High and Dry Storage

[copb8tx]

I'm not sure many Sea Ray owners use high and dry storage facilities but would like to hear from those that do, or have.

Depending on a possible move we may be making in SWFL it will become necessary to store my boat in a H&D. I see some pros and cons to this but have some questions on what's the norm. The location would be Loggerhead Marina in St. Pete's.

Here are my questions in no particular order
- Can you work on your boat at any level? Maybe not engine work, but electronics, etc.?
- Do you typically cover your boat?
- Because the hours are fairly narrow apparently it's common to leave your boat tied to the courtesy docks over night if you arrive late, or if you want the boat very early. Does this pose a theft/damage issue?
- Because I don't want to pay high Pinellas County storage rates for the trailer I think I would sell it. Is there any such thing as trailer rentals should I need one?
- Should I be worried about damage done by the marina putting up and taking it out?

What else is there to consider? I may have the option of renting a slip with a lift but that opens up a whole other set of challenges and risks.

 

[FootballFan]

When we had a boat on the other side of the state, I used a high and dry storage for our tender. Will share my responses to your questions with what I experienced at that facility.

Here are my questions in no particular order
- Can you work on your boat at any level? Maybe not engine work, but electronics, etc.?
No. No access to boat after it moved into storage.

- Do you typically cover your boat?
Was not an option. Pull up to the dock and tie it off. They took everything from there.

- Because the hours are fairly narrow apparently it's common to leave your boat tied to the courtesy docks over night if you arrive late, or if you want the boat very early. Does this pose a theft/damage issue?

Never worried about this. Always picked up and dropped off during their open windows.

- Because I don't want to pay high Pinellas County storage rates for the trailer I think I would sell it. Is there any such thing as trailer rentals should I need one?

No idea.

- Should I be worried about damage done by the marina putting up and taking it out?

I never had an issue.

 

[Stee6043]

I'm not sure many Sea Ray owners use high and dry storage facilities but would like to hear from those that do, or have.

Depending on a possible move we may be making in SWFL it will become necessary to store my boat in a H&D. I see some pros and cons to this but have some questions on what's the norm. The location would be Loggerhead Marina in St. Pete's.

Here are my questions in no particular order
- Can you work on your boat at any level? Maybe not engine work, but electronics, etc.?
- Do you typically cover your boat?
- Because the hours are fairly narrow apparently it's common to leave your boat tied to the courtesy docks over night if you arrive late, or if you want the boat very early. Does this pose a theft/damage issue?
- Because I don't want to pay high Pinellas County storage rates for the trailer I think I would sell it. Is there any such thing as trailer rentals should I need one?
- Should I be worried about damage done by the marina putting up and taking it out?

What else is there to consider? I may have the option of renting a slip with a lift but that opens up a whole other set of challenges and risks.

I've had two boats in rack storage before, and now currently keep my dinghy in rack (as you call "H&D").

My experiences:
1.) No, I've never seen a marina allow you to work on the boats when in the rack. They'll move the boat to a "cleaning rack" outside to allow you to clean it and work inside. Some marinas charge for this "cleaning rack" move, some don't.

2.) If you're on the top rack, no worries . I'd recommend covering the boat. Bugs, boats above dripping, boats above leaking oil...it can and does happen.

3.) I regularly left my boats outside in the courtesy docks overnight to be picked up when the marina opens in the AM. I think risk of theft depends on the marina. I never had any issues in West MI.

4.) Not sure on this one...

5.) They move boats in and out alllllll day long. I think you're far more likely to damage your own boat than they are. Be sure to tip your lift operators!

 

[copb8tx]

Thanks guys.

Do you tip in and out? What's typical?

 

[Stee6043]

Thanks guys.

Do you tip in and out? What's typical?

Highly variable. I toss 'em a $20 four or five times a season. I know the high rollers around here probably toss 'em $50's every time they touch the boat

 

[JeffM]

We’ve kept our 260 in a rack for about 15 of the 19 years we’ve owned her. Many of the answers to your questions are “it depends”. Various facilities have their own rules, so it’s best to check the contract and fine print. Our marina has both wet slips and dry stack.

At one point 10 years ago or so the marina owner wanted to retire and sold the marina to a fellow who also owned a gas station. He tried to run it like his gas station, forbidding external contractors, discouraging owner from working on their own boats, and generally being an a$$hole. We moved to a nearby wet-slip marina and, three years later after he defaulted on the loan and the original owner took it back, we came back. So read the contract!

Our boat has always been on the bottom level, and we are allowed to do some work on it. However, there isn’t a good source of electricity or water in the racks, and the boats are pretty close together, so we typically have her moved to a “work rack”, located adjacent to the racks and under cover. There is no charge for them moving her around.

We originally kept the eisenglass enclosure up when she was stored, but that made it tough for the forklift operators to see, so we bought a mooring cover and have used that since.

Security of boats moored overnight waiting to be lifted is much the same as in the rest of the marina. I’d it’s a secure marina, you don’t have to worry.

We don’t own a trailer, so I can’t answer that question. However, the marina does offer trailer storage. No idea how expensive it is.

Yes, damage caused by moving the boat is a potential issue. We found a nice, long scrape in the side of the boat and, coincidentally, some white powder on the slightly-protruding rubrail screws on the neighboring boat. After I pointed it out to the manager, the marina fixed it for us.

One advantage to a rack that is often overlooked is the accessibility to the sides and bottom of your boat. Keeping her clean is much easier than when we were in a wet slip! And we only need to bottom-paint every few years (I think we’re on Year 7 of this coat).

We don’t tip (except the gas dock girl), but do bring donuts and coffee every so often.

 

[BillK2632]

I have had my boat in dry storage for about 10yrs now, my old SeaRay and now my Cobalt. Overall I like it, I could get a wet slip with a lift at the same marina, but I don't see any benefit for me, plus it's a good bit more expensive.

To answer your questions;
- Can you work on your boat at any level? Maybe not engine work, but electronics, etc.?
Generally no, they put the boat on a wash rack for minor repairs, cleaning etc.
No extra charge for wash rack - many times I put it on the rack in the morning for some cleaning or work, then in the water later.
They say one launch per day, but are pretty lenient on it occasionally. Just don't want to be putting the boat up and taking it back out 2-3 times a day.
- Do you typically cover your boat?
Yes! Depending where you are, the boat can get dirty, dust, soot, etc from the lifts and of course birds. My marina keeps a hose and a leaf blower handy, to blow or rinse off when launching.
- Because the hours are fairly narrow apparently it's common to leave your boat tied to the courtesy docks over night if you arrive late, or if you want the boat very early. Does this pose a theft/damage issue?
I do this occasionally, take the boat out after dark for dinner or something, never an issue. They put it up first thing the next morning, send me a text or a picture! Opened 8am - dark during summer, so not issue for me.
- Because I don't want to pay high Pinellas County storage rates for the trailer I think I would sell it. Is there any such thing as trailer rentals should I need one? Don't know on that one.
- Should I be worried about damage done by the marina putting up and taking it out?
Well, I worry, but in 10yrs never any damage -- although some "rash" on the bottom from the lift booms is to be expected. For me it cleans off ok.

What else is there to consider? I may have the option of renting a slip with a lift but that opens up a whole other set of challenges and risks.

Other things:
-I am in a rack that is 2 tall, mine is on top. For the most part I hardly wash my boat in the summer. Salt water would be different, but for a me I sponge it off in the water or wipe it down as they are lifting it out. I only put it on the rack and really wash it once a month or so.
-The folks at my marina have become friends, they know I am particular and really make an effort to take care of my boat. A tip, a cold drink, food, all goes a long way.

The negatives - at lease for me:
Sometimes I feel rushed when coming back in and they are busy. There is limited dock space so they move pretty quick when it is busy. Also, if the lift is backed up, you might need to leave your boat there until the lift gets to it. Again this is just me, I trust the guys, but I like to see the boat in it's rack when I leave! It's not always like this, but I just like to have time to put things away a certain way.
For the most part there is no hanging around like when you have a slip. The dry storage is really setup to get the boat in, maybe get some ice, snacks in the store, gas then go. Same coming back - come in, button the boat up and your done. A lot of people like that, I just don't like to be rushed.

I thought not having full access to the boat would bother me, but really I have enjoyed using it this way. For me, knowing it put away in a building give me a piece of mind I did not have when my boat was in a slip.

 

[copb8tx]

@BillK2632 thank you for taking so much time to respond. Very much appreciated.

I like the social part of being in a marina. A lot. Where I am now is unique and I've made some good friends there. It's like a marina atmosphere but on land. So I hope I don't miss that aspect too much.

 

[Golfman25]

I'll chime in on the trailer. I wouldn't sell. If Pinellas County storage is too expensive, drive it a few hours inland. I'm sure you'll be able to find some field somewhere to leave it in. Trailer rental for boats seems like it would be a PIA.

 

[highslice]

@copb8tx I have only ever known having a boat in a high and dry. As several here have said, some of your questions vary by marina. I love being in rack storage with my boat out of the sun when I'm not using it. In 18 years there has only been one major accident with them handling my boat, in 2019 they left the bimini up and ripped the windshield off of my boat putting it in the rack. The owner stepped up to pay for it, the problem was getting it made. They tried for 9 months to get a new one. It was made and installed 6 weeks after I took over that process. In hindsight, I would have handled the whole process myself. They did scratch my gelcoat on another occasion and paid for that as well. But in general I trust the guys.

In my case, they do not have in-house mechanics so there are no issues with binging in outside mechanics. I can also do whatever I like to my boat, just a call to ask them to put it on a work bunk with hose access. I winterize and change the oil every fall myself. I usually wash and polish the boat every spring, except this year I don't have time so I'm paying someone.

My boat will be 16 years old this year. Last spring was the first time I had to address any oxidation on the gelcoat (it was very light), which is amazing. I have no UV damage to the vinyl. That is a big advantage to indoor storage.

I leave the boat on the courtesy dock often over night. We have never had anything stolen off the boat or any vandalism. We do cover the boat because the lift is diesel. I usually throw a few hundred dollars into the shared tip box once or twice a year depending on what I ask them to do. But I only do it when no one can see me do it. I give the managers a bottle of their preferred alcohol every year. But quite frankly, being friendly, kind and respectful goes much further than cash and booze. We make it a point to get to know the staff and speak to them by name. That alone gets me a lot of preferential treatment. It is amazing how few people do this and treat the employees like servants.

We do not have a trailer. My mechanic has several and one of those is configured to fit my boat. He charges me a minimal charge if I ever need it.

My $.02 FWIW.

 

[copb8tx]

Thank you highslice. Seems there can be some real advantages as well. I guess we'll see how the offer goes.

 

[Pirate Lady]

When we had a boat on the other side of the state, I used a high and dry storage for our tender. Will share my responses to your questions with what I experienced at that facility.

Here are my questions in no particular order
- Can you work on your boat at any level? Maybe not engine work, but electronics, etc.?
No. No access to boat after it moved into storage.

- Do you typically cover your boat?
Was not an option. Pull up to the dock and tie it off. They took everything from there.

- Because the hours are fairly narrow apparently it's common to leave your boat tied to the courtesy docks over night if you arrive late, or if you want the boat very early. Does this pose a theft/damage issue?

Never worried about this. Always picked up and dropped off during their open windows.

- Because I don't want to pay high Pinellas County storage rates for the trailer I think I would sell it. Is there any such thing as trailer rentals should I need one?

No idea.

- Should I be worried about damage done by the marina putting up and taking it out?

I never had an issue.

No need to repost my thoughts, this sums it up pretty well. I tried it for 1 year. Did not like it, cost was about the same as a slip, and I had limited access to my boat.