As a boat owner, you may consider your watercraft less of a vehicle and more as a prized possession. Therefore, it deserves a safe and secure place to rest when you’re not using it. If you’re struggling to choose between dry dock and wet slip storage, use the following guide to learn more about these boat dockage options.

Dry Dock

This boat dockage method removes your boat from an aquatic environment. By dry docking your boat, you hire a dock owner to store the vessel on a shelf. Similarly to a parking lot, there will be many spaces for boats in these vertical units, and you will be renting one or a few of them. To raise the boat into position, the owner will use a forklift. 

One of the best benefits of dry dock storage is that it is sheltered from the elements. The shelves are usually encased by a metal-roofed building, so they won’t be damaged by rain, wind, or airborne objects. You also won’t have to spend time or money scrubbing barnacles, dirt, and algae off of your watercraft. Since the boat is raised and kept inside a locked structure, strangers or thieves are also much less likely to obtain access.

If you like to plan your boating trips in advance, this boat dockage solution may be right for you. You’ll have to arrange to retrieve and dock your boat whenever the staff is working. A final consideration is the size of your boat. Dry dock storage can usually only accommodate vessels 35 feet or shorter.

Wet Slip

For those who crave a more old-fashioned storage option, consider a wet slip. In this case, you’ll tie your boat to the dock while leaving it in the water. Since it will be easy to untether the boat and get it on the water quickly, this option is preferred by enthusiastic and spontaneous boaters. On the other hand, any storms or rough tides could damage your investment. Your boat can grow barnacles along the underbelly and gather dirt, sand, and droppings on the deck. Even if you invest in a cover, you’ll need to devote more time to regular maintenance.

However, unlike dry dock storage, you don’t have to pay every time you come and go. You will only have to pay for a flat rental fee. For some, the idea of leaving a boat floating out in the open seems like an invitation for theft and vandalism. But most wet slip renters and dock owners are devoted to ensuring that no unfamiliar faces are seen around the vessels.

If you’re looking for a boat dockage solution, turn to Sutter's Canandaigua Marina Inc. of New York. They offer both wet slip and dry dock storage for their customers at the north end of Canandaigua Lake. They have 20 years of experience selling and renting boats. Once you find the perfect watercraft, you can turn to them for routine maintenance and repairs. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (585) 394-0918 for more information.