What is dry stack boat storage?
Dry stack boat storage uses purpose-built racking to store boats indoors or in covered structures, suspended on cantilever arms rather than sitting on trailers or the ground. This approach dramatically increases the number of vessels that can be accommodated in a given footprint compared to traditional trailer storage, protects boats from the weather and UV degradation, and eliminates the need for individual owners to manage trailers. A forklift-operated system allows boats to be launched and recovered quickly, and the controlled storage environment reduces antifouling and maintenance requirements for many vessel types.
Vessel types suited to dry stack racking
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) from 4 m to 10 m are among the most common vessels stored in dry stack systems, with arms positioned to support the hull at its strongest points and avoid pressure on the inflatable tubes. GRP motorboats and sports boats up to approximately 8 m and 3 tonnes can be accommodated on heavy-duty cantilever arms with boat cradles or bunks formed to the hull shape. Sailing dinghies, catamarans and racing sailboats are stored in multi-level systems, often with two or three levels of vessels in a single-storey building. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are stored in high-density multi-level systems at marinas and outdoor activity centres.
- RIBs from 4 m to 10 m
- GRP motorboats and sports boats to 8 m
- Sailing dinghies and catamarans
- Racing keelboats and offshore yachts
- Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards
- Jet skis and personal watercraft
Designing a dry stack boat storage system
Dry stack systems require detailed structural specification. The dead weight of each vessel must be established, and the arm positions must be designed to support the hull at appropriate structural points without causing deformation. Building height, forklift reach and clearance requirements determine the number of levels achievable. Rackstor UK surveys marinas, boatyards and sailing clubs and designs dry stack systems around the vessel types, weights and dimensions to be stored, with a free site visit and quotation within 24 hours.
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