RIB Storage
Finding RIB storage that is safe, secure, convenient and cost effective is a challenge. Over the last few years I have launched and recovered my RIB from various public slipways. While public slipways are free to use, they are not always convenient. I found access at some states of tide limited, parking could be a difficult, and wear and tear on the trailer an issue. Overall the level of inconvenience was significant enough for me to research alternatives to storing and launching my RIB. The obvious alternative is a marina berth, however, the cost is prohibitive and the waiting listing can be long. Also, it is widely recognised that a RIB kept on a marina berth will depreciate more quickly than one that is not.
"Dry stack" is an alternative to a marina berth or launching from a trailer. Dry stacking is literally keeping your RIB ashore, either on a single frame or in a stack in a covered warehouse; this seemed the optimal storage solution for my boat.
There are a few dry stack services in and around the Solent area for RIBs. Last year I decided to keep my 6.5m Solent RIB at Southampton Dry Stack. The service is first rate, with Hugh, Bill, Paul and Joe only too happy to offer help and assistance.
The service is extremely convenient; I only need to give Southampton Dry Stack an hour's notice and my RIB will be ready and waiting for me tied up to their pontoon, which is just a short distance up river from Itchen Bridge. A forklift truck is used to launch and recover my RIB directly into and out of the water. The RIB sits comfortably and securely on two long parallel runners which support the RIB along most of its length. There is no risk of damage caused by using a crane with a sling around the tubes and no need for expensive lifting points to be fitted to the RIB.
The yard operates 12 hours per day, from 08:00 to 20:00 (or dusk if earlier), 365 days per year. My RIB can be launched and recovered at all states of tide, except for 30 minutes either side of LW springs. If you return after the last lift, you can leave your RIB on the pontoon, exit through the security gate and Southampton Dry Stack will recover your RIB first thing in the morning.
The yard has 24/7 security, with CCTV cameras monitored remotely by a professional security company. I have been assured that there have been no reported break-ins, thefts or vandalism.
The service provided by Southampton Dry Stack is excellent and includes cold flushing your engine, pressure washing the outside of your RIB's tubes and hull and fitting your cover.
Southampton Dry Stack offer monthly and annual packages, for indoor and outdoor services.
I'm delighted with the service that I've received from Southampton Dry Stack and have found that I've already used my RIB more times this year than I would if I had continued to launch and recover my RIB from my trailer. It also saves me the hassle and expense of servicing my RIB trailer and keeps my legs warm!
In my view the time saved towing, launching and recovering my boat is well worthwhile, not to mention the hassle and inconvenience of having the trailer serviced and repaired annually. It makes using my RIB much more pleasurable and stress free.
In summary the key advantages of dry RIB storage ashore are:
- Increased time on the water
- Increased the number of times of using my RIB
- Improved accessibility at most states of tide
- Eliminates wear and tear on trailer and tow vehicle
- Eliminates potentially quicker depreciation due to keeping my RIB on a marina berth
- Avoids the need to antifoul your boat
- Avoids slipway rage!
- Keeps spouse and/or partner happy, which in turn increases my enjoyment of my boat!
The sole disadvantage that I can think of compared with keeping my RIB down the side of my home is cost! But, in my view the advantages more than outweighs this disadvantage. For more information on Southampton Dry Stack's services click here.