Boat Storage Solutions: Air Docks, Boat Lifts, Pontoons, Sea Pens
The right boat storage solution, whether an air dock, boat lift, pontoon, sea pen or fab dock, depends on your boat’s size, the water depth at your location, how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, and how easily you want to get the boat in and out of the water.
Air docks use air-filled chambers to raise and lower boats and suit smaller boats and shallow water or sites where a traditional boat lift isn’t feasible. Boat lifts come in hydraulic, electric and manual styles, with a range of sizes and weight capacities from personal watercraft up to large yachts.
Pontoons are versatile floating platforms that work in shallow or deep water and can double as space for entertaining, fishing or other water activities, while sea pens are in-water enclosures that keep a boat protected from the elements while still afloat, and can be customised to size. Choosing between them comes down to boat size, water depth, maintenance requirements and ease of use.
Air Docks
Air docks are a type of boat lift that uses air-filled chambers to raise and lower boats out of the water. These lifts are ideal for smaller boats and are relatively easy to install and maintain. They are also an excellent choice for shallow water or locations where traditional boat lifts are not feasible.
Boat Lifts
Boat lifts are a popular option for boat owners who want to keep their vessel out of the water when not in use. These lifts come in various sizes and weight capacities and can accommodate anything from small personal watercraft to large yachts. Boat lifts are available in a range of styles, including hydraulic, electric and manual.
Pontoons
Pontoons are a floating platform that can be used for a range of purposes, including boat storage. They are easy to install and maintain and can be used in shallow or deep water. Pontoons are also an excellent option for those who want a versatile platform that can be used for entertaining, fishing, or other water activities. If you're considering a floating dock setup, see our guide on launching a boat on a floating brick docking system for how a similar floating structure works in practice.
Sea Pens
Sea pens are a type of enclosure that is installed in the water and can be used to store boats of various sizes. They are ideal for those who want to keep their boat in the water but still protected from the elements. Sea pens are available in various sizes and can be customised to fit specific needs.
Choosing the Right Storage Solution
Choosing the right storage solution for your boat is crucial. Whether you choose an air dock, boat lift, pontoon, sea pen, or fab dock, each option offers unique benefits and features that cater to different needs. It’s important to consider factors like size, water depth, maintenance, and ease of use before making a decision. If a marina-based option such as a wet or dry berth suits you better, see our guide to boat storage and marinas for the alternatives, and weigh this up against how much does it cost to maintain a used boat, since storage choices have a direct effect on ongoing costs. By doing so, you’ll find the best storage option for your vessel that will ensure its longevity and maintain its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an air dock and a boat lift?
An air dock is a type of boat lift that uses air-filled chambers to raise and lower the boat out of the water. It is generally easier to install and maintain than other boat lift styles and works well for smaller boats or shallow water locations where a traditional lift isn’t feasible.
Which boat storage option works best in shallow water?
Air docks and pontoons are both well suited to shallow water. Air docks use air-filled chambers and are ideal for smaller boats in shallow conditions, while pontoons are versatile floating platforms that can be used in either shallow or deep water.
Can boat lifts handle large boats and yachts?
Yes. Boat lifts come in various sizes and weight capacities, ranging from small personal watercraft up to large yachts, and are available in hydraulic, electric and manual styles depending on what suits your boat and budget.
What is a sea pen and who is it suited to?
A sea pen is an in-water enclosure that stores a boat while keeping it protected from the elements, without lifting it out of the water entirely. It suits owners who want their boat to stay afloat and ready to use, and sea pens can be customised in size to fit different boats.
How do I decide which boat storage solution is right for me?
Consider your boat’s size, the water depth at your location, how much ongoing maintenance you’re prepared to manage, and how easily you want to launch and retrieve the boat. Weighing these factors against the features of air docks, boat lifts, pontoons and sea pens will help you find the option that protects your boat’s longevity and value.
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