7 Reasons Ventura Boat Owners Are Moving from the Marina to Johnson Drive Self Storage Now

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September 29th, 2025

You live in beautiful Ventura, CA, right on the coast. You love the water, and your boat is a major investment. But when it’s time to store it—for the off-season or just long-term—the stress of finding a secure, affordable, and predictable home can ruin your peace of mind.For a long time, many boat owners simply used the marina dry lots. Today, however, smart owners in the Ventura County area are finding a much better solution. They are making their final, simple switch to the reliable, protected spaces at Johnson Drive Self Storage, located right here at 2630 Johnson Dr.If you are ready to stop worrying about price hikes and keep your boat safe and dry, here are the seven clear reasons why Ventura boat owners are choosing self storage over the marina—and why they are doing it now.

1. Lock In Your Price and Stop Worrying About Hikes

One of the biggest headaches of using the marina or specialized dry storage is never knowing what your bill will be next year. If you currently rely on the Ventura Port District’s Dry Storage, you should know that a rate increase has been publicly approved and is coming soon. That means financial uncertainty is guaranteed.

At Johnson Drive Self Storage, we offer transparent, stable pricing. Our secure, indoor storage units—perfect for jet skis, personal watercraft (PWCs), and smaller trailered boats—start at clear, competitive monthly rates, some as low as $88 or $128. By moving your boat here, you lock in a clear, predictable cost and skip the financial surprises that come with marina contracts.

2. Say No to Mandatory Moving Headaches

It’s not just a rate increase; it’s a required move. The Port District’s plan means tenants will eventually have to physically haul their boats to a new facility and sign a new contract when the new lot opens in 2025.

That means wasted time, extra costs, and a big logistical hassle—all forced upon you.By choosing Johnson Drive Self Storage today, you make one simple, stable move to a fixed location. You avoid the mandatory relocation, the paperwork, and the physical effort required by the Port District later on, keeping your boat and your storage plan safe for years to come.

3. The Best Protection from Thieves and Vandals

Your boat is a valuable asset. Leaving it outside in an open parking lot, even one with a fence, is the cheapest choice, but it is also the riskiest. Open lots offer the least protection against theft and vandalism.

Johnson Drive Self Storage provides secure, enclosed indoor units. When your boat is parked safely inside its own private space, behind a locked roll-up door, you get a much higher level of security than any open marina dry lot can offer. This gives you the best protection against anything unexpected happening while you’re away.

4. Fight Coastal Dampness and Stop Mold Before it Starts

Ventura’s mild climate is wonderful, but the constant coastal air brings high humidity. This moisture is the number one enemy of a stored boat. It causes smelly mold and mildew inside the cabin and leads to rust and long-term mechanical damage in the engine and electronics.

Our indoor self-storage units offer a dry environment that is superior for long-term preservation. By keeping your vessel indoors, you can use moisture-absorbing products to ensure the inside of your boat stays completely dry. This simple step prevents humidity buildup, keeping your upholstery fresh and your mechanical parts safe from corrosion. You ensure your boat is ready for the water, not the repair shop.

5. We Have the Perfect Space for Your Jet Ski or Trailer Boat

If you own a Personal Watercraft (PWC), jet ski, or a small fishing skiff on a trailer, many large storage competitors won't have the right solution. They focus on massive, uncovered parking spaces for large RVs and yachts. This forces small boat owners to pay for huge spaces they don't need, with minimal protection.

Johnson Drive Self Storage has the right inventory of secure, enclosed spaces. Our popular 5’x10’, 5’x12’, and 10’x10’ units are perfectly suited for storing PWCs or smaller trailered boats. By choosing us, you get a right-sized, superior enclosed unit at a price point that large outdoor facilities cannot match, ensuring your micro-vessel is perfectly cared for.

6. Easy, Flexible Access for Your Maintenance Needs

Some specialized marina storage requires you to call ahead or limits your access to specific hours, making it difficult to check on your boat or do necessary maintenance.

The self-storage model is built for your convenience. Johnson Drive Self Storage offers easy, drive-up access to many units. This means you can pull your vehicle right up to your locked unit, open the door, and do the necessary work—like checking the tires or adding stabilizer—without needing to ask permission or worry about restrictive rules. It gives you the freedom and control you need over your investment.

7. The Ultimate Spot for Professional Winterization

If you plan to store your boat for many months, proper winterization is key to protecting it. An indoor, secured unit is the best place to make sure this is done correctly:

You must thoroughly clean the hull and completely dry the interior to prevent mold.
You must change the engine oil and add fuel stabilizer to protect the motor.
You must remove the battery and connect it to a trickle charger for the storage term.

An indoor unit at our Johnson Drive location is the ideal environment to complete these steps perfectly, protecting your investment from rain, debris, and changing temperatures. When the weather is right to head out toward the Channel Islands, your boat will be maintained, protected, and fully ready to launch.

The choice is clear: stability, security, and superior protection offer better long-term value than the unpredictable, open-air options nearby. For Ventura boat owners seeking peace of mind, now is the time to secure your spot.Don't wait for rates to jump or for a mandatory move to complicate your life.