Dry Stack Storage

The characteristics of dry stack facilities and equipment have changed significantly since the previous analysis by a PIANC Working Group in 1980. In addition to technological innovation over more than 30 years, significant changes have occurred regarding boat user demands and the organizations that develop and manage dry stack facilities. Most notably, the size and weight of boats using dry stack and the demand for land space use optimisation have increased significantly, especially in developed boating regions.rn

rnrnThis Working Group was tasked to produce practical guidelines for designing, building, operating and maintaining dry stack storage facilities worldwide. Within this broad goal, this report is focused on identifying different approaches for planning and design and their applicability. This WG also intends avoiding duplication of efforts presently underway by other professional organisations. rn

rnWhile circumstances vary widely in different areas throughout the world, due to weather, economy, culture and the character of boating as a recreation activity, this document is intended to serve as a reference everywhere where recreational boating infrastructure exists or may be developed. Readers in highly developed boating regions may find criteria and references that may guide the planning and design of more efficient dry stack facilities. Other sections of this report may be used to set the stage for discussions regarding public policy and regulatory framework for recreational and tourism boating infrastructure development at regional level, which may be beneficial in developing countries.rn

rnThe name ?Dry Stack? is commonly used for a facility purposely-built to handle and vertically store boats on racks on land. It is also called ?Dry Stack Boat Storage?, ?Dry Stack Marina? or ?Dry Stack Racks?. rn

rnIn its most common use, it implies a professional operation by a commercial enterprise, dedicated staff and boat storage as the primary purpose of the business. It also implies boats (usually motor boats) as the main craft to attend, as opposed to canoes, kayaks, small sailboats or sailing dinghies (such as optimist class boats and the like).rn

rnThis definition excludes yards that are used for land storage of boats that do not use racks (yard dry storage or surface dry boat storage) and ship yard or other working waterfront businesses that may have capacity to store boats on racks. Yard dry storage is common for sailboat winterising yards, which are ancillary to many marinas in temperate climates. Yard dry storage is also used for long term parking of motorboats on trailers. The name ?boat dry storage? generally includes both dry stack and surface dry storage. rn

rnIn summary, for the purpose of this work, a dry stack is the boating infrastructure used for launching and retrieval of boats coupled with land vertical storage of boats in rack systems, which is operated as a business that uses purposely designed facilities and equipment. rn

rnWhile this report will address a variety of technical issues relative to these facilities, it should be highlighted that all technological, operational and infrastructure solutions are aimed at providing a seamless boater experience in addition to safe and efficient boat storage.rn