The way most Canadian boats spend winter
Outdoor boat storage on the hard
Out of the water, blocked on stands or set on a cradle or trailer, wrapped tight for the snow. Outdoor storage is the most available and the least expensive option. We find a yard close to your water or your home.
- Stands or cradle
- On your trailer
- Shrink-wrap
- DIY yards
Types of outdoor storage
Marina yard, on the hard
The marina hauls you out with a travel lift and blocks the boat on stands near the water. Spring launch is right there.
Keelboat on a cradle
Sailboats stand on a steel cradle, often the owner’s own, with the mast unstepped and stored on a rack.
Trailer yard
A fenced lot where you leave the boat on its own trailer. Cheapest per season and you can tow it out any time the gate is open.
Inland storage yard
Yards away from the water, sometimes with RVs. Lower prices, but you or a hauler has to bring the boat there.
Protection outdoors
Shrink-wrap is standard for outdoor winter storage in Ontario, Quebec and the Prairies. A good wrap is tight, vented, and supported by a frame so snow slides off instead of pooling.
A fitted canvas winter cover with a frame is the reusable alternative. It costs more up front and saves the wrap fee every year.
Outdoor storage prices
| Item | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Outdoor winter storage | from $30/ft per winter |
| Winter parking on your trailer | from $300 per winter |
| Haul-out or launch | from $8/ft each way |
| Shrink-wrap | from $16/ft |
| Mast stepping or unstepping | from $250 each way |
Starting prices in CAD before tax, from published marina and port rates and market estimates, October 2026. Your boat, the yard and the dates set the final price.
Outdoor storage questions
Can I work on my boat in an outdoor yard?
Many yards allow owners to do their own work, some only in spring, and some only with their own staff. Tick "DIY" in the request and we look for yards that allow it.
What does "on the hard" mean?
Out of the water and supported on land, on stands, blocks, a cradle or a trailer. See the boater glossary.
Do I need my own cradle or stands?
Powerboats are usually blocked on the yard’s stands. Sailboats often need a cradle; some yards rent them for the season.
Tell us about your boat. We find the spot.
Storage type, LOA, region and season. We check what is open near you and reply by email with options and prices.