Where Should You Keep Your Jet Car? Storage and Docking Options Explained

WaterBoatCar jetcars are stored exactly like any other personal watercraft — on a trailer in dry storage, in a marina slip, or in a covered indoor boat storage facility. The right choice depends on how frequently you use it, your local climate, and the cost of facilities in your area.

The Three Main Storage Options

Dry Trailer Storage

The most common storage method for WaterBoatCar owners. The vessel sits on a purpose-rated trailer either at home (garage or covered carport) or at a commercial boat storage facility. The trailer is then towed to a boat ramp for each outing.

Best for: Owners who use the vessel regularly but not daily, seasonal boating climates, those who want to keep costs down.

Advantages:

• Lowest ongoing cost of any storage option
• Full control over the vessel's condition and security
• No risk of hull fouling from long-term in-water storage
• Compatible with seasonal climates where the vessel is stored for several months during off-season

Things to manage:

• Each outing requires a tow vehicle and access to a suitable boat ramp
• Home trailer storage in a garage requires approximately 6–7 metres of length for the vessel plus trailer
• Outdoor uncovered trailer storage requires a fitted cover to protect paintwork and upholstery from UV

Marina Slip Rental

The vessel stays in the water at a marina berth. Launch is immediate — board the vessel and go.

Best for: Frequent-to-daily users, buyers in year-round boating climates, those who want maximum convenience without a tow vehicle dependency.

Advantages:

• Immediate access with no launch logistics
• Marina staff typically monitor vessels and may handle basic checks
• Access to fuel, service, and amenities on-site
• Socially visible storage that suits buyers who enjoy the marina environment

Things to manage:

• Highest ongoing cost of the three options
• In-water storage requires anti-fouling bottom treatment and regular bilge checks
• Salt water marinas require disciplined post-use engine and jet system flushing
• Some marinas have size restrictions or liveaboard policies that affect berth availability

Commercial Covered Indoor Storage

A commercial boat storage yard provides covered warehouse-style storage on a trailer, with a forklift or crane launch service for each outing.

Best for: Buyers who want the protection of dry storage without the footprint at home, and are willing to pay more than home trailer storage for the convenience.

Advantages:

• Full UV and weather protection without home storage space requirement
• Security and insurance benefits of a dedicated storage facility
• Some facilities offer on-site maintenance and detailing services

Things to manage:

• Higher cost than home trailer storage
• Launch requires booking and travel to the storage facility before heading to the water
• Not all areas have commercial covered storage facilities near popular waterways

Comparing Storage Options

Salt Water vs Fresh Water Storage Considerations

For WaterBoatCar owners in coastal or tidal areas, salt water storage demands more active maintenance than fresh water storage:

After every salt water outing:

• Flush the jet propulsion system and engines with fresh water via the built-in flush fitting (all WaterBoatCar models include a flush port)
• Rinse the hull, undercarriage, and all external surfaces with fresh water
• Wipe dry any exposed metal fittings, seating, and trim

For long-term salt water marina storage:

• Apply a marine-grade anti-fouling bottom paint to the hull below the waterline before placing in a slip
• Inspect the bilge pump monthly and after any heavy weather
• Check sacrificial anodes annually and replace when 50% depleted

For full guidance on salt water operation and maintenance, see our can jet cars go in salt water guide.

Seasonal Storage and Winterisation

In climates with a defined winter season — most of the US north of Florida, northern Europe, Canada — WaterBoatCar jet cars are typically out of the water for 3–5 months per year. Proper winterisation protects the investment during this period.

The standard WaterBoatCar winterisation procedure:

1. Flush the jet system and engines thoroughly with fresh water
2. Apply fogging oil to the engine cylinders to prevent corrosion
3. Add fuel stabiliser to the tank and run the engine briefly to distribute it through the fuel system
4. Disconnect both batteries and connect to a trickle charger or battery maintainer for the off-season
5. Clean and dry all interior surfaces and upholstery
6. Store covered, ideally indoors or under a fitted vessel cover

Our team provides a complete winterisation checklist and procedure guide at delivery. For owners in seasonal climates, we recommend the first winterisation be carried out under our guidance so the process is fully understood before the second year.

What to Consider When Choosing Storage

How often will you use it? Daily or near-daily users benefit most from marina slip access. Weekly or less frequent users typically find trailer storage more cost-effective.

What tow vehicle do you have? WaterBoatCar jet cars require a tow vehicle with appropriate towing capacity. If you do not have a suitable tow vehicle, marina slip storage may be more practical.

What is the climate where you boat? Year-round boating climates favour marina storage. Seasonal climates favour dry storage with off-season winterisation.

What are the marina options near your waterway? Availability and cost vary significantly by region. In some areas, a quality marina slip is easy to secure year-round. In others, desirable marinas have waiting lists and premium pricing.

Our delivery team discusses storage logistics as part of the standard delivery process and can advise on known marina facilities and storage yards near your area. Storage planning is one of the practical topics covered during the delivery orientation alongside operation, maintenance, and waterway guidance.