Dry Storage - The Hull Truth

willis w · 06-10-2007, 06:31 PM

I just bought my first boat. I am trying to decide if I should keep my boat a dry storage facility. I will be in the Orange Beach area. I have been by to see them all. Romar has covered space (top and 3 sides, back is open). Zekes and Sportsman have inside space, but are more expensive. What are the pros and cons of not having the back open?

It seems that sun would be an issue ~2hours a day (but can put a cover on the engines and back? Would this be the only issue that is resolved by using a cover?

Also, I have searched the forum and see mixed reviews about the benefits of dry storage, what is the main difference in marinas?

Ocean Breeze · 06-10-2007, 07:53 PM

I had my boat inside for a while. You will have an issue with the diesel smoke from the lifts settling on the boat and the drips from the boats above you. I now store the boat outside. To avoid sun damage just keep the boat waxed regularly and it shouldn't be an issue.

FASTFJR · 06-10-2007, 08:08 PM

If you going to store you boat on a rack try and get the top rack. You won't believe the amount of crap that comes off other boats.

willis w · 06-11-2007, 05:49 PM

Thanks, so it sounds like it it a toss up on just 3 sides covered vs inside. Anybody seen a good cover for center consoles that attach to the t top and connect on the transom tp protect the back from the sun?

Perdido · 06-12-2007, 12:05 AM

I kept my boat at Zeke's for 2 years and then at Sportsman's for 1 after Ivan...I had much more soot at Sportsman's due to the upper rack my boat was on. I took my boat out and put it on a trailor until my lift was repaired and can't tell much difference in sun damage, etc. I do have a full camper cover and I'm sure it helps, but a good wax job a couple times a year and a good cleaning after each trip make all the difference. The boat is a 1998 Pursuit and it still looks good, canvas and windows look near new...better than I expected. If I were to store it inside again, I think I would give the nod to Zeke's...they did a better job of cleaning the boat after each trip, gas was cheaper, and they had the boat prepped and ready to go whenever I called...BTW, I'm only 200-300 yds from Sportsman's. Good luck, Frank

willis w · 06-12-2007, 09:36 AM

Thanks Perdido. That helps me narrow if down, Sportsman is out. It sounds like I am struggling with the difference between a carport and a garage. Both work fine, just a personal preference.
I will be having Yamaha engines, do I need covers if I decide to go with the back open, or is a good wax job good enough to protect?

Frank · 06-12-2007, 10:13 AM

If the fork lift does not run on propane you will be paying them to get your boat dirty. The dry storage I am using now has propane powered fork lifts with white tires to keep down the dirt. My boat will stay clean for over a month due to the well kept facility. The one I was in before was absolutely terrible. I always had to wash my boat before and after I used it.

Perdido · 06-14-2007, 05:12 PM

willis, my engine looks new as well with just a coat of wax, however I am considering a cover for extra protection...the lower portion that does not get waxed looks 10 years old! Good luck, Frank