According to some boat owners, proper winter storage makes all the difference.

“It’s very difficult to find good storage,” said Joel Bertuzzi of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. “With some places, there’s little to no protection. You might as well leave it outside for the winter.”

That’s not the case at Atlantic Boats, Inc. in Wareham following the grand opening of its brand new, 15,000-square-foot heated storage facility on Saturday.

Bertuzzi and others celebrated the expansion with food, drinks and live music.

A customer since 2009, Bertuzzi said he’s looking forward to keeping his 35-footer inside the storage facility.

Atlantic Boats owner John Cornish said the facility will serve many purposes: from storage in the winter to a repair shop and showroom in the warmer months.

On Saturday, new boats were on display and other vessels were placed inside to demonstrate how much room there is. He estimated the facility will hold 45 boats.

Those boats were previously stored off-site at a different location in town. Cornish said having the new building on the same parcel as its marine supply store, outdoor storage space and maintenance facility will save time. Also, customers will have easier access to their boats during winter.

Cornish credited town officials for helping to smooth the permit process and invited Selectmen and other town departments to the festivities.

Atlantic Boats opened in 1989. The company employs 30 people year-round.