Boats face specific challenges in Atlanta-area storage that differ from cars or RVs. The horizontal surfaces (deck, seats, console), gel coat finish, and canvas/vinyl components are all vulnerable to Georgia's sun, hail, and humidity. The covered vs. uncovered decision hinges on how much protection you need and what it's worth to you.

Covered storage means a roof structure over your boat and trailer—typically a metal carport-style canopy with open or partially enclosed sides.

Protection against:

UV radiation: This is the big one. Gel coat chalks and oxidizes under constant sun exposure. Canvas tops, seat vinyl, and plastic components fade and crack. A roof overhead eliminates direct UV entirely.

Hail: Georgia averages 2-4 significant hail events per year, usually in spring. A single hailstorm can cause thousands in damage to gel coat, canvas, and electronics. Covered storage completely eliminates hail risk.

Tree debris: Branches, sap, leaves, and bird droppings. A roof catches most of this before it reaches your boat.

Rain accumulation: While boats handle rain, covered storage keeps the interior drier and prevents water pooling issues with improperly fitted covers.

What covered storage doesn't provide:

Humidity control: Covered spaces are still open to ambient humidity. Mold and mildew remain concerns.

Side protection: Wind-driven rain, dust, and pollen still reach the boat.

Temperature control: Heat is reduced (no direct sun) but not eliminated.

Your boat sits in an open parking space, exposed to everything.

Advantages:

• Lower cost (typically 25-40% less than covered)
• Often more availability
• Easier maneuvering (no height restrictions)

Disadvantages:

• Full UV exposure year-round
• Vulnerable to hail
• Collects debris, bird droppings, pollen
• Interior bakes in summer heat

For a typical boat on trailer in the Atlanta Metro area:

Uncovered storage: $75-150/month depending on boat size and facility

Covered storage: $100-200/month depending on boat size and facility

Premium difference: Roughly $25-75/month, or $300-900/year

If you're taking the boat out every 2-3 weeks during season, it's not sitting long enough for serious UV damage to accumulate. You're already washing it regularly. The exposure between uses is manageable.

A 15-year-old bass boat with existing oxidation doesn't benefit much from covered storage—the damage is already done. A basic aluminum fishing boat handles weather better than gel coat cruisers.

A good boat cover (mooring cover, full travel cover) provides substantial protection. Combined with a well-designed cover support system, you can achieve 60-70% of covered storage's protection while paying uncovered rates.

If covered storage means you can't afford storage at all, uncovered is dramatically better than leaving the boat somewhere inappropriate.

Three months of uncovered storage causes minimal lasting damage. It's long-term cumulative exposure that creates problems.

A $60,000 center console with fresh gel coat deserves protection. The cost of covered storage over 5 years ($1,500-4,500) is a tiny fraction of the boat's value and significantly extends its appearance life.

Four months of continuous sun exposure each summer adds up. If you store through winter and don't touch the boat until April, covered storage protects during those long idle periods.

Canvas tops/enclosures: Sunbrella and similar fabrics last much longer out of direct UV.

Isinglass windows: Plastic windows crack and cloud faster in sun.

Vinyl seating: Even marine vinyl degrades faster with continuous UV exposure.

Electronics: Helm stations with exposed screens and instruments benefit from shade.

If your area has hail history (most of metro Atlanta does), covered storage is cheap insurance against a single catastrophic event.

Covered boats need less washing, less oxidation treatment, and less component replacement over time. The convenience factor matters if you want to spend time boating, not maintaining.

Large horizontal deck area collects everything—debris, water, bird droppings. Covered storage particularly beneficial. However, many pontoons are too wide for standard covered spaces; verify dimensions.

Often lower profile, somewhat easier to cover effectively. Many owners successfully use uncovered storage with quality covers.

Gel coat and upholstery are significant investments. Covered storage helps preserve both.

Towers and added components make covering complicated. Check covered storage height clearance—many towers exceed standard 13-14 foot covered height.

Think about total cost over 5 years:

Uncovered at $100/month × 60 months = $6,000 Plus: Gel coat restoration ($500-1,500), canvas replacement ($1,000-3,000), potential hail damage (variable)

Covered at $140/month × 60 months = $8,400 Plus: Minimal additional maintenance

For many boats, covered storage pays for itself through reduced maintenance and preserved condition.

• Use the boat monthly during season → Uncovered can work
• Store for long stretches → Covered is worth it
• Keep boat year-round without seasonal storage → Covered strongly recommended

Oxford RV Storage offers both uncovered and covered storage for boats on trailers. The facility can accommodate various boat sizes; check height clearance for boats with towers or tall components.

Location along I-20 makes it convenient for boaters heading to Lake Oconee or other eastern Georgia waters. Compare the covered vs. uncovered options based on your specific boat and usage pattern.