[smijer]

Friendly people gave advice to me when I first registered here: I can sail on a budget by storing on trailer in a lot near a boat ramp. I have googled a few search terms looking for marinas or boat ramps who would rent lot-space to me for this, but I haven't had much luck.

I've used terms like "dry outdoor boat / trailer storage", which mostly turn up inland boat and RV storage.

Similar search terms returned marinas with indoor boat storage/forklift launch services. Using quotation marks, "dry dock", Chattanooga, TN turned up an outfit near Allatoona in Georgia, but a) I don't want to launch from Acworth, b) from Google Maps, there appears to be a short stretch of public road between the lot and the nearest (public) boat ramp, so no guarantee that it would suffice for the purpose (clear of power lines, bridges, and overhanging trees).

I googled "dry sailing, Chattanooga, TN and found Privateer Yacht Club, which looks like something I would want to be involved with anyway, but seems to be somewhat exclusive - applicants must be referred by existing members, of whom I know none.

So, if anyone knows a better set of search terms to try, I'd be grateful!

 

[Classic30]

Try searching for "Boat and Trailer Storage" + "Boat Ramp" in your area.

Dry sailing is similar, but different..

 

[Clarks Hill Windbag]

Some things can't be googled. Look for boat club or marina, drive down and talk to the manager.

 

[j d]

dry boat storage gave me an almost never ending list.

 

[deniseO30]

Friendly people gave advice to me when I first registered here: I can sail on a budget by storing on trailer in a lot near a boat ramp. I have googled a few search terms looking for marinas or boat ramps who would rent lot-space to me for this, but I haven't had much luck.

I've used terms like "dry outdoor boat / trailer storage", which mostly turn up inland boat and RV storage.

Similar search terms returned marinas with indoor boat storage/forklift launch services. Using quotation marks, "dry dock", Chattanooga, TN turned up an outfit near Allatoona in Georgia, but a) I don't want to launch from Acworth, b) from Google Maps, there appears to be a short stretch of public road between the lot and the nearest (public) boat ramp, so no guarantee that it would suffice for the purpose (clear of power lines, bridges, and overhanging trees).

I googled "dry sailing, Chattanooga, TN and found Privateer Yacht Club, which looks like something I would want to be involved with anyway, but seems to be somewhat exclusive - applicants must be referred by existing members, of whom I know none.

So, if anyone knows a better set of search terms to try, I'd be grateful!

Did you follow up on this?
smijer, my wife (rynncp) is going to post a suggestion for somewhere to keep your boat (dry). Welcome and send me a message and we can share contact information. It would be nice to meet another Chattanooga sailor.

-Chris

I'm saying this kindly....
GET OFF your butt! Contact and visit the club/s or marinas. Usually after someone there meets you and gives you the "tour" you may find yourself invited or given real information. Boating is and seems,never be a goggle type of pastime.

Sailors aren't shy and don't you be either. Find out when the club had races or other events go and hang out make some friends. It is highly unlikely you will find snobs with ascots and blazers talking about the 100 ft boats they race around the world.

The Lake is the best place to sail that I know of. There are however dozens of lakes on the TN river system and I've never really been on the water down there.
MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

As you gain experience you can find yourself cruising the river system. 9 ft channel is maintained http://business.tenntom.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/tenn-tom-marinas-4-11-13.pdf

 

[Donna_F]

I agree with calling or going to the marina. Not all of them list rates for storing boats on trailers but they will still do it. Ours doesn't list the rates, yet they did for my 22. To me the advantage of not listing the rates is that they can be flexible (make it up on the fly) if they like ya. Smiling helps.

 

[Sublime]

I concur with talking to marinas. I know of several marinas that have dry storage (mast up even) but they don't advertise it. So just call around.

 

[hellosailor]

A "dry dock" is a big thing the size of multiple football fields, where they haul SHIPS out to repair them.

A marina is a place where boats are docked.

Dry storage is....damfino.

But almost any storage facility in a suburban or rural area also rents out parking spaces where you can park and store your trailer, boat, car, RV, or anything else you want. The same places that do storage lockers for furniture and household goods.

If you want someplace near the water, try "boatyard". Or call any marina in your area, they know which boatyards have storage space if they don't. Probably won't be near a ramp that you can use, though. Ramps tend to be in public parks and storage yards tend to be in industrial or rural areas where land is cheaper.