This topic came up in a Block Island thread so I am starting a new one here posting my experience.
Pros and Cons of both-
Land:
Less thought and aggravation "Set it and forget it"
Never heard of a boat sinking on land
More expensive (in theory...see below)
At the mercy of the yard regarding placement and when they'll take you out and put you in, unless you've established a good rapport.
In Water:
A little less expensive - not always (some marinas charge for winter electric - current insurance policy might need to be changed - have to pay a la carte for a short haul for bottom, etc.)
Additional Equipment - bubbler or similar
Requires much more thought and time - I must have cursed myself at least 10 times over the winter asking, "what was I thinking? "...
A place to go in the winter
Depending on the level of winterization, sometimes able to go out on a warm winter day and refill the engine antifreeze upon return.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - Sailing much later into the fall and much earlier in the spring. I sailed at least 10 more times than I would have in the fall and 20 more times this spring. There are fewer weddings, Christenings, Bar-Bat-Any Mitzvahs, birthday parties, bbqs and general "warm weather" obligations that invariably eat up the summer.
When you add in all the above things that take away from sailing, in-water storage truly is like getting an additional season of sailing, maybe more.
Pros and Cons of both-
Land:
Less thought and aggravation "Set it and forget it"
Never heard of a boat sinking on land
More expensive (in theory...see below)
At the mercy of the yard regarding placement and when they'll take you out and put you in, unless you've established a good rapport.
In Water:
A little less expensive - not always (some marinas charge for winter electric - current insurance policy might need to be changed - have to pay a la carte for a short haul for bottom, etc.)
Additional Equipment - bubbler or similar
Requires much more thought and time - I must have cursed myself at least 10 times over the winter asking, "what was I thinking? "...
A place to go in the winter
Depending on the level of winterization, sometimes able to go out on a warm winter day and refill the engine antifreeze upon return.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - Sailing much later into the fall and much earlier in the spring. I sailed at least 10 more times than I would have in the fall and 20 more times this spring. There are fewer weddings, Christenings, Bar-Bat-Any Mitzvahs, birthday parties, bbqs and general "warm weather" obligations that invariably eat up the summer.
When you add in all the above things that take away from sailing, in-water storage truly is like getting an additional season of sailing, maybe more.