dry dock (in/out service)

[SeaRay4EVR]

I am considering using a dry dock (in/out service) in hopes to get more use out of my 2007 SeaRay 185 Sport. I live in the midwest and therefore contend with busy ramps and long delays. This is really a drag for those I bring out on the boat. Because of this hassel I find myself avoiding perfect weather days as I know everyone else has the same idea. I feel having the ability to call ahead have my boat "gently" placed in the water before I arrive would be ideal as my boat would be out of the elements but reduce my towing and waiting time.

Has anyone used such service or offer any advice/feedback?

 

[techmitch]

they usually workout great, just remember if you don't get back by the time the marina closes your boat sits out overnight unattended

 

[DCarl320]

I use a outdoor dry storage where they store on my trailer, and it works great for me. There have been a few occasions where my boat wasn't in the water when expected, but the guys had no problems with launching it ASAP even on the busy days.

And occasionally it was a bit of a drag coming in after hours and the dock being full, a little difficult to find a place to tie the boat up for the night, but it was a small price to pay for the convenience.

If price is not an issue, I would definitely go for it.

 

[skibum]

That's how I store my 260DA and I like it. I've had the same issues as DCarl320 but they are just minor annoyances.

Only once did I have a hard time finding a spot a night. Dang friends of the owner came in on a 40 something catamaran with a few other boats and gummed up the whole works. Of course, they were a partying bunch and helped us tie off to one of the other boats that was with them. Then gave us beer... So, all in all I'd have to say that even that wasn't really a problem.

And once or twice I've had to wait a couple of minutes for them to launch my boat because they missed a voicemail... Again, no real problem.

Michael

 

[Kurt]

This has been discussed before check this thread:http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13640&highlight=dry+stack+storage

There is some good info here including my thoughts.

 

[SeaRay4EVR]

Thanks everyone for you quick reply. I apologize for the duplicate post. Kurt, I will take a look at the other posts.

Just got back from the local boat show and still feel Sea Rays are the way to go!

Also picked up some informaton on in/out service on my favorite lake.

Thanks again!

 

[IntrepidSB]

I dry-stack at our marina and am very happy. I think this is due to a large part on the quality of the crew involved - very high (Smith Boys, Tonawanda, NY) Usually, from the time I show up at the the dock, I am in the water within 15 minutes. They also typically put the boat back on the shelf within the same amount of time. I can also stay in a transient slip without any problem. If you want to sit on the boat on a hot day and watch the scenery at the marina you can also hook up in a transient slip. I think - again - because of the quality of the crew its a great experience and i would highly recommend it (would probably have second thoughts if they seemed like knuckleheads).

 

[billandamy]

Of course, they were a partying bunch and helped us tie off to one of the other boats that was with them. Then gave us beer... So, all in all I'd have to say that even that wasn't really a problem.

lol...Yea, Id say that's pretty much win-win!

 

[dpmulvey]

It's a great way to go. If it is indoor storage, it is the only way to go.

 

[mfreez]

We keep our boat (230 select) in a dry forklift storage system on the potomac river, we live about 20 minutes from the water and the dry system is incredible. Without the marina we would need to back the truck up to the boat, hook up, tow to the marina, launch, put truck and trailer away, and then go boating. With the fork lift service, we call the marina when we are leaving and the boat is generally floating when we arrive. The convenience is well worth it, we use the boat when we have a couple of hours before a kids ball game or afterwork on a weekday. We would never do this if we had to trailer. I feel spoiled by the service and will use it as long as I can afford too.

 

[TUna Mas]

Locally, the Shipyard provides rack service, but the common complaint is that they close early. If your provider stays open late, that's a good thing! Sometimes I don't know until later than closing time that I'm free to head out, so we have a berth, and still get good quality time! From prior posts here, we're on the Northern border of Sea Ray country! :smt021

 

[minnesota]

I had the in and out service on my 23ft four winns and relly liked it. They put it in with a huge forklift. It is much more gentle on your boat than keeping it in the water in my opinion because in bad weather it's protected and doesn't need to be acid washed at the end of the year. You'll love it if you've been trailering your boat, waaaaaaaay less hassle and headaches...but you pay for the convenience.

 

[Bergman]

We have had our boat in dry storage for about 3 years now and absolutely love it. I have only had one problem and that was last summer. We got back late and had to tie up to the transient dock. Someone sideswiped the boat and completely trashed the port side graphics. Thankfully (and miraculously) there was no fiberglass damage. The A-holes didn't leave a note, talk to the manager, nothing. Karma will get them...

Other than that one incident, nothing but good times. Beware, though. Once you put your boat in dry storage you will never want to go back to trailering!!

 

[Bill Z]

My family uses this service in Lake George NY and we truly love it. Our boat is in new condition for being 7 years old and helps a little bit in the resale value. You also have a level of comfort in inclement weather. I susspect it really comes down to cost and the boat handlers that you are dealing with. Cudos to Bolting Landing Marina and it's staff ! We are grateful to you !