Many places such as RV Dealerships and Campgrounds offer storage for your RV. That being said it is wholly possible to store your RV on your own premises. If this is the option you prefer then make sure to find a flat piece of ground to avoid unauthorized movement. Also, avoid trees and places where plant life, such as weeds, will overgrow it.
  • Do shut down or turn off any and all appliances within the RV: Making sure you unplug your lamps, that travel coffee maker, the fridge and any other items that need electricity to operate will help ensure your RV’s batteries are not drained when you pull it out of storage. Also, be sure to shut off the main breaker of your RV. Electricity is her own entity and can get up to mischief if not treated with due respect.
  • Don’t forget to give your RV a good thorough cleaning: The last thing anyone wants to have to deal with when they pull their RV out of storage is an infestation of rodents, insects or both. What you’ll want to do is clean out your fridge and defrost it. Clean and dry it thoroughly. Doing this will prevent mold from growing in your fridge. Next, open every drawer, every cabinet and every compartment then clear out any and all food. Even those types of food that come canned or bottled need to exit the RV. Clean and dry every surface from the floor to the ceiling. Like with the fridge, this will keep mold and mildew from building up and becoming prime real estate for bacteria.

The above Do’s and Don’ts are but a few tips for helping you prepare your RV for storage be it long-term or short-term. While there are many other tips and tricks out there, these will certainly put you on track. If you have any questions or you would like more information on RV Storage, please feel free to contact us.

3 Key Considerations When Looking at Storage for Your RV

3 Key Considerations When Looking at Storage for Your RVOwning an RV allows you to travel the country and see all sorts of sights and attractions. However, you need somewhere to store it when the cooler weather hits and you aren’t using it any longer. With RV storage, you can eliminate any hassles and headaches surrounding where you are going to put your unit. However, not all storage facilities are the same. To help ensure you get one that is going to work best for you, here are a couple of things you need to consider beforehand.

Accessibility

While you might not have to worry about getting into your RV during the winter, you need to know whether it is an option or not. Some facilities have restrictions on what time you can access the storage facility while others let you in at any time of the day or night. It is important that you know these things in the event you do have to get something out of the RV at 10pm. You don’t want to have it where you are stuck and cannot access your unit when you need to.

Indoor or Outdoor Storage

There are indoor and outdoor storage facilities for storing your RV. You need to determine which one is going to work better for your individual needs. While indoor units do cost a little more, it might be worth it to someone with a fairly new unit who doesn’t want the snow to cause rust to form earlier than it should. Only you can determine which option is going to work for you. Look at both and make an informed decision.

Time Commitment

Make sure there aren’t any time commitments required when securing your storage facility. You don’t want to sign paperwork that says you are going to end up storing your unit for six months when in fact you only planned on storing it for three. This could wind up costing you penalties and fees for terminating the contract early. It is important that you have a solid understanding of the rental agreement. Is it month to month or for a specified amount of time?

In knowing the three things above, you can better make an informed decision about where you want to store your RV. Contact us for additional information on storage for your RV.

How to Get Ready for Boat & RV Storage This Winter

How to Get Ready for Boat & RV Storage This WinterIf you are lucky enough to own a boat and RV, you may have enjoyed using them for most of the year, but are now planning on putting them in boat & RV storage during the winter months. If you plan on staying home and would like your boat and RV to be stored securely, it is vital that you make some preparations first so that they stay in good condition until you return.

Make Sure All the Contents of the Boat and RV Are Dry

While this is especially important for your boat, you need to check that all the contents of the boat and RV are dry. Moisture inside an enclosed space can quickly lead to mildew and mold, making it important that this is avoided by drying everything off and removing any wet items before storing.

Remove Any Valuables from the RV

Even at a storage facility with plenty of security features, it is vital that you don’t leave valuable items behind. While it can be easy to simply pull up to the storage facility and leave the RV and boat, you need to remove valuables such as jewelry, art, kitchenware, and other items that are valuable to you.

Consider Insuring Your Boat, RV, or Both

Although some storage facilities offer insurance for their renters, you need to check what the limits are for the coverage. In fact, you may find that you need to get additional insurance for the value of your RV or boat, making it a good idea to go over the paperwork before settling with the coverage.

If you’re interested in boat or RV storage, feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your options.

It’s That Time of Year For Boat and RV Holiday Storage

“See the moonlight sparkle on the snow,  The fireplace in afterglow,  It’s winter, another winter” ~Holiday Harmony

The holidays are in full swing and fall has given way to winter as hinted by the lyrics above. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to prep your boat and RV for storage this holiday season. Below is a list of four tips to help you on your way.

  1. It's That Time of Year For Boat and RV Holiday StorageLeave Doors Open: For both boats and RVs, it’s wise to leave the doors open on refrigerators, certain appliances and cabinets along with leaving any drawers open. Remove all food, cloth and electronics. Be sure to clean and wipe out all surfaces of the fridges, cabinets and drawers. This is to prevent the growth of mold and keep odors to a minimum.
  2. Boat Drive Belts, RV Wheels: For boats, you will want to loosen your drive belts or completely remove them depending on how long you intend to store your boat. Removing or loosening the belt will prevent cracks from ruining the belt. For RVs you will want to chock the wheels to prevent unauthorized movement of your vehicle which can lead to horrible damages. Using store-bought chocks or simply two sturdy pieces of wood on either side of each wheel will keep your RV immobile.
  3. Plug RV Pipes, Wipe Down Boats Surfaces: For RVs you will want to go through your vehicle and plug every pipe entrance and exit with either a cap or something that will be immovable and inedible to rodents. Doing this will prevent any surprise infestations. For boats, you will want to be very thorough in wiping down all of the surfaces of your boat so as to get rid of any salt water. Salt water is very corrosive and can cause damage quickly if not removed properly.
  4. Prevent Freezing: This is highly important in both boats and RVs. For RVs you will need to empty all of your water tanks and use Anti-Freeze just as you would in your car or truck. This will prevent freezing which can lead to cracking and splintering. For Boats, you will want leave all of the drains open to allow all excess water to leave so as to prevent freezing.

The above tips will help you keep your boat and RV adequately protected during a stint in storage this holiday season. Now you can sit back, relax and stay warm with a cup of hot chocolate or egg nog. If you have any questions or would like more information on please contact us.

Why Store Your Boat in a Storage Unit This Winter?

Why Store Your Boat in a Storage Unit This Winter?Now that the weather has cooled down, you probably won’t be using your boat again until the springtime. This means that now is the time to start thinking about boat storage for your vessel.

There are various options, such as keeping your boat at home or leaving it at the marina. These are a few reasons why you should keep it in a storage unit instead.

Avoid Problems With Your Homeowners Association

Before you decide to keep your boat at home, consider your homeowners association rules. You may not be allowed to do so. Plus, keeping your boat on your property can be a pain.

Save Money on Storage Fees

Your marina probably charges to store your boat during the winter. Consider comparing prices with a storage unit company like Party Barn Boat & RV Storage; you might find that it’s cheaper.

Keep Your Boat Safe from the Elements

One of the main reasons to keep your boat in a storage unit is the fact that you can keep it in a protected, climate-controlled environment. This is a great way to protect your boat against the tough winter elements.

Make Working on Your Boat Easy — and Comfortable

You might have ideas of projects that you would like to do for your boat this winter. If your boat is in a storage unit, it’ll be easy for you to work on it without braving the elements.

As you can see, a storage unit can be the perfect spot for storing your boat this winter. To find out more, contact us at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage.