ruizsantana

Here's a good one for discussion... We've got to options to keep our relatively new I/O cruiser, both for roughly the same price. It has twin volvo 5.7Gi's with neutrasalt. I've heard a lot about not keeping I/O's in saltwater, and yet I've seen many people around here who do it and don't have any problems. I've also heard the sun is a boat's worst enemy... So share your knowledge.

1. Covered wet slip. No direct sun!!!. No need for full boat cover. Plus marina dock life. Would need to get bottom and drives painted, and who knows how many haul-outs and maintenance? Would have to do onboard flushing...

2. Uncovered outdoor rack. No bottom paint, outdrives out of water. Flushed every time coming out. Boat exposed to elements/sun. Boat has cockpit cover but most of boat would be exposed unless full custom cover was made (for a 33' boat???)... Or regular application of a 'fiberglass sunblock'?

Now, I know a covered dry stack would be best but the cost is out of this world... Please share your opinions including those of you that have had your I/O's in saltwater and those that have had a boat on an uncovered rack. Some specifics regarding what I should expect in each scenario would be appreciated.

Mumblerone

Slip...you'll use the boat more! Little downside.

t3rockhall

Here's the real poop. Birds love covered slips. Be ready.

djcxxx

I kept my 8.6 meter Trojan (T 260 Merc outdrives) in covered slips at Norview in Deltaville, VA and Piney Narrows on Kent Island Narrows, MD. It was a little more work to keep the outdrives in good shape but the marinas were very enjoyable and the wife and I spent time on the boat even when the weather wasn't so good. We also enjoyed the social life on the dock quite a bit. I currently have a 29 Tiara Coronet that is dry stacked (live in FL now) and wife and I both miss the covered slip even with the extra work. Agree about the birds and there are also spider droppings which need attention, but overall the covered slip would be my choice if I had the option.

Reg23

Covered slip and get an overhead lift installed!
Seriously, if they will let you install a lift then it is the best of both worlds. My uncle has this setup in Texas and I've never been able to find a
similar setup in NC or VA. I agree that with the slip you would probably use the boat more however when faced with the same option I have
opted to keep my boat out of the water. I have mine on a trailer with a custom made cover.

ngirolamo

keeping I/O out drives in saltwater is a recipe for failure, once barnacles and alike form, they must be regularly removed and out drives scraped ,painted, and maintained,,,However, great point, keeping the boat in the water is tops for usage. Any in water solution with regards to saltwater, will mean constant maintenance issues, get ready. ;?

Proline3250

I have done rack, slip and trailer. Racks are great you call before you leave the house by the time you get to the boat its in the water. You come back throw them the keys and leave no springs lines no slip just a nice staging area. Get a top rack if possible so you dont have bilge water dripping on your nice cockpit cover. No bottom paint = 50% less work yearly. I have seen people scrape the paint off the bottom so they can have a rack spot.

As far a the lift is concerned rent one dont buy it if you rent to can change your mind later if you own then you got to worry about have to move it everytime, about location or prices get to high.

chuck