By Sherrine Albao


A big part of life in Florida is enjoying the beaches and ocean and fresh water lakes. Boats can enhance one's enjoyment of the water. Larger boats designed for use in the Gulf often cannot easily be placed on a trailer and parked in the driveway. St. Petersburg marinas can provide a safe place to store a boat when it is not in use.

The late spring and summer bring the threat of hurricanes to many Florida areas. The high winds of these storms can cause damage to boats. Some facilities offer dry storage for better protection of boats. They lift the boat with a crane and place it safely in an above ground rack. These racks can be reinforced to withstand winds of hurricane forces.

Other facilities also offer storage in water. If the boat is to be left, the owner should take precautions to ensure it is tied to withstand the weather. This includes use of double ropes attached to secure ties. Before opting for this type of storage, one should ensure the boat is in good shape.

Some facilities recognize they do not provide a safe place to leave one's boat for the storm. They require owners to have a written plan of action to move his boat to a secure location before the storm takes place. Most choose to move their boats inland through the river system. Facilities may require a plan be filed with the marina manager.

Storing the boat in water offers many advantages. The owner does not need to pull a boat from inland dry storage to the water. In addition, the facility often offers fuel and other supplies that may be needed when on the water.

St. Petersburg marinas offer safe storage for boats. They eliminate vandalism with 24 hour security. In many cases, they offer a safe spot to store the boat for the storms.




About the Author: