12EYEBROW
DRY STACK STORAGE
Host of benefits for boat-owners H
aving enjoyed great popularity in the US for many years, the advantages of using Dry
Stack storage for boats is beginning to be realised in Europe. Most sailors are attracted to
Dry Stacks for the convenience. The typical Dry Stack model means owners call ahead and ask for their boat to be launched ready for when they arrive. The more sophisticated operators will offer refuelling, valeting, maintenance and even provisioning services, meaning owners can just turn up and go.
Trailing risks There are a host of benefits for opting for Dry Stack storage. Trailing boats by road risks chipping gelcoat and storage in compounds leaving craft at risk of other people’s trailer- reversing skills. Seeking out public slipways and safe places to launch a road trailer is not always easy. Parking with a trailer can be difficult too, plus salt water and road trailer wheels are a combination to avoid. Winding a boat back on to a trailer is not always the dream ending to an
The dry stack at KB Boat Park in Portsmouth, England, helps boat-owners make the most of their leisure time.
idyllic day on the water. Out of water storage also helps
reduce wear and tear, and the knock-on effects of depreciation,
thus improving resale values. Tim Anderson, Managing Director of KB Boat Park, which is situated next door to the BAR headquarters in
Portsmouth, stated, “Our clients are unanimous that using our Dry Stack ensures their boats stay in good condition. Most small ribs and sports boats are not designed to live in salt water, which is corrosive and can attack engines, batteries, propellers and the hull surface itself. Storage in the Dry Stack means anti-fouling is not needed and a polished, clean GRP hull creates less friction, is faster and improves fuel consumption”. The lack of anti- fouling also has an obvious benefit for the marine environment and there is an added security element. It is very hard to steal an outboard that is stacked high out of reach.
Sports boats and other small craft stored at the KB facility can be given access to the Solent within minutes. MARINA INDUSTRY • DECEMBER 2018
Flexible systems Early Dry Stacks tended to have fixed beams and dimensions. However, modern installations are more flexible and can be customised to fit individual boats. Wickens Engineering specialises in creating flexible Dry Stack systems. Adjustable bearer brackets mean that the stacks can be adapted to support boats of different height, width and hull shape.
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