Storage solutions

[Lowkiii]

We're heading into our first full season without constant travel, which means our Catamaran is going to need a proper storage plan come winter, and honestly, We've never had to think that far ahead before, it was pretty straightforward with our last monohull, haul, tarp, forget, but with a cat, the footprint alone complicates things, my dad is really leaving a lot about this in my hands so now I'm debating between hauling out or keeping her in a slip with regular maintenance, the storage yards around here aren't exactly set up for wide beams, and the marina's winter rates aren't cheap either.
So what has worked for you?

 

[cypher18]

Okay, so if yard space is tight and marina slips are pricey, a lot of people just leave theirs in the water over winter with proper prep, stuff like dehumidifiers, bubblers and regular checks. Hauling out's great if you can find a spot, but its not always worth the hassle or cost. Really depends on what's available near you and how hands-on youre willing to be through the off season.

 

[bleuescruise]

We're heading into our first full season without constant travel, which means our Catamaran is going to need a proper storage plan come winter, and honestly, We've never had to think that far ahead before, it was pretty straightforward with our last monohull, haul, tarp, forget, but with a cat, the footprint alone complicates things, my dad is really leaving a lot about this in my hands so now I'm debating between hauling out or keeping her in a slip with regular maintenance, the storage yards around here aren't exactly set up for wide beams, and the marina's winter rates aren't cheap either.
So what has worked for you?

I guess the wide beam definitely changes the game.. I'd lean towards keeping her in the water if the marina offers a reasonable liveaboard or long-term winter rate. The cost of a good cradle and the hassle of finding a yard that can accommodate the beam can often outweigh the slip fees. Plus, if you're keeping her in the water, you can do smaller maintenance projects throughout the winter instead of facing a massive recommissioning job in the spring. Just make sure you have a solid de-icing plan and check on her regularly like @cypher18 suggested. It's a big shift, but it's a great opportunity to get ahead on maintenance!

 

[BreezeRider]

Dealing with boat storage in winter can be a pain, especially with costs and stuff. Leaving your boat in the water with some TLC and de-icing might be easier than hauling it out, mainly if you're tight on space. Plus, keeping up with things during the off-season means less work when spring rolls around

 

[ctmrn123frm]

We're heading into our first full season without constant travel, which means our Catamaran is going to need a proper storage plan come winter, and honestly, We've never had to think that far ahead before, it was pretty straightforward with our last monohull, haul, tarp, forget, but with a cat, the footprint alone complicates things, my dad is really leaving a lot about this in my hands so now I'm debating between hauling out or keeping her in a slip with regular maintenance, the storage yards around here aren't exactly set up for wide beams, and the marina's winter rates aren't cheap either.
So what has worked for you?

I think your best choice depends on your location but if the storage yards aren't set up for wide beams and you're worried about the boat being handled improperly, a slip might be the better option even when it would cost you more. It gives you peace of mind knowing the boat isn't being moved around and it's easier to pop over for regular checks.

If you go with a slip, you'll want to get a good plan for winterization. Think about things like heaters to prevent freezing in the engine rooms and a dehumidifier to combat moisture down below. A good winter cover is also key for keeping snow and ice off the decks and out of the cockpit!

Ultimately, you need to weigh the cost of the marina slip against the potential for damage and the hassle of hauling out at a less-than-ideal yard. If you're confident in the yard's ability to handle the boat, hauling out might save you some money. If not, the slip is probably worth the extra cost.

 

[arcaniand3vil]

I agree with them all. For a wide cat, both options have pros and cons. Hauling out makes winterizing easier and protects the hull, but storage yards for big beams can be tricky and expensive. Keeping her in a slip with regular maintenance avoids the hassle of haul-out, but you'll need to monitor lines, clean hulls and watch for ice or harsh weather. A lot depends on your local conditions and how hands-on you want to be over winter.