A slip will be the most convenient. Uncover, turn the key, cast off, and you’re on the water. The drawbacks include: 1. Cost. A slip is usually the most expensive. 2. Fuel. You’re stuck paying marine fuel prices, which can be as much as $.50 or $.60 more a gallon for gasoline (But for some reason, diesel is cheaper). 3. Exposure. Boats in slips are exposed to the elements. Gel coat fade, stains from bird droppings, osmosis and possible blistering, leaks into the interior and the musty, moldy and eventual rotting that it causes. Not to mention the hassle of bottom painting and scraping. 4. Worry. When your boat is in a slip, you worry when any storm comes up, you worry that a thru-hull will let go and sink the boat etc. 5. Security.
Many marinas are deserted during the week, making the boats there prime targets for thieves. Rack storage or covered storage at the marina is a little more convenient than trailing, but more of a hassle than a slip. It costs less than a slip, but you get what you pay for. In essence you’re renting a square plot of land or a rack unit. Drawbacks to rack storage: 1. Fire hazard. If one boat goes up, they all do. So you’re at the mercy of the dumbest idiot in the rack. 2. Storm damage. Many rack facilities do not survive storms well.
As in #1, make sure you have sufficient insurance. 3. Damage. Many rack owners leave the racking an unpacking to young and inexperienced operators, that occasionally ding, scratch, and even gouge your boat or drive (and then flatly deny it). 4. Dripping. Unless you’re in the top rack, whatever grime spews out of the boats above you, lands on your boat, which can stain the gelcoat or interior. 5. Timing. If you frequently boat on busy weekends, you may have to wait a long time for “your turn” to be launched/retrieved. Bribery of the yard hands might help. but it will increase your costs. 6. Fuel.
Like a slip, you’re still at the mercy of marine fuel prices Drawbacks to covered storage at the marina: 1. Value. You’re, in essence, renting a plot of land, and depending on your marina, the convenience of having your boat launched for you. This comes without any of the advantages of inside rack storage, or the turn key convenience of a slip. Many of the drawbacks are the same as rack storage. 2. Security. Like a slip, you boat presents an easy target for thieves, if the marina is not secured. 3. Exposure. Like a slip, your boat is still exposed to the elements (except for osmosis and bottom growth), and will age accordingly. 4. Timing. Like rack storage, you will have to “wait your turn” to be launched/retrieved.
