covered slip or uncovered rack?

[ruizsantana]

Here's a good one for discussion... We've got to options to keep our relatively new I/O cruiser, both for roughly the same price. It has twin volvo 5.7Gi's with neutrasalt. I've heard a lot about not keeping I/O's in saltwater, and yet I've seen many people around here who do it and don't have any problems. I've also heard the sun is a boat's worst enemy... So share your knowledge.<br /><br />1. Covered wet slip. No direct sun!!!. No need for full boat cover. Plus marina dock life. Would need to get bottom and drives painted, and who knows how many haul-outs and maintenance? Would have to do onboard flushing...<br /><br />2. Uncovered outdoor rack. No bottom paint, outdrives out of water. Flushed every time coming out. Boat exposed to elements/sun. Boat has cockpit cover but most of boat would be exposed unless full custom cover was made (for a 33' boat???)... Or regular application of a 'fiberglass sunblock'?<br /><br />Now, I know a covered dry stack would be best but the cost is out of this world ... Please share your opinions including those of you that have had your I/O's in saltwater and those that have had a boat on an uncovered rack. Some specifics regarding what I should expect in each scenario would be appreciated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: covered slip or uncovered rack?

I think it depends on how often you plan on using the boat. If every week or less, then I would go for the wet slip. If every couple of weeks or more and I would pull it each time. You could wet slip it and pull it every couple of months for maintenence, too.....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: covered slip or uncovered rack?

if you are going to use it weekly or more WET. once a month dry. if wet and easy and fun thing for the kids, is to anchor in shallow water, every body gets in with a brush and clean the hull. it can be made into a game, who can stay under the longest, etc. using a boat frequently also helps keep the crude down.