Having decided to buy a new or second-hand boat, you will need to choose how and where is the best place to store your RIB. Storing a RIB is relatively easy. You have a variety of options since RIBS are versatile both on and off the water, and are easy to tow behind a car.
Our quick guide to boat storage explores our Top 4 options.
Your considerations will include:
- convenience
- whether you prefer being on the water or spending time launching
- how long it takes to get to your boat
- storage costs – these vary depending on the facilities / access
- space available – at home or in a storage facility
- frequency that you can actually use your boat
1. Storing your RIB at home
This is one of the lowest cost options, assuming you have space on your drive or garden. The benefits mean you can hook up and launch anywhere there is a public slipway or hard. Or you can simply hook up and head off to the next event or holiday destination.
- Self-launching and recovery adds time to each end of your trip
- You will need a car that is powerful enough to manage steep or stony launching ramps
- If you are launching in tidal waters, be aware of water heights and any time restrictions
- You may find a long wait until the tide reaches the end of the ramp
- You may need to queue to put trailers in a car park, or get access to the slipway
Another consideration if you are regularly launching from a road trailer is additional maintenance for your road trailer, to negate any effects from salt water on the brakes and wheel bearings.
2. Trailer storage at boat parks and rib compounds
If you do not have space at home, many marinas and yacht havens have shore side space available for RIB storage. Using a boat park can work well if you are using your RIB intermittently.
The same factors about launching from a trailer apply, normally you will have to do this yourself from the facilities own slipway.
Always enquire about local onsite security arrangements.
- If the compound is not locked invest in a good wheel clamp and engine lock
- If you are storing the boat outdoors invest in a full boat cover and prop cover too, to protect your boat from UV light and dirt.
Costs will depend on boat size, storage location and proximity to launching ramps. Budget from around £12 – £16/metre per month in a lock up compound.
3. Marina RIB storage
Berthing your RIB in a marina is easy and convenient way to store your RIB. You can walk up to your boat on the pontoon, load up and go. This is an easy option during the season, and great if you are short of time.
Annual marina berthing can be expensive, so many people look at an alternative storage option for the winter. There are maintenance considerations when berthing in marinas:
- You will need to anti-foul your RIB to reduce weed and barnacles growing on the hull
- Antifoul adds to your maintenance costs and reduces your fuel efficiency
- You need to clean your hull regularly as weed and marine growth cause higher fuel usage
- Being in the water full time adds wear and tear to your boat hull, tubes and engine
- There is a risk of damage from other passing boats and less experienced boaters
Once your boat is in the marina, you will need to store your RIB trailer too, and many operators will charge for trailer storage too.
Marina storage costs normally depend on its location and proximity to open water, and overall RIB length. Budget from around £250-£350/meter per month.
4. Drystack RIB storage
Storing your RIB in a Drystack has many advantages. You can call up in advance and have your RIB launched and ready for you the moment you arrive. Likewise, when you return there is no running around and getting wet launching a trailer to retrieve your boat. The Drystack team will do it for you.
For busy people who are packing a lot into each day, Drystack storage is highly convenient and time saving, so could be the best option for you.
- Your RIB is stored high up on strong metal racks
- It is lifted and launched by huge forklift trucks.
- Drystack storage reduces any water damage to your RIB
- Your RIB is very secure as it is difficult for passers-by to reach it!
- You simply have to book your launch and your boat will be launched for you
When you store your RIB ashore it also means you do not need to invest in anti-fouling your RIB. This will save you time, money and improve your fuel efficiency too.
An indoor Drystack is the ultimate storage option. With no need to cover your boat it stays clean and dry, away from the ravages of salt water, UV light, boat yard dust and air pollution. This preserves its second hand resale value too.
Drystack storage depends on location and facilities offered, and rib length. Budget from around £4000-£5000 per annum. Many Drystack operators will offer road trailer storage too.
Please speak to our Trafalgar team about indoor Drystack RIB storage options in Portsmouth. Call Corinne on 023 9238 7833.
