21st Century Boat Storage

by Sail-World Australia on 7 Feb 2017 There is no doubt that the continual growth of boating participation and boat ownership has not only increased traffic on the waterways significantly over the past twenty years, but has also put pressure on the capacity of many locations to absorb the increased demand for moorings and marina berths. Dry stack boat storage is not new, but because Sydney Harbour does not have a plethora of vacant waterfrontage, the concept has not been established locally until recently.

In January I was fortunate enough to be invited to such a location. Sydney Harbour Boat Storage is situated at White Bay next to the Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal at Balmain. On the way to the premises I was stopped at the port security gate and after advising the reason for my visit allowed to proceed. A nice reassurance for boat owners. On arrival I noted the spaciousness surrounding the entrance to the storage area and the numerous parking spaces available to visitors, over 50I am advised.

Entering the complex, the deep water, long finger wharf is evident on the left and a travel lift hovers above the dock area. The vast area to the right houses four multi storey boat racking structures, with rows of boats neatly stored ready for their next trips. Two Wiggins ‘Marina Bull’ fork lifts, the latest technology in boat handling, were plying between the wharf and the boat racks and these are used to transport the stored boats to the waterfront area. Boats up to 40ft are able to be stored and launched.

There are many reasons why this form of boat storage makes sense. An owner simply books their boat launch using the app, the yard then transfers the boat to the finger wharf ready for the owner, friends and guests to go aboard and power off on their trip. At the end of the trip the owner simply moors the boat at the wharf and leaves the rest to the boat storage staff. The boat is lifted out of the water, hosed off, engines flushed then placed back in its own storage rack ready for its next journey.

A VIP lounge is available for visitors to relax and have a drink after a day out and to take in the spectacular water views. Shower and change facilities are on site plus disability access. If catering is required Boardwalk catering will deliver ahead of your trip. Their contact details are on the web site.

General Manager, Jeremy Rose advised the centre works as a complete one stop shop. On site services include riggers, engineers, detailers, mechanics and shipwrights all contained within the full port security. Any maintenance needed to be carried out is logged in and carried out while the boat is not being used. Fuel is also available.Extra gear requirements, such as lifejackets or wet weather gear can be purchased from the BoatCrewGear.comshowroom.

Jeremy also mentioned that with boats securely placed in their boat racks, there is no anti-fouling required or possible marina damage. Owners can sleep through stormy nights knowing their boats are secure and being looked after and that resale values are protected.

The facility is able to accommodate up to 220 boats and there are storage options to suit most boats and budgets.
The VIP lounge is also available for ‘boat launchings’ or ‘product announcements’ for the marine industry and bookings are a must.

In summary Sydney Harbour Boat Storage provides boat owners on Sydney Harbour with a viable alternative to traditional mooring facilities that is not only easily located with no parking problems but is able to store, maintain and look after your boat with minimum hassle, less wear and tear and to give family and friends more time on the water without the need to spend time securing and cleaning up at the end of the day.

For more details call 02 8090 4311
Email: info@storemyboat.com.au
www.sydneyharbourboatstorage.com.au