Saw the post concerning slip vs mooring, and decided to ask a similar question. Are you on a trailer or in a slip/on a mooring? Why? Would you change?
I was up in Cape St. Claire (near Annapolis) at Fairwinds Marina, and keeping her there on a trailer with full ramp privileges and 24 hr access (with guarantee to not be blocked in by winterized boats, so I could come and go), was approaching $1,700 a year.
Was offered a deal I couldn't refuse...came to the top of the list at the Navy facility, and it costs me a grand total of $235 a year.
Driving time is about 70-90 minutes one way (vice 40-50 minutes to Fairwinds), but savings is worth it. Oh yes...the fishing is better in Mid-Bay.
I decided to stay on the trailer because of costs, I didn't want to mess with bottom paint, and I wanted to be mobile to chase the fish up/down the Ches. Bay, and possibly off of VA Beach, NC, and the OBX. When on a trailer, it also allows me to keep a full cover on her when not in use. Because of the full cover, the topsides have been protected from the UV, and looks like the day I took delivery of her.
I would like the convenience of being in a slip, but at this point in my life, I'll stay on the trailer. When I get older and get tired of launching/recovering, I'll probably go into a slip (actually on a lift if given the opportunity).
BTW, a 25' Parker can be launched/recovered from a trailer by one person fairly easily. Just have to have your ducks lined up. I have an electric winch on the trailer and those tall PVC guide poles which help with the recovery. An no...I don't powerload.
I was up in Cape St. Claire (near Annapolis) at Fairwinds Marina, and keeping her there on a trailer with full ramp privileges and 24 hr access (with guarantee to not be blocked in by winterized boats, so I could come and go), was approaching $1,700 a year.
Was offered a deal I couldn't refuse...came to the top of the list at the Navy facility, and it costs me a grand total of $235 a year.
Driving time is about 70-90 minutes one way (vice 40-50 minutes to Fairwinds), but savings is worth it. Oh yes...the fishing is better in Mid-Bay.
I decided to stay on the trailer because of costs, I didn't want to mess with bottom paint, and I wanted to be mobile to chase the fish up/down the Ches. Bay, and possibly off of VA Beach, NC, and the OBX. When on a trailer, it also allows me to keep a full cover on her when not in use. Because of the full cover, the topsides have been protected from the UV, and looks like the day I took delivery of her.
I would like the convenience of being in a slip, but at this point in my life, I'll stay on the trailer. When I get older and get tired of launching/recovering, I'll probably go into a slip (actually on a lift if given the opportunity).
BTW, a 25' Parker can be launched/recovered from a trailer by one person fairly easily. Just have to have your ducks lined up. I have an electric winch on the trailer and those tall PVC guide poles which help with the recovery. An no...I don't powerload.