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PeteB88 posted 11-10-2013 02:11 PM ET (US)
I stopped by boat storage place Thursday where I've kept my boat for the last four years and where my Harpoon 4.6 is stashed. Dude told me "oh, we're full, no room for your boat." Are you freaking kidding me??
I said, "hey man, I've been here every year, pay in full and one year gave you a bottle of Patron for some extras you helped me out with, you know I'm coming back every year..." Plus my close friend stores his 71 Ribside there so I'm no stranger.
He said - "I might be able to squeeze you into cold storage..."
I said "Figure it out... I'll see you first of the week".
My guess is management decided to go after bigger boats and motor yachts longer than 30 footers. There are no blow boats in that storage facility.
So, I'm thinking about covering her up and storing in driveway more or maybe tipping the console over and see if I can fit it in the garage.
jimh posted 11-10-2013 09:46 PM ET (US)
Pete--Your story reminds me of a similar situation with a local marina. Back in the late 1980, when boating was really at its peak in terms of number of boats, there was a scarcity of boat slips on Lake St. Clair. One marina expelled all the sail boats from the marina in order to make room for power boats, which they figured would be buying more gasoline at their fuel dock.
Today it seems there is a scarcity of boaters, and I would expect any marina would be glad to have any business it could find.
PeteB88 posted 11-11-2013 12:12 AM ET (US)
This place is right on the water but does not have a marina or gas dock. I think those facilities are in their master plan and a few years out.
Boat storage is packed over here - and spendy. There might be exceptions but I haven't found much at all. I am hopeful I can get my boat in there - I will not be happy if I do not. I will discuss w/ owner of the property who seems to be a reasonable guy.
pete r posted 11-11-2013 04:40 AM ET (US)
Wow, You could understand their attitude if you were a short term or new customer.
I just can't understand how they can get away with that treatment of a long term and good customer who has an agreement (legal contact) to store your boat on an annual basis.
Normally marina storage is ongoing and there is often a clause which allows you certain rights when the annual lease expires.
One would expect you would be given first option on further leasing arrangements and just put up with the next market increase.
Freddy posted 11-11-2013 11:39 AM ET (US)
Pete, I hope the boat storage place takes care of you. I think that is kinda low-life of them to pass you over.
Now could you tell me about this bottle of Patron stuff that you gave them? It sounds good. Maybe you could send me a small bottle of it for Veterans Day?

PeteB88 posted 11-11-2013 01:42 PM ET (US)
Ya man, on the Patron - once again, try to do something nice, show some appreciation and look what happens. It's because once again, I didn't listen to advice given to me way back by my dear old dad: "Do a Favor Pay a Thousand Times...."
Buckda posted 11-11-2013 03:16 PM ET (US)
I don't know. It doesn't sound like you have a contract for the next winter, Pete - just for the one you pay for. To me, unless I am mistaken, he has every right to sell space to someone else until you actually step up and reserve your space for the next winter.
That said, it would be a good idea for him to hit you with a letter in August or September to encourage you to reserve your space for the fall/winter season.
The good news is that your boat is so small it can be wedged between some of the bigger boats without much problem. It should fit nicely nestled between two 45+ footers.
PeteB88 posted 11-11-2013 04:09 PM ET (US)
I'm there all the time shooting the breeze with the dudes and on and on. Dale's business is right there - I'm gonna work something for sure - but I think mgmt pressuring for bigger boats. Plus I have good rapport with owner. Just steamed me up a bit. I get warm side too with good intentions but never worked on the boat winter months. We'll see. I know how to deal with these things. AND I do not want hassles of contracts and all that. Plus my Harpoon is in the building!! Dude could have been having a bad day - that could get worse.
hauptjm posted 11-12-2013 01:29 PM ET (US)
Interesting thread. I'm curious what these Dry Stacks/Hi and Dry type places charge. We have several in and around our area, and they all seem to charge $10.00/foot per month. Is that reasonable? I'm not looking, but simply curious.
Phil T posted 11-12-2013 03:58 PM ET (US)
Pete - Seriously?
I stored my boats in the backyard with a winter frame and cover for close to 10 years. I liked that it was secure, within eyesight and I could work on it or take it out in the middle of the winter with no muss or fuss.
I have photos of my winter A frames and can give you the specs.

PeteB88 posted 11-13-2013 03:20 AM ET (US)
Ya Phil, it just worked out when I got the Outrage - used to stick it between a 57 Viking, a bigger Hattaras, and four 30 + Tiaras in a boat condo thing close to here. Then good friend suggested place where he keeps his 71 RibSide and it's been pretty good deal and heated spot but I never took advantage of that luxury regarding winter work on boat. It really doesn't need much.
I'm really thinking about just covering up here this year. Previous owner had elaborate system with real canvas which I have and could try to make it work like he did. He built a series of 4x4 posts and frames and put them inside the boat to tent up the canvas. It was super secure for sure. Nevertheless, I'm always interested in ideas if you want to send the photos. I'd appreciate that.
I went by the place today and they said they could squeeze me in - but I'm not jazzed about the attitude there now.
Ya Phil shoot me the photos. Best
Plotman posted 11-20-2013 10:28 AM ET (US)
I guess I don't understand at all. If you don't have a contract or at lease a reservation, why would he turn someone away who wanted to do business today, because he thought this other guy (you) might show up down the road? How does he know you haven't sold your boat, died, gotten divorced, etc.
If you are planning on coming back, why wouldn't you confirm ahead of time, pay a deposit, etc.
Sure it's a drag because you thought you had a place for winter storage, but its nobodys fault but your own if you waited too long and he sold the last of his space to someone else.
PeteB88 posted 11-21-2013 03:20 AM ET (US)
You know what, I have a good relationship with this place - my folks were in business 50 years and we took care of our customers, especially the regulars. I also have a boat in that storage building. So all's well that ends well - I seriously considered covering the boat and storing it here at my home - the previous owner built an elaborate cover system (and tips from Phil T were great) and I kept all that gear - 4x4 frames, two in the boat, one outside the transom and a 4x4 across the top, top rail roped into gunwales and REAL canvas cover - which I have. However, it's been inconvenient for me to store at home and I get a great deal.
So the story is I hauled the boat to the storage place today - winterized the motor on their hose and they found my spot - the same spot they had her in last two years.
I think I caught the dude on a bad day - I could have complained to his boss and all that but I just kept it cool. But that's no excuse really but he's a young dude, works very hard and under certain pressure.
What is remarkable is the number of huge boats they have stuffed into those buildings, it is absolutely unbelievable. Conversations with the guys confirm a significant increase in demand on storage space because more people are buying and using big boats. That's gotta mean something
PeteB88 posted 11-21-2013 03:21 AM ET (US)
Plotman - I did confirm ahead, I'm there every year. ALl's well. He apologized.

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Author	Topic: Boat Storage Contracts
PeteB88	posted 11-10-2013 02:11 PM ET (US) I stopped by boat storage place Thursday where I've kept my boat for the last four years and where my Harpoon 4.6 is stashed. Dude told me "oh, we're full, no room for your boat." Are you freaking kidding me?? I said, "hey man, I've been here every year, pay in full and one year gave you a bottle of Patron for some extras you helped me out with, you know I'm coming back every year..." Plus my close friend stores his 71 Ribside there so I'm no stranger. He said - "I might be able to squeeze you into cold storage..." I said "Figure it out... I'll see you first of the week". My guess is management decided to go after bigger boats and motor yachts longer than 30 footers. There are no blow boats in that storage facility. So, I'm thinking about covering her up and storing in driveway more or maybe tipping the console over and see if I can fit it in the garage.
jimh	posted 11-10-2013 09:46 PM ET (US) Pete--Your story reminds me of a similar situation with a local marina. Back in the late 1980, when boating was really at its peak in terms of number of boats, there was a scarcity of boat slips on Lake St. Clair. One marina expelled all the sail boats from the marina in order to make room for power boats, which they figured would be buying more gasoline at their fuel dock. Today it seems there is a scarcity of boaters, and I would expect any marina would be glad to have any business it could find.
PeteB88	posted 11-11-2013 12:12 AM ET (US) This place is right on the water but does not have a marina or gas dock. I think those facilities are in their master plan and a few years out. Boat storage is packed over here - and spendy. There might be exceptions but I haven't found much at all. I am hopeful I can get my boat in there - I will not be happy if I do not. I will discuss w/ owner of the property who seems to be a reasonable guy.
pete r	posted 11-11-2013 04:40 AM ET (US) Wow, You could understand their attitude if you were a short term or new customer. I just can't understand how they can get away with that treatment of a long term and good customer who has an agreement (legal contact) to store your boat on an annual basis. Normally marina storage is ongoing and there is often a clause which allows you certain rights when the annual lease expires. One would expect you would be given first option on further leasing arrangements and just put up with the next market increase.
Freddy	posted 11-11-2013 11:39 AM ET (US) Pete, I hope the boat storage place takes care of you. I think that is kinda low-life of them to pass you over. Now could you tell me about this bottle of Patron stuff that you gave them? It sounds good. Maybe you could send me a small bottle of it for Veterans Day?
PeteB88	posted 11-11-2013 01:42 PM ET (US) Ya man, on the Patron - once again, try to do something nice, show some appreciation and look what happens. It's because once again, I didn't listen to advice given to me way back by my dear old dad: "Do a Favor Pay a Thousand Times...."
Buckda	posted 11-11-2013 03:16 PM ET (US) I don't know. It doesn't sound like you have a contract for the next winter, Pete - just for the one you pay for. To me, unless I am mistaken, he has every right to sell space to someone else until you actually step up and reserve your space for the next winter. That said, it would be a good idea for him to hit you with a letter in August or September to encourage you to reserve your space for the fall/winter season. The good news is that your boat is so small it can be wedged between some of the bigger boats without much problem. It should fit nicely nestled between two 45+ footers.
PeteB88	posted 11-11-2013 04:09 PM ET (US) I'm there all the time shooting the breeze with the dudes and on and on. Dale's business is right there - I'm gonna work something for sure - but I think mgmt pressuring for bigger boats. Plus I have good rapport with owner. Just steamed me up a bit. I get warm side too with good intentions but never worked on the boat winter months. We'll see. I know how to deal with these things. AND I do not want hassles of contracts and all that. Plus my Harpoon is in the building!! Dude could have been having a bad day - that could get worse.
hauptjm	posted 11-12-2013 01:29 PM ET (US) Interesting thread. I'm curious what these Dry Stacks/Hi and Dry type places charge. We have several in and around our area, and they all seem to charge $10.00/foot per month. Is that reasonable? I'm not looking, but simply curious.
Phil T	posted 11-12-2013 03:58 PM ET (US) Pete - Seriously? I stored my boats in the backyard with a winter frame and cover for close to 10 years. I liked that it was secure, within eyesight and I could work on it or take it out in the middle of the winter with no muss or fuss. I have photos of my winter A frames and can give you the specs.
PeteB88	posted 11-13-2013 03:20 AM ET (US) Ya Phil, it just worked out when I got the Outrage - used to stick it between a 57 Viking, a bigger Hattaras, and four 30 + Tiaras in a boat condo thing close to here. Then good friend suggested place where he keeps his 71 RibSide and it's been pretty good deal and heated spot but I never took advantage of that luxury regarding winter work on boat. It really doesn't need much. I'm really thinking about just covering up here this year. Previous owner had elaborate system with real canvas which I have and could try to make it work like he did. He built a series of 4x4 posts and frames and put them inside the boat to tent up the canvas. It was super secure for sure. Nevertheless, I'm always interested in ideas if you want to send the photos. I'd appreciate that. I went by the place today and they said they could squeeze me in - but I'm not jazzed about the attitude there now. Ya Phil shoot me the photos. Best
Plotman	posted 11-20-2013 10:28 AM ET (US) I guess I don't understand at all. If you don't have a contract or at lease a reservation, why would he turn someone away who wanted to do business today, because he thought this other guy (you) might show up down the road? How does he know you haven't sold your boat, died, gotten divorced, etc. If you are planning on coming back, why wouldn't you confirm ahead of time, pay a deposit, etc. Sure it's a drag because you thought you had a place for winter storage, but its nobodys fault but your own if you waited too long and he sold the last of his space to someone else.
PeteB88	posted 11-21-2013 03:20 AM ET (US) You know what, I have a good relationship with this place - my folks were in business 50 years and we took care of our customers, especially the regulars. I also have a boat in that storage building. So all's well that ends well - I seriously considered covering the boat and storing it here at my home - the previous owner built an elaborate cover system (and tips from Phil T were great) and I kept all that gear - 4x4 frames, two in the boat, one outside the transom and a 4x4 across the top, top rail roped into gunwales and REAL canvas cover - which I have. However, it's been inconvenient for me to store at home and I get a great deal. So the story is I hauled the boat to the storage place today - winterized the motor on their hose and they found my spot - the same spot they had her in last two years. I think I caught the dude on a bad day - I could have complained to his boss and all that but I just kept it cool. But that's no excuse really but he's a young dude, works very hard and under certain pressure. What is remarkable is the number of huge boats they have stuffed into those buildings, it is absolutely unbelievable. Conversations with the guys confirm a significant increase in demand on storage space because more people are buying and using big boats. That's gotta mean something
PeteB88	posted 11-21-2013 03:21 AM ET (US) Plotman - I did confirm ahead, I'm there every year. ALl's well. He apologized.