Frequently asked questions
Pricing, access, winterizing requirements, payment and reservation timing. If anything isn’t covered here, please call and ask.
How much does storage cost?
$100 per foot for the entire October 1 – May 31 season. A 22′ boat is $2,200 for all eight months, or approximately $275 per month. The figure shown by the calculator is the figure on the contract; there are no additional fees.
What does “first in, last out” mean?
The building is loaded front to back at capacity. Vessels delivered earliest are positioned deepest and are retrieved last in the spring. No vessel is individually accessible during the storage season.
This is the reason for our rate. Facilities that guarantee drive-up access must leave aisles, which reduces the number of vessels per square foot and raises the price for every one of them.
When can I retrieve my boat?
From May onward, with at least seven days’ notice. Spring retrievals are scheduled in the order that the building allows, and we will work with you on timing.
Mid-season retrieval requires relocating every vessel positioned in front of yours. A substantial early-retrieval fee applies, and it is specified in the storage agreement.
How is length measured?
By the manufacturer’s listed length for the boat — not the trailer, tongue or swim platform. A boat listed at 21′6″ is billed at 22′. Jet skis, trailers and other towables are billed by overall trailer length.
Does the vessel need to be winterized?
Yes. The engine must be fully winterized, plumbing drained, fuel stabilized and all personal property removed before delivery.
Heated storage protects upholstery, electronics, gelcoat and batteries from repeated freeze-thaw cycling. It is not a substitute for winterizing.
Is my boat insured while in storage?
Owners carry their own insurance, and we request your carrier information on the storage agreement. Storage is at the owner’s risk, which is standard in the industry and stated plainly in the contract. Most marine policies already cover off-season storage; confirm with your agent.
How is payment handled?
Cash, check or credit card, paid in full before the vessel enters the building. No vessel is accepted for storage until the fee is paid.
Do you offer pickup and delivery?
We do not transport vessels. Delivery and pickup is arranged through Flathead Boat Management under a separate agreement directly with them, and their fees are separate from the storage fee. Most customers tow their own vessel to the facility.
Do you store RVs, trailers or jet skis?
Jet skis, utility trailers and other low towables are stored at the same $100 per foot of trailer length. Our door is 10 feet tall, which means most motorhomes and travel trailers will not fit. Measure your unit at its tallest point and call before reserving. Jet ski and trailer storage details
How early should I reserve?
The heated building holds a fixed number of vessels and spaces are assigned first come, first served. Reservations for the coming season should be made in late summer or early fall.
Is there a height limit?
Yes. The overhead door is 10 feet tall. Boats, jet skis and low trailers clear it comfortably. Boats with fixed towers or hardtops should be measured first, and most motorhomes and travel trailers will not fit. Wakeboard towers that fold down are not a problem.
What temperature is the building kept at?
The building is heated and fully enclosed, and is held above freezing throughout the storage season. It is a warm, dry, sealed structure rather than a climate-controlled environment, which is what prevents freeze-thaw damage, condensation and mildew.
Where are you located?
3905 MT Highway 40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, on the highway between Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Approximately 12 minutes from downtown Whitefish, 20 from Kalispell and 30 from Bigfork. Directions and hours
Still have a question?
Calls are answered directly during business hours, Monday through Friday.
Reserve before the building fills
The heated building holds a fixed number of vessels and spaces are assigned first come, first served. Once it is full, we are closed for the season.