A push to build new boat storage facilities across the country is taking off as more and more Americans are purchasing such vessels for recreational purposes, says a new industry study.
The Phoenix-based Yardi Matrix, which studies everything from student housing to multifamily development trends, says boat storge development and construction projects are on the rise almost everywhere, with a particular emphasis on locations in the West.
Noting that currently both boat and recreational vehicle storage facilities make up around 6,850 acres of space, the Yardi Matrix report says the Denver area currently has such storage facilities equal to just under 597 acres; followed by San Francisco at 420 acres; and metro Dallas at 345 acres.
In terms of the individual storage facilities, Denver comes in just shy of 50; with Houston at 45; and San Francisco at 39.
There are currently around 35 storage facilities in the pipeline nationally.
The need for boat storage facilities follows on the heels of unprecedented growth in the recreational boat industry. Last year more than 300,000 powerboats were sold, with projections of a 3% increase over those figures by the end of 2022.
Earlier this year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, based in Chicago, said the boom in powerboat sales was the result of “more Americans seeking out boating as an accessible outdoor activity,” especially during a time when other outdoor activities were impacted and restricted due to the Covid 19 outbreak.
By Garry Boulard
