trailer it or moor it

[StriperHerring]

I bought my first boat this year that I'm currently trailering. It's easy to trailer....a 20' center console.....and trailering gives me the flexibility to travel to different locations. I've got the opportunity to get on a mooring next season and I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons. Certainly, having the boat on a mooring would make it easier to run out for a quick trip but like I said I like being able to travel with the boat to different locations.....of course I can still do this if its on the mooring. My main question is about costs associated with mooring. I know the costs associated with a mooring block, chain, etc and bottom paint (the boat currently doesn't have bottom paint) but are there other costs? Does having the boat on the mooring increase the upkeep costs much or at all? A newbie question but any advice would be appreciated.

[Babesaurus]

IMO - keep trailering it. I live on a canal with a boat lift - have not used the lift in two years. Trailer to my neighbors ramp at the begnning of the canal, back it down and drive off. Trailer stays in the water, come home and drive right back on to the trailer - hook up and I'm home, flush it, rinse it and back under the house it goes. In my case it is quicker to trailer then lower the lift and idle all the way down the canal.

Most important - trailering it will allow a good cleaning and flush not to mention getting it out of the water. If it is on the trailer it won't sink and is much tougher to steal than on a mooring buoy!

[reelyfeluhrs25]

keep in on the trailer.

[bjm9818]

Don't forget you need a boat to get to your boat on a mooring.

Even if they offer a launch service it doesn't run 24/7 so some times you will find yourself rowing out to your boat. Do that once or twice and you will put it back on the trailer or get a slip.

[lmcfad01]

Something you have to think about...If trailering makes you think twice about using the boat because of what is involved then you may want to consider mooring or slip.

[blueflyer]

I live on the water in rented condo with a boat slip and a lift. After doing the lift/slip thing for a bit, I now keep my boat on the trailer. Working on a boat which is in the water is a major PITA. Plus, you'll need bottom paint lest you enjoy watching an ecosystem develop, rapidly, on your hull.

[lmcfad01]

Yea, I guess with a 20 footer, trailering will be easier...but not with a 28' WA....real PITA by yourself!!

blueflyer, you think you need bottom paint even if the boat is on a lift?? just curious because I didnt think so but never kept on a lift before.

[blueflyer]

If it's on a lift or trailer, you don't need bottom paint. Just rinse it after use. I meant to point out that if you moor it, bottom paint is one more issue to take into account.

[ndb8fxe]

Trailer. It's so easy with this size boat.

[StriperHerring]

Thanks guys. Think I'm going to continue trailering for a while. A 20 footer is a snap to launch and retrieve and I like to travel to different spots. Also, I like being able to wash the whole rig down and flush the engine with fresh water after each trip.