Dry stack or wet slips? Dry stack storage keeps boats out of the water on multi-level racks, and a forklift launches them on demand. It stores more boats in a smaller footprint and suits boats up to 50 ft. Wet slips keep boats in the water, ready to go, and are the only option for larger vessels. Many marinas offer both.
How each one works
Dry stack storage stores boats on racks on land, in an enclosed or open-sided building. A forklift retrieves a boat and launches it when the owner wants to go out. Bellingham Marine’s Unistack dry stack system uses the steel storage racks as the building’s structural frame.
Wet slips are berths on floating docks. The boat stays in the water with direct access for the owner at any time.
What to weigh
- Boat size. Unistack stores boats up to 50 ft, plus jet skis and boat trailers. Larger vessels need wet slips.
- Space. Stacking boats vertically stores more boats in a smaller footprint, which matters where waterfront space is limited.
- Protection. A well-designed dry stack keeps boats protected from the elements. Buildings are designed for site-specific storm conditions.
- Access. Wet slips give owners immediate access. Dry stack depends on launch and haul-out operations.
- Flexibility. Dry stack racks are adjustable and can be reconfigured for different boat sizes. Standard shelves are 20 ft wide, with custom widths of 22, 24 and 28 ft.
When to offer both
Dry stack and wet slips serve different boats and different owners. A marina with limited water area can add capacity on land with a dry stack while keeping its slips for larger and liveaboard vessels. The right mix depends on the boats in your market and the shape of your site.
Frequently asked questions
What is dry stack boat storage?
Dry stack storage keeps boats out of the water on multi-level racks, and a forklift launches and retrieves them when needed.
What size boats can go in dry stack storage?
Bellingham Marine Unistack dry stack buildings store boats up to 50 ft, as well as jet skis and boat trailers.
Is dry stack storage better than a wet slip?
It depends on the boat and the owner. Dry stack protects the boat and saves space. A wet slip gives immediate access and is needed for larger vessels.
Can a dry stack building be enclosed?
Yes. Unistack buildings can be fully enclosed or open-sided.
Can dry stack racks be changed later?
Yes. The racks are adjustable and can be reconfigured for different boat sizes.
Considering dry stack for your marina? See the Unistack dry stack system or contact our team.
