Tag: boat trailer storage

What To Do With Your Boat When You’re Done Boating The Potomac

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

You’ve just wrapped up a beautiful day on the water. We know the last thing on your mind is taking care of storing your boat. However, storing your boat is a big decision and there are certain elements of boat storage you may be overlooking.

We’re going to explore the current options you have at your disposal and the positives and negatives of each side. We hope that we can offer you a little guidance on choosing the best option for you and your boat.

On-Water Storage

Storing your boat on the water is one of the best options if you’re looking for ease of use. When you rent a space on the water, you only have to place your boat in the water once a season. However, there are some drawbacks you’ll want to be aware of.

For example, if your boat doesn’t hold a charge very well there’s a good chance your battery could die. When your boat is far away from land this makes it difficult to do any mechanical work on your boat and replace a failing battery.

Often, your boat has less protection from the elements when stored on the water as well. Usually, you’ll have everything locked down on your powerboat, but if the storm is large enough there’s a chance it could end up doing damage to your boat.

Overall, on water storage is a great option if your boat is in perfect mechanical shape, and your looking for the quickest option to store your boat at the end of a long day on the water.

Home Storage

Due to strict parking enforcement laws across Northern Virginia parking your boat at home can be seen as somewhat of a risk. If you have enough storage space on or around your property then storing your boat may be a good, cheap option.

However, if you have to resort to parking your boat on the street you may want to consider other options. The risk of getting a parking ticket is very high in Woodbridge, Fairfax, and Alexandria. Sometimes, it may even be cheaper to pay for a storage spot at a local facility.

Facility Storage

Another great option is to utilize a Woodbridge boat storage facility. Our boat storage facility provides unparalleled protection and unlimited access to your boat.

If your boat requires a charging station we also have a few spots with dedicated charging elements. We also keep the storage areas as clean as possible so your boat will always be in great condition.

Overall, you may perceive a dedicated storage space as the most expensive option, however when you consider everything you’re getting in return it may end up being the best investment.

We love to serve our customers and veterans across Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If boating is your passion you’ll want to make sure you have a storage solution that’s dedicated to keeping your boat safe and secure. Explore our Woodbridge boat storage options or get in touch with our team today.

How You Can Benefit From Using Boat Storage, Even In The Summer Months

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

summer boating storage can be very useful

Photo Credit: David Paul Ohmer

Sometimes you may take your boat out of storage during the summer months, and wonder what you’re going to do with it after a day out on the water. Some people opt to store their boats at their homes, or rent spaces on the water. However, you can still benefit from using Gateway Storage to store your boat, even during the summer months.

In this article we’re going to explore the benefits that using our boat storage services can bring into your life. Even during the summer months.

1. 24 Hour Access

Sometimes you may run into the situation where you need to access your boat at a very odd hour of the day. Perhaps, you left an important item your boat. If your boat is stored on the lake or another large body of water this can be a problem, as you wouldn’t want to venture out onto the lake in the dark of night.

Having guaranteed access to your boat no matter the time of day can be incredibly useful in a time of need.

2. Guaranteed Safety

If your boat is stored on the side of your house, or on a large body of water there is no guarantee your boat is going to be safe. Especially, if other people can access your boat when you’re not around.

Not a direct safety threat, but the chances of receiving a ticket by having your boat parked illegally are very high in Woodbridge and the surrounding counties. By using our Woodbridge boat storage facilities you’re able to guarantee your boat will be safe and under a watchful eye.

3. Lasting Protection

The dangers of inclement weather effecting your boat are very high. When your utilize our Woodbridge boat storage facilities you’re guaranteed extra wide aisles, separate storage areas, clearly marked asphalt parking spaces, and a ground maintenance crew that will ensure there is no debris around your boat.

Compare this to your boat being secured next to a bunch of other boats, tied to a local public dock, or parked on the street underneath a tree. The protection you’ll receive from our storage will help to extend the life of your boat.

4. Possible Charging Capabilities

If you have an older boat, your battery might not quite hold the same level of charge it used to. If you’re storing your boat away from a facility you could be out of luck when you try to start your boat.

We have dedicated electric spaces to keep your boat charged up at all times.

Your boat demands the best. This means it’s a smart decision to use our boat storage services, even throughout the summer months. If you’re looking for an incomparable boat storage solution across Northern Virginia, or the Woodbridge, Alexandria and Springfield counties then get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

What Local Boating Regulations Do You Need To Know?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle

Photo Credit: kevin dooley

If you’re taking your boat out of storage and getting it ready for the sumer months you’ll want to make sure you’re well versed in the boating regulations you’ll need to know to keep safe on the water. You’d hate to get fined or have an accident occur, because you made a mistake or broke the law on the water.

In this article we’re going to cover the local boating regulations that you need to know before you take your boat out of Woodbridge boat storage and onto the lake or the river.

Knowing Where To Boat

Any waterways that allow boating within Woodbridge and other Northern Virginia counties will always be marked. Some waterways also don’t allow motorboats, so make sure you’re complying with all local regulations before you launch your boat out onto the water. By following the links below you’ll be able to decide if the body of water you want to take your boat out on is actually safe.

Staying Safe On The Water

One of the best ways to stay safe on the water is by taking a boater safety course. These courses will help to ensure you know all the local and state regulations, and you know how to operate your boat in a safe manner. Just keep in mind that the certificate you receive from this kind of course is not the same as a boating license and in the future you may need both to boat legally.

Besides an education course, the rules for proper boating are actually very simple. Below you’ll find a short list of recommended steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of others in your party.

Lifevests are mandatory for every member of your party
Know the directional rules of the lake before putting your boat in the water.
Ensure your boat is in safe working condition, both internally and externally.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs aboard your boat.
Know the proper procedures for reporting accidents.
This link will provide you with access to your local Woodbridge boating regulations and watercraft knowledge.

Staying safe should be one of your main concerns on the water. Overall, when it comes to knowledge of the law the more you know the better. Take the time to educate yourself.

I hope this article has been valuable and will help you stay safe and ticket free on your boat this summer. Remember, when it comes time to store your boat make sure you get in touch with Gateway Storage. We offer Woodbridge boat storage solutions to residents of Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Get in touch with Gateway Storage today to discuss how we can serve your boating storage needs.

Tips On Getting Your Boat Ready For The Warm Weather

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Storage

Photo Credit: Chase Lewis

When the weather starts to get warm you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to take your boat out of storage. After all, you’ll want to take your boat out the moment the weather allows you to. It’s important to perform an inspection sooner rather than later, you’d hate to try to take your boat out onto the water and have it not work.

In this article we’re going to highlight the steps you can take to de-winterize your boat and get it ready for warmer weather.

1. Start With Your Engine

Without your engine in proper condition your boat won’t be very effective. De-winterizing your engine will probably be the longest part of the process. If you didn’t change the oil before you brought your boat into Woodbridge car storage you’ll want to do this now. While you’re changing the oil it’s a good idea to also change your oil filter. After the oil change is complete it’s important to flush the cooling system and replace all the fluids.

Finally run an engine test and see where you’re at.

2. Inspect Your Vinyl and Canvas

Spend some time going over your seats, covers and top for any tears, dirt or mildew. Make sure to repair any tears and clean up any mildew or stains with the proper cleaners.

3. Review the Hull

During this phase you’ll want to inspect the hull for any chalky residue, as well as chips or cracks. If any chips or cracks appear you’ll want to repair them before you take your boat out on the water.

If you find the hull is chalky upon inspection, this usually points to oxidation. You’ll want to determine the level of oxidation you’re experiencing, and start a gelcoat plan to restore its luster.

4. Clean and Wax the Hull and Boat

Use a boat cleaner to clean the boats exterior. Once this is done you’ll want to apply a fresh coast of wax.

5. Polish Wood and Metal

Depending on your boat, you may have a combination of wood and metal or simply, one or the other. You’ll want to take time inspecting these materials, to see if, they need any repair or maintenance. Long-term neglect of these elements can lead to an eventual compromise of their integrity.

6. Test All Electronics

The last thing you’ll want to test are the electronics. It’s important that these are working correctly, before you get out onto the water. This includes the radio, depth finder, GPS, and any other electronics you may have.

I hope this article has been valuable and you now know what you need to do to once you take your boat out of Woodbridge car storage. Also, it’s important to do continued maintenance on your boat throughout spring and summer. By keeping up on maintenance and taking care of your boat, you’ll ensure several summers full of boating fun.

We serve our residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Give us a call today at (703) 339-0009, so we can talk about your needs!

Woodbridge Trailer Storage

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

So not really sure who started this whole fad, but seems like on every long road trip we find another trailer that looks just like the car, truck, or van pulling it. The ones that are extensions of the car are particularly funny and really throw you off in the dark, especially late at night when you’re 12hrs in and not quite yet to your destination. Thankfully we caught one in the daylight to share.

Here at Gateway Storage, we welcome all trailers. Whether your trailer is hauling your boat, car, motorcyle, or a Revolutionary War cannon replica (yep have seen that too), our secure facility is the best choice to store your trailer in between trips. Needing to hit the road in the early morning to make beach week? No problem. We offer 24-hour gate access, with well lit storage areas and spaces featuring reflective parking markers and permanent signage.

Another perk at Gateway Storage is ease of maneuverability. We have extra-wide aisle ways to make it easy to navigate in and out with your trailer in tow.

Gateway Storage Center offers affordable rates and flexible terms for Woodbridge Trailer Storage, including short-term, long-term, and month-to-month options. Give us a call today and we’ll be sure to keep your mini-Mustang trailer safe and sound until you need it next. We take reservations by phone or via email. No deposit required!

Woodbridge Boat Storage

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Spring is finally here. Time to dust off those reels, restock on the latest lures, and fill that cooler for a weekend out on the water. The Virginia Fishing Reports are calling for an excellent 2013 season, particularly for largemouth bass in the Tidal Potomac River tributaries. That means that all you Woodbridge boat owners will not have to go far for an excellent weekend of fishing.

Largemouth Bass

If you’re running out of room in your driveway to store your liberty vessel, Gateway Storage can help. We offer Woodbridge boat storage services for all types of boats and trailers, with storage and parking space combinations to fit any need. We offer 24-hour gate access so you can get your fishing trip started as early as you want and finish up as late as you want. We also offer spaces with electric hookups for trickle charging batteries. You can choose from short-term, month-to-month, or long-term storage options.

Boat owners love our convenient location, especially with boat launching ramps less than 5 miles from our gates. Gateway Storage Center is located in Lorton, VA, just off I-95. We are easy access for Woodbridge, Springfield, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today and learn more about how our Woodbridge boat storage services are the best choice for you.