DRY DOCKING STORAGE

J

JAKE7746

New member
I am thinking about taking CDORY to Florida and having it in storage where they offer in and out service> I would like to know if ok that they fork the boat in and out> Some boats need to be done with Sling such as a Sea cat that I have> Thanks for whoever has input> Jake
 
The C Dory can be easily fork lifted. There are many dry storage places in Florida. However if you are storing during hurricane season, be aware that many of these storage facilities fall down during the storms....so be prepared to get the boat out of the area.
 
I had my CC in a Hi & Dry storage the three years I had it. They used a big forklift and just scooped it up. Very handy.
 
I do like the dry storage racks. I have had a 22 Cruiser stored in a boatel. Now I have a 25 Cruiser. The personnel at the marina are very friendly and helpful. They ask if I want to be in the water or a work rack . The 22 Cruiser is a narrow beam. it is more difficult for the drivers to get it centered and stable. The 25 has a wider bottom and is better for the drivers. by storing our boat in a boatel, Theft, rain winds and direct sun damage is lessened. I do have three trips a day. To the water,out to a work rack ,then back inside. They will also put the boat on a trailer and take it of. :D :thup
 
One of our favorite marinas is the Pilot house Marina in Key Largo. They have good people and have rack storage and used slings on our boat when they lifted us out for 40 dollars and put us right on our trailer. Power washing was extra. You can see on page two of our photo album listed as Ft Pierce to Key West. Key Largo is not to far from Marathon about 45 miles by boat and it's only another 60 miles or so by boat to Key West. We got a pretty decent transient slip price by staying for a week or longer. Good restaurants, fish market close by,nice shower and laundry facilities. There is a decent boat ramp over at the John Pennecamp state park about four miles away. The ramp fee if I remember is about 15 dollars. The Pilothouse Marina is a very cool spot.
D.D.
 
Hi Jake;
Interesting question about the "other half' of boat storage.

I may not be in your travel path, but besides any cost comparison, there are some subtle differences you may want to think about in addition to what already has been noted.

Sea Angel has been in a Dry Storage facility since we commissioned her in September 2004. The crew at Marina Shores treat my CD25 as if it were their own, after all you just don't want them to drop one of our babies. Unfortunately that did happen at a facility near us and it's one of the reasons I choose this one.

It is first class and there is a very short distance from the storage rack to the water. The crew moves the boats without haste so it does not 'bounce around or swing about in the air'.

You will most likely find all the facilities will require a certification of your insurance in case of damage; as an example - a fire. Ask if you have to use 'their maintenance crew' for any work you feel you can not perform. If so, what are they certified and insured for. What kind and where can any maintenance be done.

Observe the facility crews working during a weekend, if possible. How do they work as a team, do they have any nautical knowledge with boat handling at the piers (knots, fenders, use of cleats, etc.) and how do they conduct themselves.

These may seem like simple things, but what and how you and your "investment" are treated will go a long way to enhancing your day on the water.

Please don't overlook how well the facility presents itself besides its structure: with its grounds, parking, rest rooms, ramps, fork lift conditions, how they handle oil or other stuff that may stain your boat while within the barn(walk through it for telltales), docks and work racks; just to mention a few more 'small things'.

OK, I got a little carried away but I hope it helped.

Art
 
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