Hey folks, I could use some insight here. I’ve got a 30-foot boat that I need to store year-round in the Houston area. I’m not necessarily looking for the cheapest solution, but something that’s affordable and makes sense long-term. I want to balance convenience, security, and maintenance. I’ve looked into a few options, but the costs vary a lot and I’m not sure which factors I should prioritize. Wet slip vs dry storage, covered vs uncovered — it’s all a bit much. What’s been your experience storing something this size in the region? Especially with the Houston humidity, I’m curious what’s worked for others in terms of keeping the boat in decent shape without spending a fortune.

Interesting to read your take — I went a different direction with my 28-footer, but I think the principle applies. I chose dry stack storage because I wasn’t using the boat weekly, and honestly, the salt air and sun were doing more harm than I expected when it was docked full-time. The lift systems most dry storage spots use around Houston are pretty efficient now, and since I only head out a couple weekends a month, I’m fine calling ahead to have it in the water when I arrive. One benefit I didn’t think about at first was the insurance premium drop I got — my insurer preferred dry storage over a wet slip, which offset some of the cost. Plus, avoiding bottom growth and all the haul-out maintenance has made my yearly upkeep much easier. It’s not for everyone, but if you don't need daily access, it’s worth exploring.

I went through something similar last year when I had to find a place for my boat in the 30-foot range. I learned that in Houston, humidity, UV damage, and storm prep are serious considerations — not just pricing. I leaned toward covered wet slips because they give you direct water access and save you time launching and retrieving, but they can get pricey. Eventually, I found a spot that offers year-round mooring with gated access, surveillance, and floating docks, which is crucial with water level shifts in this area. It’s not the cheapest route, but when I factored in convenience and maintenance (like not having to constantly clean off grime from open exposure), it made a lot of sense. They even had some amenities like shore power and pump-out service, which added to the value. You can take a look here https://marinabayharbor.com if you're comparing options