Storing Outdrives Indoors or outside on boat ?

[kazie]

This will be my first winter at a different marina and they have given me the option of storing my bravo 2 outdrives indoors after they are serviced for a fee of $120.00 each or to reinstall them on the boat after they are serviced at no charge. I'm not sure of the advantage of indoor storage for an additional $240.00. Opinions please.

 

[JimG]

I would put them back on the boat... I don't see the point in paying to store outdrives indoors when the rest of the boat is outside. Sounds like a ploy to make more money.

 

[lawndoctor]

Is theft a concern, either for just the props or the complete drives?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Theft would be the only realistic thing I can think of.

Props can be removed and a drive lock can be installed, if it's a concern.

 

[SloBurn]

I would be most afraid of the Marina "losing" them. I've seen it happen to batteries that my buddy had the marina remove for inside storage. They replaced them with other batteries that had an unknown history.

 

[sdarc]

Many moons ago my outdrive was stolen while in storage. Also did a lot of damage to the gelcoat. Get the lock and see how secure the yard is.

 

[JimFromMD]

I see about a 50-50 split on this with friends who have their boat stored on land at marinas, and the argument is regarding theft. I personally leave mine on, but its because it's stored on a lift.

 

[JVM225]

My decision would be based on security at the marina where you are wintering. If it's good, then have them put them back on the boat. I would still get locks for them though, just to slow down the amateurs. Make sure to keep the props off. They disappear fast.
If you are not sure about security, then store them indoors. Rather than pay $120 each for storage, maybe it pays to make stands for them and bring them home.
I generally store mine in my friends auto repair shop and cover the openings to keep critters out until they get re-installed, but if I didn't have that option, I would just store them in my backyard where it is really safe.

 

[tbirdvet]

I used to store on the boat, props removed.