How would you handle this?

[Kurt]

I have kept my boat in dry storage all this year and as the season progressed I kept seeing black streaks about 6 inches long on exactly both sides of the hull as the boat was being lifted out of the water.

So, I pulled it out to inspect it and found extensive rubber ground into the hull exactly where the forklift picks up the boat. I also found a PERFECT 6 inch scuff down to the glass on the front of the keel. (no other marks near the keel).

The Marina refused to clean the hull and said that is just part of the dry storage. It took me 6 hours and $50 worth of special compound to get it off. We went round and round about the scuff until I climbed on the steel I-beam that holds the bunks and found a nice pile of white glass where the keel would be. They offered to pay for that... go figure?

In the mean time I bought a lift and rented a slip at another marina to put a stopto this ongoing nonsense but the dry storage marina will not let me out of my contract 5 months left. (of note I have a been a customer of there for 3 years).

So, I picked up the boat for winter service and routine maintainence and found those %#$@! streaks again. Is there any way legally to get a partial refund from these idiots because basically I am paying for 2 services for 5 months....about $1000 wasted.

 

[Nehalennia]

That's frustrating. Have you talked to them again about it?
My last storage yard I just left after a prop was stolen, someone backed into my "Vinyl Garage" and then the yard called me to say that "hey you need to come fix your tent it's leaning on the van next to you",

I get there and see one of the tent poles bent over like someone backed into it.
I asked them about that. "HUH"

I left, screw their contract.
Make them take you to court.

Or hire Michael Douglas "Falling Down" style

 

[Dave S]

If it's something you prepaid there is likely nothing you can do about it. However there may be an out of sorts. If this Dry Store operation is typical of most, they will also store other boats just for the winter period to pick up some extra money. If they know you are gone they will probably use your space. So periodically check back and see if they have put another boat in your slot. If they have, take several pictures of it and then demand they refund your money or remove the boat that's there. :grin:

 

[ruf1967]

Check your contract to make sure there isn't a clause in there already like, "if your storage space is vacant for a period of time, the company reserves the right to use the space until your boat returns", you get the picture.

 

[fwebster]

The cause of the streaks isn't just rubber bunks on the forks. They may sell "Its normal for a fork lift stored boat" to someone, but not me. You are getting the streaks because the forklift driver is sliding the forks out from under the boat. THe proper technique is to lower the boat onto the rack bunks until they clear the hull, then back out. Any other way is negligent and sloppy operation.

It is worth a hassle? Probably not. Count it as a lesson learned about the marina and dry stacking boats.

How do I know?..........I'm in a marina that dry stacks 650 boats from 16 to 34 ft on the Gulf coast. They do have some minor damage, but it is never from the forks sliding on the hull........tabs left down, a transducer the forklift driver didn't see, and occasional antenna left up, etc. but they just don't damage hulls, ever.

 

[Kurt]

The fork-lift forks are covered in a tough rubber but it is white? I was concerned that previous boat that is in my spot was possibly bottom painted and has some reminants are left over on the bunks? I have always paid for the year in advance so it sounds like I will be out the money. But what is strange is my previous boat never had this issue or any issues at that.

Interesting point Professor fwebster. Your point regarding sloppy operation is possible as there is several new operators. It does make since of the physics you describe. If this is the case I am going to be HOT!

Of note, I have spent thousands over the years with this marina not only with storage but all of my gas has been purchased with them at 75 cents over roadway gas. Food, ice, beverage as well. I also have refered multiple customers to them.....maybe they are just erked I am leaving.

Thanks all, I am going to send them a bill from MM to clean the hull and fix the keel and see how they like it.

 

[water rat]

I totally agree with Frank. We have been doing rack storage for our boat for 2 years and haven't had any issues. You shouldn't have marks on the boat - bad technique by the forklift operator. I would stand there and watch them next time (if there is a next time). If they put a mark on it, then have at it with the marina manager right then and there.