Berthing

[Moley7]

The recommissioning of my Huntress JJ (formerly Fairey Dust, formerly JJ) is nearing completion and I am looking at options on where to keep her. We are Solent based, and previously I have kept boats in Portmouth Harbour. Does anyone have any advice on whether a Huntress can be kept in a dry stack or whether she would be better off in the water. My instinct is that the fork lift action might not do the hull any good - is that right? Any thoughts?
Thanks and hope to be out on the water in a month or so.
Jonathan Hudson

[Ben]

Graham Hatch's old boat, he's a neighbour of mine. We wondered what happened to her.

I think it very much depends what she is sat on, but the Huntress is pretty tough and not very heavy, I am inclined to think it'll be fine if she's in good shape structurally, I would have done it with mine had there been Drystacks at the time.

Others may have different views.

Might be worth asking a surveyor.

[Moley7]

Thanks Ben - yes that's the one!
I am thinking of the indoor drystack at Trafalgar Wharf, so the boat will be inside. I need to have a survey done when the works are complete so I will ask him then - that's a good idea.

[Folly Reach]

Huntsman 28' and 31' were in drystack at Bembridge.
Don't see a problem personally.

[Ben]

I forgot that, my 31 was in the excellent Bembridge dry stack one winter.

If a Huntress is sat on a pair of those long timbers they use in dry stacks and the forks go down either side I reckon she'll be fine. Keep the weather off her too.

[nickkieffer1]

If memory serves Faireys used to be kept ashore and launched by tractor and trailer at week ends although not "dry stacked "
I seem to remember lots being launched as you passed the yard then racing off for the day . Unlike conventional planked boats the moulded hull will not need to be kept wet to stop leaks . Nick

[PeterCharleston]

The people that purchased my boat keep her in Trafalgar dry stack and can thoroughly recomend
There is a Fairey in the dry stack, it's on the bottom row but think it's possibly a Spearfish with stern drives ? The management were very keen to have a Swordsman in there !!! Certainly the fork lift trucks are absolutely enormous. Regards Peter

[EWV]

I like the concept of dry stacking especially for keeping the boat clean, maintenance benefits and not having to worry about a boat being afloat on a windy/stormy night. But for me one of the huge benefits of owning one of these boots is sometimes just going down to marina to have dinner on the boat or relax for a few hours, drop a fishing line over the side, talk to other boat owners etc. and I'd miss all that with a dry stack.

[davidbuttriss]

With regard ‘dry sailing’ a Huntress, it worked for the Royal Navy carting them around on warships!

[tjsb]

It is worth weighing up all the options. Dry stack near me is far more expensive than my Harbour Authority river mooring, but requires less anodes, antifouling, checking on the boat in winter etc. Of course, I can leave and arrive at any time, and aren't tied to the forklift times. I would look around for all local options, as prices vary considerably, and as importantly, whether the yard staff are friendly and professional. I have been to some yards where I was treated like dirt, where work has been smashed and others where the staff and service have been brilliant. Good luck finding the right solution for you.

Toby