Which is better......

[PattyxLynn]

We are on our way to becoming first time boat owners. We are looking at either a 24' Sea Ray Sundancer or a 24' Chaparral Signature series. Any comments on either one? Both are new 2001 models. Since we will have to keep the boat at a marina, the other question I have is whether there are any distinct advantages or disadvantages to keeping the boat in the water or dry docking it (hope that's the right term). The marina that sells the Sea Rays has a boatel that takes the boat out of the water each time you return and washes it down. The other marina paints the bottom and keeps it in the water. If it makes any difference it will be used mainly on the Potomac River with possibly an occassional trip into the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks in advance for any and all comments!

 

[JB]

Re: Which is better......

Howdy PattixLynn. My opinion (which is sometimes disputed) is that dry storage is always better than wet storage for anything but a wood boat. <br /><br />Fair weather and flat water.<br />JB

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Which is better......

Patty, I'm with J.B. on this one....boats will always look better/ last longer/ have higher resale if stored out of the water....

 

[krosemond]

Re: Which is better......

I have never heard a reported incident of a boat sinking while on the rack. I have done both, and the third option, trailering. THe only drawback to dr storage is the lines that occur on the days everyone wants to get in the water. Most places have only one forklift, and when there is a line, it can cost you hours on the water. There is nothing better than going to your berth, firing up, and casting lines to be on your way. But, if you have a schedule that keeps you from getting to the dock to check on the boat less than a couple of times a week, dry store it. With boats, murphy's law always prevails. Bilge pumps fail, batteries get weak, through hull fittings leak, boats sink. Had a friend that went to CA for a week to come back and see his boat on the bottom of the harbor. <br /><br />Not to mention the down sides pointed out by JB and ODDD1.

 

[JB]

Re: Which is better......

Hey, Krosemond. Whalers NEVER sink.

But they still like dry storasge better than wet.<br /><br />Happy Boating.<br />JB

 

[krosemond]

Re: Which is better......

Good form, JB!! I was just remembering my old Topaz with a deep bilge and 2 12v pumps. I was always nervous, especially during the rainy season. There is definitely something to be said for "Unsinkable". I once forgot to pull the self bailing plugs out of the old Robalo I have, only to return to the dock after a HUGE storm to find the boat full of water all the way to the cutout in the transom, still floating. I love that foam!

 

[wesal1]

Re: Which is better......

If you every had to refinish the bottom of a boat you would never let your boat sit in the water for even a week

 

[SeaBear]

Re: Which is better......

I have considered this option myself and what I'm about to say may be a UK-related thing? We don't often get perfect days to use the boat and being gas engines and at over $1/litre [yes, it's not fair!] we often just like to sit aboard or evn stay the evening/night on the marina and have a drink/bite to eat, etc but I do have a 32' Coronet Cruiser which is more suited to this behavoir and so I decided to put up with the extra maintenance and keep her on a marina berth ... anyway all that hard work makes it even better, doesn't it? ;-)

 

[krosemond]

Re: Which is better......

SeaBear, I don't think it is a UK thing, it must be universal. The marina is one of the best places to hang around and make friends. People that would not even speak in an urban environment, are happy to chat and trade stories at the docks. This board is kind of like a virtual marina, I guess that is why it is so addicting. Big plus for leaving her in a berth. <br /><br />You know, they have power washers and bottom paint to help keep the bottom clean. And then there is always the mask and scraper for a little "in the water" maintenance.

 

[wesal1]

Re: Which is better......

Just give me the ye old trailor

 

[SeaBear]

Re: Which is better......

krosemond - thankyou! I was bracing myself for a negative wave for my choice but I'm afraid I grew up with boats and they should be in water! There is nothing quite so relaxing as laying on the back seat with a cold beer, a hot lady and the sound of the waves gently lapping against the side of the boat! Seriously though - you are absolutely right about the atmosphere in a marina as long as you are not in a snobby one full of expensive boats and owners! I'm lucky to be in a marina with 90% of owners are good, hardworking folk who like to 'potter' on their boats ... don't knock it until you've tried it?

 

[krosemond]

Re: Which is better......

SeaBear...I am working too hard at this point in my life, and too far from the coast, so a trailer 20' skiff is all I can handle. But I long for the day that all I have to do is go fishing, or if not just hang arounf the marina and tinker on the boat. With a cold lager, of course.

 

[SeaBear]

Re: Which is better......

I knew I had something to be thankful for - living on a small island! I am fortunate enough to live near Southampton on south coast of England and my boating area is 'The Solent' and 'Isle of Wight' - have you heard of them? Well, I am 10 minutes drive from the marina so I 'tinker' too much!

 

[JB]

Re: Which is better......

Ah, SeaBear, can one really tinker too much? I place messing about in and with boats in the same category as fishing. According to Herbert Hoover, "The Lord does not deduct from man's allotted time those hours spent in fishing."<br /><br />Tinkering contributes immeasurably to sound mental health and quality of life.<br /><br />Sound mental health to you.<br />JB

 

[krosemond]

Re: Which is better......

Amen

 

[PattyxLynn]

Re: Which is better......

Thanks everybody for your great replies. We ended up getting a Wellcraft 2600 Martinique. We are going to keep it in a boatel this year and see how that goes. If we decide we'd rather have it in a wet slip, we'll look around next year. We are really excited! Monday I get to take my first fishing trip on the Potomac River! Wish me luck!!

 

[SeaBear]

Re: Which is better......

Tightlines! Well I see I convinced you to keep it wet!! Try it next year - you may like it? <br /><br />JB - You are right, one cannot tinker too much! 'Ratty' from the book 'Wind in the Willows' is famously quoted over here and I leave you with this thought ...<br /><br />'there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing'

 

[khey@sunstreamcorp.com]

Re: Which is better......

Check out www.sunstreamcorp.com They speciallize in high-speed, solar charged, remote controlled boat lifts. They have models that can lift almost any boat, almost anywhere. Some of their new models are not on the web site yet.<br />KH

 

[fone_man]

Re: Which is better......

I have dry docked, kept in water, & used a boat lift... so here goes....<br /><br />1. Dry Dock... great if you don't ever forget anything in boat after you have put it up, want to get out when everybody else want put in water (what a pain in the a__ when you have to wait 45 minutes because there are 15 boats are in front of you), try unloading you 60 qt cooler from 3 storys up,what about when you are on a late night cruise & no one is home or when fork lift jockey is new on the job & drops your boat!!!<br /><br />2. Marina/Water... Easy access but always performance will suffer because of buildup on boat plus different water hardness will discolor any boat... I don't care about the make... it happens. Why clean the boat when you should be out enjoying it.<br /><br />3. BoatLift... Luv 'em... you do what you want when you want... all you need is a hose & bucket by the dock to rinse off with...<br /><br />4. Trailer... Luv 'em, too... Because I can go anywhere, anytime time I want...<br /><br />The choice is yours... I hope you make the right one for your boating style!!! Have fun!!!<br /><br /><br />2