Thanks for everyone's opinions on the single vs twins question. I think we are narrowing our search to favoring a single. This is partially due to economics which leads to my next question. We are looking at a 44' boat at a marina which would be convenient to just keep the boat at. There seems to be no option to the slip cost of $2700. But the winter storage options range from $700 to $3665. The most expensive is heated indoor which seems to me to have more advantages to the owner than to the boat. Unheated indoor I think is protective of the boat and owner who will not be working on the boat in the winter months. The cost for this is $2156. The least expensive is outdoor storage at $700. This does not include a properly installed skrink wrap over which I do not have an estimate on. The other option would be a blue/silver poly or canvas cover (truck supply) with a proprietary or owner-built frame - a one-time rather than yearly expense. I realize outdoor storage (especially in Michigan) is not as ideal as indoor. But it is a heck of a lot cheaper! What are your thoughts and experiences?

"Dennis Pyritz" <dwpyritz@iquest.net> writes: > The other option would be a >blue/silver poly or canvas cover (truck supply) with a proprietary or >owner-built frame - a one-time rather than yearly expense. Actually, it will be an almost-yearly expense. Poly tarps will last two years, if you are very very lucky. And when they do shred, they flap against the hull and wear away the paint/gelcoat. Finally, don't underestimate the hassle factor of installing the frame and cover. Trust me, building a frame for a 44 footer that will withstand (a) wind (b) snow and (c) the cold will be difficult and expensive. Taking it down and putting it up will both consume a full day, at the very least. And it's a massive PITA to store and move. I would say that you have two choices: 1) Use the unheated inside storage (that's what I'd do if I was in Michigan). 2) Get a custom cover made. It will run about $5000 but will last 10 years (that's what I did for my boat on the west coast, where it doesn't freeze, it just rains... and rains... and rains). Scott Welch Product Manager, FirstClass Group "If we continue to take an eye for an eye, then surely the whole world will go blind." - Gandhi