Outside Boat Storage - Pros & Cons Aluminum vs Fiberglass

[johnjsa]

As of now I have no choice but to store a boat outside under cover. I am looking at getting a boat but undecided as to whether aluminum or fiberglass would be better under outside storage conditions.

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Outside Boat Storage - Pros & Cons Aluminum vs Fiberglass

That is a wide open question with a wider range of answers. Let me help you answer your question with a few questions of my own:

What is the purpose of your future boat?
How big will your future boat be?
What type of outside cover? (blue tarp or a Costco carport)
What is the weather generally like in your area?

Here?s my personal experience on it:

I have a 2000 Lund WC16 aluminum boat. I too have to store it outside year round. I live near Seattle so we see everything from rain to sun (yes, today is a very clear 75 degree day). So, to protect my rig, I initially started with a towable boat cover from Cabelas. It worked well for a year or two and protected everything inside the boat. The downside to this cover was it was a hassle to take on and off every time I wanted to take the boat out and it didn?t protect the outside of the boat or the trailer.

This last year, I bought a 10?x20? carport at Costco. The cost was under $200 and it fully covers the boat/trailer/motor. I am able to keep the boat loaded so taking it out is no longer a chore, it?s just hook up and go. For the money, this has proved to be a very good way to store a boat.

As far as aluminum or fiberglass, I personally like aluminum. It?s virtually maintenance free and tends to be good for fishing since it?s easy to clean and is tough.

 

[SteveRoss]

Re: Outside Boat Storage - Pros & Cons Aluminum vs Fiberglass

I also have an aluminum boat... 14 foot SeaArk with a little Honda 15 on the back. No other place to keep it but in the side yard next to the house.

I built an inexpensive "TEPEE" sort of frame out of 3/4 inch PVC pipe. It has a support rail running the length of the boat with three tripod sort of legs holding it up. I cover it with a 10' X 20' cheap blue plastic tarp from Home Depot. The edges of the tarp are held down with three weights on each side. In the front, there is a bunji cord holding the tarp around the tounge of the trailer. In the stern, there is a clip holding the tarp around the back of the engine... It has never blown off even in the strongest Florida storms.... It's a good cheap alternative to inside storage or a boat cover that will probably not work. Pictures available if ya want....

Regards....

Steve

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Outside Boat Storage - Pros & Cons Aluminum vs Fiberglass

I have an 18' fiberglass bowrider. In season it sits in the water at my slip- no lift, just floats. Keep the snap on covers (sunbrella) on there where not using. After season, it gets stored outside on it's trailer, and this is thru the cold, snowy MN winter season. It gets a very heavy cover, propped up and angled so snow can run off. In 5 years of this, I've experienced no problems with dampness, mold, or similar. Don't know it that's typical, but it's been my experience.