Guilford Lake is closed to boating and fishing during a dam rehabilitation project expected to finish in spring 2027, so Columbiana County boaters need a plan for where to store and launch. Spartan Store All in Columbiana offers outdoor boat parking so your boat can wait safely.
The drawdown began on September 1, 2025, in preparation for a two-year dam reconstruction project. The work replaces the spillway and modifies the embankment to improve dam safety. While the lake is at full drawdown, swimming, boating, and fishing are unavailable.
Plans can change. The state has said major construction projects can face delays during permitting, construction, and refilling, so it is smart to plan for the full stretch and stay flexible about when the lake reopens.
For most owners, yes. A boat that sits in a driveway or yard for a long stretch faces sun, rain, snow, and pests, and neighbors or local rules may limit how long a trailer can stay outside. A dedicated storage space keeps the boat off your property and protected until the water returns.
Storing also keeps your options open. You can pull the boat out when you find another lake to use, or leave it parked until Guilford refills, without letting it deteriorate in the meantime.
Measure the whole rig, not just the hull. Length should run from the front of the trailer tongue to the rear of the boat, including the motor in its raised position. Width should cover the widest point of the boat and fenders, and height should include any tower or T-top.
The facility offers uncovered outdoor spaces on a gravel surface in two boat-friendly sizes. The 30 by 12 foot space suits mid-size boats, trailers, and Class C RVs up to 30 feet, and the 40 by 12 foot space fits larger boats up to 40 feet, with drive-through access where available. Leave a few extra feet for backing in.
A stretch of a year or more calls for more than a quick winterizing. Add fuel stabilizer, run the engine so treated fuel circulates, change the oil and filter, and flush the engine. Drain water from livewells, the bilge, and lines, and add antifreeze where needed.
Clean and dry the hull and interior, remove cushions and electronics, and charge or remove the battery. Check the trailer tires, bearings, and lights, and consider jack stands to keep weight off the tires. Use a breathable, fitted cover, and visit every month or two to check for pests, moisture, and tire pressure.
Nearby state park lakes can fill the gap. Lake Milton and Mosquito Lake are both state park lakes in the region and are worth checking when a local lake is closed. Check each park's current ramp status, boat rules, and any horsepower or size limits before you tow.
Keep your boat registration current, and call ahead on busy weekends. If you only plan to launch a few times a year, storing the boat near home and towing to the water on trip days is often simpler than leaving it at a distant marina.
The facility keeps things simple. It has outdoor spaces for cars, trailers, boats, and RVs, plus indoor units with individual alarms. The property uses 24/7 surveillance with AI motion detection, and you can reserve online in three steps and sign your agreement online.
A local facility also saves time. You can move your boat in once, then pick it up whenever a new launch plan comes together.
The Guilford closure is temporary, but it affects an entire season or more. Pick a storage space that fits your boat, prepare it for the long haul, and choose a nearby lake for the meantime.
If you are planning around the drawdown, Spartan Store All can help you find a space that fits your boat and trailer. Rent Storage Online to check available spaces and reserve yours.