Summer Storage Plan

[NYMINUTE]

I have a 21' Rinker open bow. I usually trailer it to St. Joe, Mi. from Fort Wayne, In. (125+ miles each way) 6 times each summer, often staying over night when the Lake Michigan, and the weather cooperate. The in land lakes here in NE Indiana are small, and overcrowded, and far enough away that evening trips are fruitless. I have an opportunity to store the boat at a Pier 33 marina (outside, on the trailer) for $100.00 per month. Access is very flexible, and it is 1/4 mile from the municipal ramp, which is an excellent launch site. Considering the wear and tear on the truck (towing), and the trailer it makes sense to store it there from June through September. My separation anxiety is the stumbling block. I have a 2 piece cover, and a full cover over it. Does anyone else do anything similar. I will run it locally in April and May while the lakes are still a bit open. Michigan is just too big to pass up.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Summer Storage Plan

Many people do this, I have friends who do. I don't. You know the pros. Here are some cons:<br /><br />Boat is not home where you can work on it, keep it clean, or keep the battery charged.<br />Security may or may not be an issue. I would be concerned about electronics or an expensive prop. <br />

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Summer Storage Plan

I do just that Keep my boat Trailer moored, but it only makes sense for Myself since I use it every weekend and have a seasonal mobile I use has a cottage, I usually bring the boat home once a month and give it a good going over and polish and Wax and I wipe it clean after every use.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Summer Storage Plan

Originally posted by Northern Eclipse:<br /> I do just that Keep my boat Trailer moored, but it only makes sense for Myself since I use it every weekend and have a seasonal mobile I use has a cottage, I usually bring the boat home once a month and give it a good going over and polish and Wax and I wipe it clean after every use.

That was my plan as well, the Marina has a wash facility I can use too. Just the separation thing. But it will be a more enjoyable trip without the constant rear view mirror looks.

 

[bbach]

Re: Summer Storage Plan

You might find something cheaper, I was quoted $200 for the summer near New Buffalo.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Summer Storage Plan

A big negative to me would be the discouragement of impromptu outings in other places. What about that summer evening you would like to dunk it in a nearby lake for a half hour, or maybe a friend says meet me at lake XXX which is in the opposite direction? And you'll probably want to remove all the stuff when you park it; bring the stuff home and have to remember to take it back with you. And you're still gonna have to hook up the trailer to splash it. I love having my boat in the back yard - when I can't get out on it, I can still enjoy messing with it. <br /><br />As to wear and tear: 'haven't done any extra maintenance on the truck in over 35,000 miles of boat trailer towing and trailer maintenance is bi-annual whether there's any new miles on it or not. <br /><br />For me, there would be no advantages to putting distance between me and my boat while I'm not using it.<br /><br />Nick in Spartanburg, SC <br /> <br />

<br />Jan '05 Core Creek - Wife driving, I'm below napping.