Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

[costew93]

Hello

I am new to boating and just want to say this site is the best thing that I have came across! Thanks to all who have been so informative. I have learned a lot in just a couple of weeks time!

The question that I have is about boat hoisting and lifting. We have opted to rent a dry dock slip indoors where the boat will be stored when not in use. We felt this was the best option since we do not live on the lake where we will be using it. Have also read that keeping it in the water is not good for it for long periods of time.

The marina will lift the boat everytime we are finshed and place it into its storage spot. The marina lifts the boat without hull straps and infact uses the bow and transome hooks (single on the bow and two in the aft) for lifting.They told me they are called the lifting hooks and this will be no issue. They have been in business for a long time and seem to know what they are doing. To me it seems a bit unusuall and that it could eventually cause damage as I have heard that this practice is not good for the hull.

I spent a lot of money on my "new baby" and I dont want to jeopardize it in any way! I am sure you understand.

What are your professional opinions about lifting a boat with the transom and bow hooks/ eyes? My boat is a 2001 Stingray 190ls 20 ft w the 4.3 mercruiser.

Thanks to all for your help and time! You:cold: guys are great!

Mike

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Mike,

That should be OK for getting the forks of the lift truck under it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

as long as they have insurance....

Short-term lifting shouldn't hurt the hull; you just don't want to store it hanging as that can warp the hull.

I assume if they have been doing this for years that they have the slings covered so as not to damage the sides of the boat? Since a bow eye is below the rails, that could be an issue. I don't think I'd trust the cleat on the top of the bow deck; others may differ.

read the agreement carefully to be sure there is no exclusion for liability on their part if your parts fail, or for other reasons. If they choose this method instead of slings or a forklift, they need to be responsible. Do not rely on what they tell you orally.

Overall, though, they have apparently been successful with this process, so that says something. You could always ask around.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

WTF, lifting the boat by transom and bow hooks? Never heard of that. It's stupid. They way it's done is with a forklift fully supporting the hull. That is the ONLY way it is done around here.
Sure they may be able to support that light boat, but you can count on stress cracks in the gel coat after 2 or 3 lifts. Glad It's not my boat.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

then the OP ought to look at the boats already out there and see if there are any cracks on them...that's why I said, ask around. I doubt they would be doing it for years if it was visibly damaging the boats.

Although around here, AFAIK, it's fork lifts. How else do you get them up on the racks?

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I`m no engineer but I would not think the boat was designed to be lifted at those points. I would not want my boat done that way.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

The preferred method would be with the fork lift under the chines. Not all lifting eyes are created and mounted equal, so some might be more durable than others. Should be OK, but you never know . . .

what are your alternatives?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Most, even some expensive boats, have bow and transom hooks to be used for tie down only. My boat is at a marina- inside dry stack. It uses fork lifts as do every other marina along the ICW. The boat yards pulling huge workboats use straps under the hull with a mobile crane. I have seen boats pulled from their trailer by hooks while an adjustment was done to the bunks and put right back down.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Use of a forklift for rack storage is the way it should be done. Like this.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I would call the boat mfg and ask them if it's ok. I have only seen them lifted by a fork lift.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Same here. In-season dry storage isn't very common here, but lots of places rack them for winter layup. I've never seen anything but a forklift used- like slip away's pic.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Rent or buy dry storage in my area. I bought indoor rack storage, like a condo. My HOA fee covers building insurance and other assistance. Every time I want to use my boat all it takes is a call and it is on the water before I get there. When I return they grab my lines and tie it down while I clean up the inside. They take the boat out, rinse the exterior and flush the motor before putting her away. No ramp rage or waiting on the guy that has no idea what he is doing or the one that tied the ramp with a boat that has not run in 6 years and will not start now.

Same here. In-season dry storage isn't very common here, but lots of places rack them for winter layup. I've never seen anything but a forklift used- like slip away's pic.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

back to the OP (and welcome to iboats--hope you don't mind brutally honest opinions here!) I'm wondering how they do it--if they have a rolling hoist why not use slings? A crane? Is everything stored on cradles? back on your trailer?

I'm picturing some logging chains off the bottom of a back hoe bucket....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I don't see how they put boats in a rack using hooks/slings rather than a fork lift :noidea:

OP - got any pics of the racks and the equipment they use ???

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I'm picturing some logging chains off the bottom of a back hoe bucket....

I just pictured that in my mind and it was funny, Yea - Need some pics.

LK

 

[doyall]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I would call the boat mfg and ask them if it's ok. ...

By far the best course of action.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

If your manufacturer says the rings are rated for the weight, let them do what they do. I used a marina for quite a few yeard that might have as much as a 15' hoist lift to launch and recover, a few years with about 4500# dead weight. A lift-type dry stack wouldn't be my choice, but I'd be sure someone's insurance covered it, same as with a fork operation ...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I think we scared off the OP with our not buying into his plan....

 

[Quit It]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

I'd love to see pictures of the boats (other peoples boats) swinging like hammocks on a beach at sunset

 

[costew93]

Re: Marina dry storage // lifting a boat

Hello all

Thanks again for the opinions I greatly appreciate it. Well the decision has been made after much consideration and research to NOT dry rack the boat at the marina. I called and they said that we should just try the lift and see if there would be an issue. They said that Stingrays are notorious for weak transoms and bow eyes with the age a factor (12yrs old) lifting it may cause an issue.

I dont know about anyone else but I dont think I want to just experiment with my boat to see if there would be an issue. They told me that they have never used any type of hull slings or any type of hull support. They just lift by the bow and stern lifting hooks and then place onto a small transport cart with wheels and they push the boat into its spot in the building.

I have decided to go ahead and trailer the boat instead. Now I will say that I have very little practice in backing up and maneuvering boat trailers. I have some but not a lot! Everyone that I have watched makes it look so easy.

I will say that the Marina has been fair and 100% professional and that the convenience would have been awesome. But damaging my boat would suck!! They are going to give me all of my money back.

Most people trailer their boats right? I will join the pack. Thanks agin for your opinions. I am sure I will be back with more questions. I feel a little less clueless today..lol

Mike