Since I have been here in Florida, I have been able to leave my boat on base at their dry dock storage area adjacent to the ramp. Granted, I am only about 15 miles from base, I have mixed emotions about keeping it there. Here's my findings so far..
1. I can run down to the marina quicker and save gas, but I have to pull the boat farther now to get gas for it so if I am planning a trip, I need to make sure to either factor in enough time for gas or get gas prior. There is the gas on the water alternative, but at over $2/gallon...
2. My boat is locked up and safe, I can't just walk right out to it and see that everything is cool. There are varmints on base and that is the only real worry and they CAN tear a boat up if you don't clean it..
3. Cleaning it must be done at the ramp as well as all flushing and such. If you cover your boat like I do, you wash it and get it as dry as possible but it's still wet when you cover it. This in turn traps some moisture inside and things tend to remain wet longer and sweating in the bilge is much more prevalent. Back home I back mine in the driveway, clean it and flush the motors and let it air dry for an hour or two with all hatches open. Here, you are normally run off the water by storms so getting the cover on ASAP is normally part of the mad dash as you're avoiding getting struck by lightning! LOL
4. Working on the boat must be planned, you either take your tools with you or you bring your boat to the tools.. If you take your tools, better not forget a tool!
5. Annual cleaning and waxing also must be considered and if your stored in a lot like mine, the mosquitos or HORRENDOUS! So if the skeeters don't get you, the heat will..
6. Lack the ability to pre-check everything before leaving.. You have no idea if the battery is dead or something prior to leaving.. Normally not an issue, but it would suck when it was..
7. Gear! You must must take all your gear with you for the most part and instead of just loading it up in the boat prior to leaving, you do two loads (truck and boat) and vice-a-versa when you leave.
8. back on the critters and gear, make sure you have ALL remnants of food, bait or what have you OFF the boat and thoroughly washed out. Racoons, ants and rot will wreak havoc and delay you the next time you show up to the boat that you thought was good to go the last time you left..
So, when you get to your boat, you still have to load it, hook it up, test everything, gas it up and all that good stuff. If I was driving down 45 and had to deal with that, I would probably keep the boat further south and pick it up halfway..
Well, you get the idea..
