Boat Storage Options | Dry Boat Stacking
Dry rack boat storage is becoming increasingly popular. As prime wet boat storage space at marinas and yacht clubs fill up boaties are looking for an alternative. For boaties with trailer boats public boat ramps at Australia’s major cities are becoming increasingly busy. Anyone who has recently experienced the wait at one of Perth’s major ramps on a public holiday during summer can attest to how ridiculous the lines to launch have become. The once rare occurrence of being turned away due to lack of parking at a public ramp is becoming more common. The indication is that this problem is only going to get worse, with previously unused land being developed rather than converted into much needed parking space. For Western Australian’s the department of transports most recent report, Perth Boating and Recreational Boating Facilities 2008 predicts more pressure on public boat ramps in future years. Estimates from this report suggest that recreational boat numbers in Perth will continue to increase from 48,468 in 2007 to a projected 84,857 in 2025.
When considering boat storage options it pays to weigh up what you plan on using your boat for and what is important to you. Dry boat storage’s biggest advantage is its stress free. Showing up to the marina and having your boat pre-launched, fueled and packed with ice certainly has its appeal. Especially considering how busy ramps are getting lately. But it does have its disadvantages as well. For example if you like to go on long road trips with your boat, racking would require you store your trailer in a second storage space. This article weighs up the main benefits of dry boat storage so you can see if dry boat storage for you.
What are the Advantages of Dry Boat Stacking?
Ease of Use
Firstly when it comes to stress free boat launching you can’t go past a boat rack facility. What can be easier than calling or booking to have your boat launched then arriving at the marina with your boat brought down, fueled up and ready to go. At the end of the day you return and head home leaving the staff to wash down your boat and put it back on the rack with their custom boat lifters.
Security – Keeping Your Boat Safe and Secure
Unless you have your boat stored in a lock-up garage you can’t go past a boat storage facility for security. Boat dry stacks require you to have access to a boat lift to retrieve your boat so you can be pretty sure your boat is safe in the rack. Furthermore there is the added peace of mind of a secure facility preventing theft and vandalism. Another common issue is break-in in cars parked at boat ramps. Leaving your car for a weekend at some of Perth’s public boat ramp facilities is asking for trouble. At a boat lifter such as Blue HQ your car is safe and secure while you enjoy your time on the water.
Maintenance and Protection – Keeps Your Boat in Good Shape
Keeping your boat in a dry covered rack offers your boat the best form of protection for your pride and joy. If your vessel can be stored on a trailer in a shed at home this offers similar protection. The problem is most sheds are not built to a dimension to fit a trailer boat. Furthermore placing your boat in your garage is likely to leave no space for your car exposing it to the same damage. If your boat is in wet storage, exposure to the elements is at its highest. Leaving a boat in the water all year speeds up the corrosion and fouling processes on the motor, running gear and hull. Not to mention the added worry if your loved vessel is sitting in the water during the winter storms, stressing about the boat and ropes every time a gust of wind comes along.
Cost – Saves you Money
Often the perception is that dry boat storage is significantly more expensive than storing your boat on a trailer. On face value storing your boat at home on a trailer is probably the least expensive solution. However this requires you to have a suitable place at home to store your boat. There are significant cost savings that must be taken into account when assessing dry boat vs trailer boat storage such as:
- No cost of mortgage or rent on space for your boat. The days of everyone having plenty of yard space are gone. If your current residence doesn’t have a suitable place to store your boat you’re likely to find the cheaper option is dry boat storage compared to updating your home.
- No need for expensive tow vehicle. Towing a heavy boat can be hard on even the toughest vehicles. As such maintenance costs on the tow vehicle are significant as well as purchase costs, registration and insurance
- No cost of purchasing trailer, trailer maintenance, registration or insurance
- No parking fees at boat ramps
- Time is money nowadays. Waiting in line at boat ramps, organising your boat before you leave and inspecting and maintaining your boat trailer are all significant time costs.
- Fuel savings as dry storage facilities have immediate ocean access you don’t have to tow your boat to the water.
For those who store their boat in wet pens choosing dry stacking has significant cost savings:
- No yacht club pen fees and the extras
- No annual haul out costs
- Time and money spent antifouling is eliminated
- No prop speed reduction and costs
What are the Arguments against Dry Boat Stocking?
- The most common perceived disadvantage of dry stacking is that you can only launch in one place. However the best dry stacking facilities such as Blue HQ can store your boat trailer at their secure facility. Or provide a rental trailer to you for extended trips. This means you don’t have to worry about giving up your annual trip to Exmouth or the Abrolhos Islands.
- You do need to pre-book a launch so last minute trips may be delayed. Usually this requires only 1 hour notice. Once you take into account hooking the boat up, fueling up and launching, the time needed to actually being on the water is similar between trailer boats and dry stacks.
- Working on your boat needs to be pre-booked so you can have access to a hard stand. Blue HQ has boat stacks available every day or work can be done on water if you prefer.
For more information on boat stacking contact Blue HQ’s helpful staff.