1. **Dry Stack Storage**
– **Overview**: Dry stack storage involves storing boats on racks in large warehouses or purpose-built facilities. Boats are lifted out of the water and stored in vertical stacks using forklifts or cranes. This type of storage is popular for small to mid-sized boats.
– **Why it’s used**:
– **Protection from the elements**: Dry stack storage keeps boats out of the water and away from harmful UV rays, saltwater, and debris, which can degrade a boat over time.
– **Space-efficient**: These facilities can store multiple boats in a relatively small space, making them an efficient option for high-demand areas.
– **Convenience**: Many dry stack facilities offer valet services, launching the boat into the water upon request and retrieving it after use.
– **Popular Locations**: Dry stack storage is common in metropolitan areas with high boating activity, such as:
– **Sydney** (e.g., Rozelle Bay)
– **Gold Coast** (e.g., Coomera and Sanctuary Cove)
– **Brisbane** (e.g., Manly)
– **Melbourne** (e.g., Docklands)

2. **Wet Slips (Marina Berths)**
– **Overview**: Wet slips or marina berths involve docking boats in the water at a marina. This is ideal for larger boats or vessels that are frequently used. Marinas provide a range of services, including power, water, and refueling stations.
– **Why it’s used**:
– **Immediate access**: Boats are stored in the water, allowing for quick and easy access for frequent use.
– **Amenities and services**: Many marinas offer additional services such as fueling, boat cleaning, and security, as well as access to club facilities like restaurants and shops.
– **Popular Locations**: Marinas are found throughout Australia’s coastline, particularly in key boating hubs such as:
– **Sydney Harbour**
– **Cairns**
– **Gold Coast** (e.g., Main Beach and Southport)
– **Perth** (e.g., Fremantle)
– **Adelaide** (e.g., North Haven Marina)

3. **Trailer Storage**
– **Overview**: For smaller boats that can be transported on trailers, trailer storage is a common and cost-effective option. Owners can store their boats at home or in dedicated boat storage yards.
– **Why it’s used**:
– **Cost-effective**: Storing boats on trailers is typically cheaper than paying for a marina berth or dry stack storage.
– **Mobility**: Boats stored on trailers can be easily moved to different locations for use in various waterways.
– **Popular Locations**: Trailer storage is widespread in suburban and regional areas where boat owners have easy access to ramps and waterways, such as:
– **Lake Macquarie** (New South Wales)
– **Hawkesbury River** (New South Wales)
– **Mandurah** (Western Australia)
– **Port Phillip Bay** (Victoria)

4. **Outdoor Storage (Hardstand)**
– **Overview**: Outdoor storage, also known as hardstand storage, involves keeping boats on dry land in open or covered areas within boatyards or marinas. This option is suitable for boats that do not need constant water access.
– **Why it’s used**:
– **Affordable**: Hardstand storage is generally more affordable than marina berths or dry stacks.
– **Accessibility for maintenance**: Boats are easily accessible for repairs, cleaning, and maintenance work.
– **Popular Locations**: Hardstand storage is available at many marinas and boatyards across Australia, particularly in boating hubs like:
– **Geelong** (Victoria)
– **Pittwater** (New South Wales)
– **Darwin** (Northern Territory)
– **Port Adelaide** (South Australia)