Rack Storage info - The Hull Truth

okaj75 · 10-11-2005, 04:06 PM

i am going to be indoor rack storing a 21' center console for the 1st time in SE florida.....is there anything i should know or be aware of when it come to rack storage?.....i am very conscious to keeping my boat clean and looking like new....has anybody had any issues when it comes to extra wear and tear on a boat from rack storage? thank you

Glen E · 10-11-2005, 04:18 PM

look above you...is the boat clean and neat and not leaking any fluids - that will tell if you need a cover or not - my experience it's not your boat that causes problems, it's others above you...

lrc · 10-11-2005, 06:11 PM

Ditto. It's the guy above that's going to drip into your boat. Cover will help tremendously.

My boat actually stays cleaner now that it's in my lift at my dock than it did in dry storage.

Drifter · 10-11-2005, 06:50 PM

A boat will indeed get dirty inside, but in my experience, everything that gets on it will come off. Inside the boat is protected better from the elements (especially sunshine). Though it make take a little effort cleaning from time to time, the boat will stay new-looking much longer if kept inside. (That being said, it's tough to beat a slip for convenience and enjoyment.)

I suggest tipping the dock hands and forklift driver from time to time. And be aware that the marina will likely be quite busy on nice weekends and holidays.

dodmarlin · 10-11-2005, 08:03 PM

At my marina the boat above you is responsible for any damage done to your boat, oil, gas dripping etc. Your boat will look good longer but you still need to wax it a couple of times a year. The only thing I don't like is you do need to rinse your boat off before you go out because of the soot and dust kicked up by the fork lift, don't forget about the T-top.

MI Ben · 10-11-2005, 08:44 PM

I'm going to add another question here - can you rack store an inboard?

rwidman · 10-11-2005, 08:59 PM

If you can get the top rack you won't have to wory about anything leaking from the boat above yours. Be sure you carry insurance and that the insurance company knows the boat is in a boatel. A boat fire can be devastating in these circumstances. Trim tabs can be damaged by forklift operators if they are not carefull.

greyg8r · 10-11-2005, 09:42 PM

"is there anything i should know or be aware of when it come to rack storage?"

Yep, HURRICANES!!! Make sure you know who is liable for damage from a hurricane or make provisions to get it the heck out of there!

Those pics of a marina in Pine Island that collapsed from Hurricane Charley last year are nasty...

LiLTony43 · 10-11-2005, 10:08 PM

Do yourself a favor...........get to know the lift operator real well.....take a picture of your boat bow to stern include the rub rail . Take a look at the other boats in the rack they may show sign's of just how careful the lift driver's are.

thataway · 10-11-2005, 10:09 PM

Most of the dry storages around Pensacola blew down in Ivan most boats damaged--I salvaged one of the boats.
I had looked at another boat in dry storage--on the bottom row. The upholustery had been ruined by oil dripping from boats above. I would recommend a full cockpit or upholustery cover.

Fever Mike · 10-11-2005, 10:20 PM

Inside or out storage no matter what COVER IT! The soot from the fork lift will dirty up the interior faster than you will ever believe. Plus animals love to get in opn boats and make a home!

lrc · 10-12-2005, 07:29 AM

dodmarlin is correct. The year I was in dry storage, I usually had to rinse the boat off before using to get rid of the soot from the diesel fork lifts. Still, dry storage kept the boat out of the weather and that was good.

If I went out early, buying doughnuts for the lift crew and check in shack was a good idea. Get to know them well.

Another item, most boatels require proof of insurance as your insurance will be what pays for any disasters (hurricanes, fires). Make sure your insurance is up to par. Unless you care to sue, the boatel will not be liable for any reimbursements. Check your lease contract.

MikeM8560 · 10-12-2005, 09:51 PM

.Don't forget to tip the forklift guys. And the local canvas shops will know the lowdown how good the forklift guys are. I got on place that is terrible. I had to repair a t top canvas twice on the same boat last year.

Fever Mike · 10-12-2005, 09:57 PM

Another thing to watch for is how the boat sits on the bunks. Make sure they are adjuested to your boat. You will want to make sure when the boat is put away that the bunks extend past the trasom. If they stop short the weight of the boat agaist the hull bottom will put a hook in the hull in due time. remeber past the transom and if possible support the hull along the strakes.

flyau98 · 10-13-2005, 08:30 AM

I ran into a guy on the reef with 2 dead batteries...I can't explain why he went offshore after this...but.
Batteries were both dead upon his arrival at the marina, forklift guy told him batteries in the upper racks don't ever last more than 2 years (his were over 2) due to because of the heat up top. He jump started his boat hoping it would charge up while he was underway.
Anyways, if you end up top, your batteries might need a bit more attention than normal.
That said, it sure would be nice to keep my boat indoors all the time...

bj · 10-13-2005, 10:41 PM

I looked at a boat once that was rack stored and it had rust stains everywhere. I asked about this and and was told it was from the rusty metal beams above the boat. Evidently the salty air corrodes the beams and then small rust pieces fall on anything below.

jbigwater · 10-14-2005, 02:11 PM

Try and get a top rack, in the ower racks you will get alot of dust settling in the cockpit and you will have to rinse each time before you go out. I am in dry storage and have no problems It is good to have a cover and tip your lift guy so he takes care of you.