Hibernation Logistics: Boat Docking in Michigan For The Winter Months

All good things must come to an end, and that includes sailing season. Determining what to do with their boats during the off season is a complex decision for many vessel owners, as the costs, time investment, and level of protection afforded by each form of boat docking in Michigan must be carefully weighed.

There are many boat storage providers, and these services now have a degree of customization that was undreamed of just a few years ago. However, the main choice is still between storing them privately, on a wet slip, or dry docking.

Home Or Private Warehouses

While this is often the default option for many, as it's perceived to be the most budget-friendly one, in reality it is only so for those who live close to the marina or their favorite sailing area. This is because professional boat movers tend to charge a lot of money, and the cost of hauling it back and forth the next year can quickly add up.

Security is often an issue as well. Few indoor private warehouses are large enough to accommodate a boat, and outdoor storage may make it a target to thieves and vandals. People who are seeking to improve or repaint their boat during the winter often choose to keep it at home, which is undoubtedly a safer option, provided there is enough garage space.

Dry Docking

Dry docking, or dry-rack storage, is one of the top ways of boat docking Michigan, especially for smaller vessels. An indoors dry rack protects the vessel completely from the outside elements, and will prevent frost or rust on the engine. However, in order to fit the dry rack, the mast has to be taken down, which may delay the day of first sail the following year. In addition, placing a boat on the dry rack won't allow for any beautification projects during the winter months.

Nowadays, many facilities offer both cold and heated dry docking, in order to better protect the boat from frost damage. In addition, dry docking services often include winterization treatments as part of the package, placing a lot of the most time-consuming aspects of boat maintenance at the hands of experienced technicians.

Wet Slips

A new, relatively novel way of boat docking in Michigan is the use of wet slips. These allow the boat to stay protected in its natural habitat - the water of lake Michigan - throughout the winter, but still manage to prevent frost damage. This is done through bubblers, propeller de-icers, and occasionally even water heaters, which prevent ice from forming. While more expensive than dry racks, they are ideal for large boats and allow them to be "ready to go" as soon as spring arrives.

The ideal winter storage solution for each boat will depend on the vessel's size, its owners budget, and the plans they have for it. As a general rule, the ideal to strove for is to minimize the amount of potential damage to the boat and the distance in which it will be transported.