all,
my case is somewhat unique, but is instructive i believe.....i have kept
both of my boat for 34 yrs at the same marina, although i visit many,
many others......i am an unambivalent fan of the HI-DRI or "rack" for
mat to storage.......first, there is the SECURITY.....it cant be stolen and
if you choose an upper story, it cant even be boarded or touched without
the marina forklift........there is the additional security of water levels,
ie hurricane isabel in the chesapeake had 8` over high tide levels thru
the bay area.........moorings pulled out, slips crumbled (guess what
happened to the CONTENTS of the crumbled slips ?!), and fixed pole
pulled out cleats and/or sank boats......simply put, the water is not
the ideal place for boat storage, i submit, in any season of the year....
second, there is money/maintenence.....the dry storage does not re
quire bottom painting, never has blistering, never sinks at its slip (read
boat/us recent book on actual claims by bob adriance!), and never
bashes other boats, other objects, or the bottom.......
third, there is convenience......the boat is always ready to go, but you
have 110, water, parts and services, and 24/7 access, ie come at night
and sleep aboard and be ready to go at dawn.......for wash down or
fixing things or just polishing, it is easier on the rack than on the water...
the advantage to a marina OWNER is you can put more boats in less
space.........the "density" is high(er), and requires much less water front
property...........inside a barn is the ultimate in protection yearround, but
outside is fine too........since you get paid yearly per boat, as well as
make money off gas, accessories, and repairs, THE MORE BOATS YOU
HOUSE, THE MORE PROFIT YOU MAKE.......lately, "expansion" means
a multiyear tussle with the e.p.a., the corps, the state, and god-knows-
else.......adding another rack on shore or another barn isnt a big deal....
at my marina, they take full advantage of the forklifts, such that boats
can be brought into the shop for work yearround vs. work outside......
the forklifts are truly amazing machines, and handle 30+ feet boats
with ease........if you need to work on the i/o, then can lift it up so you
can work at eye-level vs UNDER the boat.......they can put it in on your
phone call and tie it up at a floating dock for very early or very late
departures........i have 24/7 access to my boat, in-water or on-rack,
my choice......
thus, my suggestion to you is to jump into the forklift/hi-dri business....
acres of boats in the water full time just doesnt make sense to me from
either the marina owner`s or the boat owner`s interests.......dan