Has anyone ever thought about owning there own boat storage yard?

[PEJ]

If you know Crosshouse public slipway under the Itchen bridge in Southampton then you'll know it is surrounded by industrial units. There always seems to be "to let" signs up around there.

Maybe you could do the park and ride type thing. Don't know how you would get on using a public slipway for your business though.

 

[colingr]

Funnily enough that is where I tend to launch, Would be competing with MDL and Drivers Quay but they are so expensive I'm sure a "budget" offering would go down well. Drivers Quay are over a grand to store and launch an 18ft boat, outside!

 

[gjgm]

might be worth looking into caravan storage, as I guess you d have many of the same issues- access, security,hard standing,fencing, insurance,staff maybe. After all, 100 boats and outboards makes a nice target.

 

[PEJ]

Here you are: http://www.invest-in-southampton.co.uk/property/commercialproperty_moredetailedresult.asp?VacID=5120

Get in on the ground floor of this development.

 

[geardownthreegreens]

I take all your points here guys and thankyou.
At present its a pipe dream but i'm serious with my intention to find out more and i'm thinking it really is something i'd want to give a go,so long as i knew i wouldn't lose my house from it

Me personally,i cant see the problem in a boat storage yard when it comes to a matter of planning.Surely it doesn't really matter what land is used for,so long as its being used and not left to waste.Plus,surely local trade would benefit,shops and restaurants.
Any other thoughts, please just say,or experiences.
Cheers guys
Si

 

[geardownthreegreens]

Yes, that was something we discussed also. Not the complete park and ride service, but ride was optional at a small charge.

My scheme would include a service to collect your boat from its present location and bring back to storage. Storage. Launch facilities,just phone and we'll be ready for you to go, obviously a recovery service. Then a wash and go service where we can wash your boat off and for that extra service, a full valet.
These are just some thoughts.

What is a reasonable charge to launch and recover,oh, and say to store a 21ft sports boat P.A

 

[Graham66]

Been there and got the tee shirt all be it 30+ years ago.
it can be difficult although nowadays all craft are in cradles (or your public liability Ins will be through the roof and beyond)
Here are some of the items that flashed before my eyes when I read your post
Payment MUST be up front
Stepping and unstepping masts
sleepless nights when it is blowing a hoolie
Juggling with boats when the guy at the back decides he wants launched a month early
up to the chest in the oggin because something has blocked the slipway, trailers always bounce over the obstruction on the way down but judder to a halt on the way back up!
screaming at the guy in a powerboat producing a huge wash just as you try to retrieve a motorboat
I would reckon that in todays economic climate my biggest concern would be financial especially as marinas are trying hard to sell annual berths and not seasonal ie 6months in and store elsewhere
Aye "fond" memories it is good on a good day but when it is bad it can be really awfull
I wish you the best of luck and if I can be of any help pl;ease pm me