- Nov 26, 2006
- 7,628
- Boat Info
- 2008 44 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
DRY SLIP - PERIOD
It appears that none of the wet slippers have had dry storage. I've had both.
I call on my way to the boat and tell them if I want ice, beer, soda, etc, and it's sitting there waiting for me ready to go. They'll even fill the gas tank and pump the head. I jump on, start the engines, and the dock guys untie me. (My wife doesn't need to help dock) When I return, they catch my lines, HOSE HER DOWN and put her up. If they're not busy, they help unload and etc. Fortunately, my Marina has extra guest slips that we can use, so I can have them put it in for the weekend if I want to hang out.
PROS
* Elbows, Risers & Manifolds last a lot longer - Mine (on a '04) have barely any rust.
* Bellows last a lot longer
* Thru hole fittings & etc last much longer
* Dock lines & bumpers stay clean and flexable - they last forever
* Hull stays in pristine condition
* If inside storage, Canvas, upholstery, wax lasts forever. No rain. No black streaks. No bird poop. No wind damage.
* Zincs last forever - still have the originals, going to replace them next year
* Bad weather & hurricanes? - I'm inside protected.
* Salt water? Hull is hosed down and Engines are flushed with fresh water.
* Can wax frequently since it's out of the water
* No bottom paint. No scraping off last years paint. No cleaning out fittings, etc.
* No pull-out fees for cleaning / maintenance, etc.
* Dry & less humid - my boat isn't in the water, and the bilge is always dry, and so is the cabin, etc.
* Most marinas have unlimited "splashes" and work racks to do maintenance, waxing, etc. All for no extra charge.
* No need to worry about sinking or serious damage if your zincs, manifolds, through-hulls, bellows, scuppers or other things fail
* Dry-storage boats generally have a better resale value (especially if unpainted)
* Seriously, I could go on and on.
CONS
* If your dry storage doesn't have wet slips, this does suck.
I agree completely. My next boat is staying in the show room. I won't have any wear at all. Sorry for the comletely sarcastic and un-called for reply. You have made several valid arguments for dry storage.
I visit my boat at least 3 days a week. In the winter, I watch sunset almost every day, from our slip, looking over the barrier island. When we got back to the dock today, I fresh water rinsed the engines, rinsed the outside, put the dinghy away, then sat down to brunch with my wife. We visited with friends as they passed our slip. Sometimes I work nights. If I'm going to miss my family anyone, some times I'll head down to the dock after work and watch the stars and the little critters in the water. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, wet slip.
We live in N Fl. I had the bottom paint re-done 2 years ago Jan (2007). Last week, I commissioned my first power-scrubbing (did the rest myself). Though we had the running gear re-done last Jan (2008) along with the zincs, Rob told me that the paint looks great (2.2 years) and the zincs are fine (1.2 years).
You will need to keep on top of it, but it's no problem. Like I've posted here before, our boat can cost up to $235/hour to run it, but costs about $20/hour that we're on it. Them are some good numbers.