How does dry boat storage work? Is it only for long periods of time?

Question

What does dry boat storage entail? Can you get your boat in and out of storage on a regular basis, or is it only for storage over long periods of time?

Answer 1

Usually called hi and dry, it is a service at some marinas that allow you to call ahead and have the boat launched and ready when you arrive. When you get back you put it in the slip and they haul it out for you. At higher levels of service they will wash it down also.

Answer 2

dry boat means they take it out of the water. Some places you can get it in and out when you want to. It cost more but money talks.

Answer 3

Are we talking outdoor racks or boatel storage?

Plus to boatel - out of the elements and the boat can be put away without mooring cover. Keeps a boat looking newer for years! Know from experience for we had an 89 Chaparral that was kept in a boatel for 15 years and looked brand new

Negative to boatel - you're limited to when you can get to her. Want to go for a boat ride at 9:00p and they close at 8:00p? Not happening unless you call before they close and make arrangements to have the boat placed in the water. Downside here is you have to leave her in the water overnite and then you have to consider how safe is the marina and the risk of theft?

Boatels or dry storage racks usually are more expensive in that there is marina labor and equipment involved. Our boatel fee for the 25' Chaparral was actually more expensive than it is now for us to keep our 33' Chaparral cruiser in a covered slip.

Recommendation would be to store in a boatel versus outdoor rack just it means less wear and tear on the boat.

Answer 4

Dry storage in Minnesota can mean two things:

1. Winterized boats, inside barns, long periods of time

2. Boats that are removed from the water on a daily basis and put in a rack system on dry land, thus saving marina space. You call a number of hours ahead of time and your boat is waiting at the dock for you when you arrive. This can work very well, if you give them plenty of notice. And, the marina likes to work with it's customers this way. Trouble comes on holiday weekends when the forklift is amazingly busy, and boat owners want their boat on a moment's notice.