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:
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.
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.
Here is a handy guide to public launching facilities:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.