[baywatch]

In responce to another thread I figured this might help some people looking for dockage.

Being that there is such a shortage of boat slips people are turning to rack storage.

IMHO opinion if I where person looking for a slip this is a geat alternative to wet storage. Plus it is easier for you to get into a marina full time. You will be there for a full season and you will see the marina in full operation and they will get to know you better.

Rack storage has its advantages:

1) No Bottom paint is needed. A good place will at least hose the bottom down before it goes into the rack. Some places will use a light acid wash if the boat has a scum line on it and it cleans all the scum off.

2) No need to worry about storms or securing the boat with extra lines.

3) All you do is call an hour before you want to be in and they should have a floating dock there with your boat waiting. MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE WHEN YOU TOLD THEM.

4)If you are leaving on a early trip, before the lift starts working ask them to launch the boat the night before.

5) make sure they have at least 2 machines in case one breaks down. There should be no limit on how mant times you go in and out.

6)If you had a good day fishing and have an extra fillet or 2 giving one to the operator of the fork lift can't hurt either.

I have used this before and it is a great way to keep your boat. Sence I retired I found wet storage easier for me and them.

They usually handle anything up to about 5-6000 pounds with a max of a 9 foot beam but every yard is different.

If you would like to see a great operation go to Port Of Egypt in Greenport. He has about 3 fork lift running and stacks the boats almost 4 high in a shed.

(This post edited by baywatch on 03/07/2003)

(This post edited by baywatch on 03/07/2003)

 

[gebby]

good color bill, thanks. g

 

[Makomagic]

Rack Systems

Bill,
Nice post buddy. I agree with everything you stated about rack systems. I would like to add one additional point. Sometimes the marinas hire young kids out of college to handle the lifts. Personally, I have seen two boats that have been dropped from lifts, and the hulls were destroyed. Make sure the marina employs well trained employees as operators.

Makomagic

 

[MIKE TUNA]

When constantly lifting these boats with the forks can that start to weeken the hull ?

Mike Tuna

 

[baywatch]

Lifts and Hulls

Good point by both members.

First the hull question. The forks should have rubber pads that about 3/4 of an inch thick wrapped around the fork and bolted on by the sides of the fork. They should also run the entire length of each fork.

I have seen CARPET used instead of rubber and the forks where so far out of alignment that it almost made me puke. The MOORINGS on Atlantic Ave. in Baldwin is like that. IT WAS PROBABLY THE WORST CASE SCENERIO THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN!

These forks are hydralic and will spread to the proper distance for lifting the boat. Same as tilting it back. Take a good look at the machine also, make sure there a no signs of hydraylic fluid leaking on the hoses and connections. ASK TO SEE THE MACHINE! If the machine is clean and maintained you have a found a decent place.

They should also remove the drain plug and store it on the machine. This way when it rains the water drains out instead of in your bilge and keep the pump running.It keeps the bilge nice and dry inside which means no scum build up in the bilge. This allows for an easy cleaning in the spring also and the scum build up on your bilge pump.

Placement of the fork is always important but this question relates to what M/M said about the operator. A good yard doesn't hire a kid who worked in a wharehouse that is used to running a small lift.

9 out of 10 times the person who will run the lift usually also runs the big lift with the cradeles and slings for hauling the larger boats. In other words a qualified operator that is familar with crane operation. He should be familiar with the strongest part of the hull just from constant exposure to all different boats.

I had boats for 2 years using this method and never had a problem with damage or getting the boat in when I wanted.

The best thing about this whole rack system is that that it is probably CHEAPER for this use . Anywhere from 3-6 bucks a foot depending where you are.

Some places may not offer these services because of the tide height.

I am sure that there some other things I have left out but this is a good option especially for new boats.

Some yards also may offer work racks for you do your own work on the boat.
They are usually just stands that are made on site but lower to the ground then the actual rack system itself and should be included in the price.

Another advantage, which you would have to discuss with owner of the yard, is placing the boat on a trailer when wanted. If you where a wet customer and wanted to haul your boat for travel purposes they will charge a hauling fee, that would range from 50-100 bucks.

Being a rack customer there should be no charge. Thats the way they do it where I am anyway. Just remember that all places are not the same. Make sure you ask all of these questions before signing the aggreement.

Also on the back of a rental aggreemnt it may state something about you selling the boat. Some places will want a % of the sale if the boat is in there yard. READ> READ> READ> any agreement front and back before signing.

GEEZ!! I hope this covers it my fingers are tired.

Good luck to all who may use this type of service.

(This post edited by baywatch on 03/08/2003)

(This post edited by baywatch on 03/08/2003)

 

[treypescatorie]

Rack Storage

I used rack storage for two seasons. The first season I had a 16 foot boat, no problem with the rack system. They put it in the water and retreive it pretty fast so there is not much waiting around. When they take it out you can wash it down and flush out the engine.
Next season moved up to a 21 footer. It did not fit in the rack because of the top. So they put it on blocks instead of the rack. It was too stressfull watching those guys moving my new boat around with the forklift [with many near misses].

If you dont have to worry about your boat hitting anything when they are moving it around, and not being able to use it when ever you want. You also have to bring it back before they close or you will have to leave it in the water for the next time that they are there.
A slip is good because you can use the boat when ever you want. But being in the water puts more ware on the boat.

 

[615657]

I kept my boat in a rack for five seasons. It was a 20 feet cc. A good operation makes launching the boat like a piece of cake. There was a study done(I think by Boat US) that stated that the forks are easier on the hull than a bunk trailer. Also, make sure that where ther store it, all the transoms are lined up. If one is further in than the others, you may bet bilge water running all over your boat. Where i kept mine at saybrook point marina, they all were at the same point on the racks. Also, you get the benifit of having the boat under shelter that greatly reduces the dirtiness of it.

 

[Hookinn]

The Rack

I had a 21' in a slip for 3 yrs., used a rack for a 16' for 2 ys. & now trailer the 16. The rack was indeed stressful. All the dings, scrathes on the hull, & on the engine were done when using the rack. Kids out of school usually used the machine, they only had one lift,they closed on Mon., closed at 4:00. Last year I trailered for the 1st. time & loved the freedom. If anybody is gonna knock my boat around, I'll do it. But my choice on a bigger boat would be #1. Slip #2. Trailer. Just my opinion, but I'd never rack again. Tight slips, loose women & God Bless.

 

[619618]

Baywatch,
Is it $3-6/ft for the season? I've never looked at prices, but that seems very reasonable. Anybody else know prices?

 

[Striper77]

gottafish58,

That would be a deal ! It's $3-$6 a foot less than a slip would be !

 

[baywatch]

Here we go

Hey Hookem..Sorry to hear you had a bad expeience but your post sort of explains itself with the operator part.

These are the guide lines to try and follow. I think if you where to try it with this new approach you might have a different view point.

The rack is not for everyone, but what in life is?

PRICES~~~ what I should of said is 3-6 bucks cheaper the wet storage.IE 60 ft wet, 53-54 a foot in the rack. Like I said they all are different.

A lot of this info is based on what they do in my place.

Go and ask first for what they get for wet and then ask for the price of the rack.

 

[MIKE TUNA]

Years ago my dad had a 21' boat at Grovers in Moriches .

Does anyone remember when they had the Fire in the indoor boat rack storage area ? It was in the news . 90 Boats were totaled including my dads .

There were legal problems Grovers insurance and being the boat was stored for the winter there my dad let his insurance lapse for that period when it was stored . He did not get a penny and took a total loss .

So just in case you go for the rack make sure your covered . Lots of gas tanks full of fuel in those indoor storage facilities .

Mike Tuna

 

[613973]

This will be my second season using the rack storage and I love it, The boat in general stays alot cleaner and flushing the motors is easier too!

I had one small incident but it was not from the forklift or the racks, When they tied the boat up to the dock the line were not properly secured and one of my motor covers got a small scratch in it, But the owner had it fixed.

Other than that I hane had no problems.

 

[613098]

We tried rack storage at the old Marineland in Long Beach. It was a disaster! Nicks and dings galore - the lift was often out of order. They sometimes weren't there in the morning and we had to wait for hours. I'll stick with a slip.
Denmark

 

[Blitzin]

NO THANKS

All I have to say about "Rack Storage" is...Last summer Norwalk Connecticut..Boat in rack cathes fire...14 boats burned up
2 fireman seriously hurt...As for the kids driving those lifts...NOT WITH MY BOAT....NO THANX..

(This post edited by Blitzin on 03/09/2003)