Posted by The number of registered recreational boating vessels is over 11 million in the United States. Many like to enjoy boating in the freshwater coastline, open oceans & seas, lakes, rivers, bays & harbors. But these watercraft need a space to rest during off-seasons. This is where a metal boat carport comes in handy. They are fast to install, easy to clean, and offer top security to boats. With it, boat owners don’t have to worry about harsh winters & deep freeze.
The Harsh Realities Of Winter For Boat Owners
Here are some of the troubles with keeping a boat outside in open water:
Not Another Titanic: The impact of freezing temperatures on a boat can be disastrous. Boats are expensive & even small cracks or leaks can cause it to sink.
Snow & Ice, Not Very Nice: Winter weather can become extreme with storms, blisters, etc. Freezing water can crack the hull and damage engine parts, electrical systems, & batteries.
Barnacles Attachments: These are small marine creatures that attach themselves to the boat’s hull, drag on it, reduce the speed & increase fuel use, and damage paint.
Mold & Mildew from Moisture: Freezing water can seep into the boat’s part and cause moisture retention. This can lead to molding. Mold spores cause respiratory issues, allergies, etc., and can corrode electrical wires & connections.
Vandalism: The number of watercraft thefts is high in the US, especially in Florida, California, and Texas. Theft can access the boat at the night via water and steal gears, tools, and equipment. They can even damage the boat.
Read: Protecting Your Family’s Future: Essential Financial Decisions
The Superiority Of Metal Boat Covers
Durability & Longevity: A metal boat carport is made using steel that’s dense, uniform, & has higher strength [25x than wood]. Being inorganic, a metal boat cover won’t rot or decay with time, leading to long-lasting structural integrity.
Unbeatable Weather Resistance: Metal covers can be designed to bear heavy snow loads, hail storms, and rain. Some metal building dealers offer metal buildings that can bear snow loads of up to 80 lbs. per sq. ft. The corrugated metal panels take the impact of hail & flying debris, keeping the boat safe.
Enhanced Security: It conceals your expensive investment from prying eyes. During the off-season, you can have peace of mind as your precious boat is locked up & less accessible to opportunist thieves. It gives an impression that your boat is well-maintained & under surveillance.
Versatility & Customization: If you ever decide to sell your boat, you can still use the boat metal carport as a patio area, deck space, or open kitchen. It can also be used to park other vehicles on the ground. A metal boat shed can be custom-designed to fit your needs, i.e., you can choose the thickness of steel, color, size, height, roof, and other features.
Tip: Opt for a certified steel carport as your boat cover if you live in an area with extreme weather.
Benefits Of Steel Prefabricated Carport
Boat owning and renting are both popular options. But what does a boat owner gain from installing a boat steel carport? Let’s see.
I. For Boat Owners
Saving Investment: A new boat can cost anywhere from $15000 to over $1.5 million for a luxury yacht. A boat steel carport reduces wear & tear due to harsh winter and protects the boat’s finishing, upholstery, and electronics.
Peace of Mind: A steel boat cover increases the lifespan of your vessel and saves money on costly repairs, which reduces your stress & worry during winter months. Your boat remains secured during the off-season and ready to sail as the spring thaw begins.
Convenience: A steel prefabricated carport is made, designed, cut, & drilled in the factory. Thus, it is easy to assemble on-site, needs less labor, and minimizes inconvenience to the owner. A durable construction ensures that the carport will last long with minimal upkeep.
II. For Boat Rental Businesses
Protect Revenue: A boat metal carport ensures your rental fleet is in pristine condition for the next boating season. It reduces downtime because of winter damage and helps increase rental income with your boat ready to use.
Improve Customer Rating: A well-maintained & reliable boat will attract customers and enhance the overall boating/ yachting experience for the clients. It will help the boat rental business up their rating & get more profit.
Increase Operational Efficiency: A metal carport shelter lets you perform maintenance tasks without worrying about elements, eases the maintenance process, saves time, and acts as a barrier to harsh winter conditions.
How To Choose The Right Metal Boat Cover
To get the right metal cover, you must buy it from an experienced seller, have it regularly maintained to avoid major repairs, and consider the following factors:
I. Factors To Consider When Buying A Boat Metal Carport
Boat Size & Type: Measure your boat size correctly. Here’s how:
- Overall Length- measure the boat’s longest span from the tip of the bow to the stern’s farthest point.
- Beam- calculate the widest part of the boat.
- Draft- measure the vertical distance from the waterline & bottom of the hull/ keel.
- Height- calculate the height of the boat from the lowest point [hull] to the highest point [top of cabin/ antenna].
Size Of The Metal Boat Carport: Once you have the correct measurement of your boat, here’s how to calculate the minimum size of the boat’s steel cover.
- Length- add 3 to 5 ft. to the overall length. This will give you room to move back & forth easily.
- Width- add 2 to 3 ft. on each side for extra space to walk & perform necessary maintenance.
- Height- add at least 2 ft. to the overall height for clearance and to avoid any potential damage.
Specific Features: Ensure your metal cover is large enough to fit towers, outboards, or Bimini tops. Remember to add the height of the boat trailer when storing it on dry ground. You can choose a 6- to 8- inch thick concrete slab with reinforcement for a high load bearing capacity.
Local Climate: Consider the severity of your local weather before designing the carport. Opt for a vertical roof carport as it slides off dust, debris, snow, & rainwater quickly and needs less frequent cleaning.
Budget: The final cost of the metal boat shed will depend on steel gauge, height, size, and accessories features. We suggest investing in high-quality materials for long-lasting durability and low upkeep. Add secure features to your final budget, such as surveillance cameras, motion sensor lights, and alarm systems.
II. Find A Reputed Seller
Before you rush to buy a steel carport, it is important to do some online research. You can request quotes from different sellers to compare prices & features. Read online customer reviews to learn about services. Choose a metal building dealer who provides shipping & installation costs included in their final quote for a better experience.
III. Maintenance & Care
Once installed by the construction crew, thoroughly check your metal boat shed and remove any metal shaving or pieces. You can sell them to the nearest scrapyard. Here are a few tips to care for your steel cover to increase its lifespan:
- Create a schedule for routine inspection. It can be monthly, quarterly, or twice a year, depending on your local climate.
- Check signs of wear & tear and address any issue promptly to avoid major repairs.
- Clean it at regular intervals to prevent dust & debris buildup.
Protect Your Boat From Winter Woes
Your boat, whether it is a sailboat, powerboat, pontoon, or other watercraft, is an expensive investment that you want to keep safe and secure and get the best use out of. Leaving them in open water can lead to severe weather damage and increase the risk of theft. Here, a metal boat carport can come in handy as they are affordable, easy & quick to install, and resistant to external elements. So, how do you protect your boat? Tell us in the comments below.