When it comes to enjoying your time on the water, where you store your boat can make all the difference. Whether you’re out regularly or just a few times each season, it’s worth finding a storage option that fits your boating lifestyle.
At Northshore, we offer a Valet Lift & Launch Maintenance Service and often get asked how it compares to marina berths, swinging moorings, or drystack storage.
Here’s a simple guide to help you weigh up the options and see what might suit you best.
A Closer Look at Your Boat Storage Options
1. Marina Berths
A marina berth gives you walk-on access to your boat whenever you like. With shore power, water, and facilities close by, it’s a great option if you enjoy spending time onboard — even when you’re not heading out.
Good for you if:
You want easy access and full facilities
You enjoy overnight stays or regular onboard time
You like having everything close to hand
There are several marinas around Chichester Harbour, such as Thornham Marina, that offer these full-service berthing options for local boaters.
2. Swinging Moorings
Swinging moorings are a popular and often more affordable choice, especially for those who are out on the water now and then. You’ll reach your boat by tender, and they work well if you’re just popping out for day sails or weekend trips.
Worth bearing in mind:
Your boat stays afloat all season, so fouling and wear can build up
You’ll need to factor in weather and tides when planning access
It’s a more ‘hands-on’ experience – which many boaters enjoy!
3. Drystack Storage
Drystacks are great if you want to keep your boat out of the water but still enjoy quick launching. Boats are stacked in racks and moved with forklifts – a familiar setup for many South-Coast boaters.
Common benefits include:
Keeping your hull clean and protected
Less day-to-day maintenance
Simple launching without a trailer
4. Lift and Launch at Northshore
Our Valet Lift and Launch service offers many of the same benefits as a drystack – but with a slightly different setup.
Here at Northshore, boats are stored on a single level, either indoors or outdoors, and launched when you need them.
It’s often seen as a dry stack alternative, offering the same care and convenience but with a format better suited to our site and local boating habits.
Here’s how it works:
Book ahead, and we’ll launch your boat and have it ready on our deep-water pontoon
After your trip, we lift it out, give it a freshwater rinse, and store it securely
You’re welcome to do your own maintenance or bring in your own contractors, giving you flexible boat maintenance access
Lift and Launch could be a great fit if you:
Want to keep your boat dry between outings
Prefer a simple, ground-level dry boat storage option for easy maintenance access
Boat regularly but don’t need to be afloat all the time
- Want secure boat storage in Chichester Harbour backed by a helpful, local team
5. Valet Mooring Service (For Swinging Moorings)
If you’ve already got a swinging mooring in the harbour, but want the added benefits of dry storage, our Valet Mooring Service might be just the thing.
When you’re ready to go boating, we’ll launch your boat and tow it out to your mooring, ready for you to hop aboard. Once you’re finished, we’ll bring it back in, lift it out, rinse it off, and tuck it away safely on shore.
You’ll still use a tender to access your boat (and yes, we can store those too), but you’ll avoid leaving your boat afloat for long periods — helping reduce wear, fouling, and ongoing maintenance.
It’s a great way to combine the freedom of a mooring with the peace of mind of dry storage.
So, what’s the best option?
That really depends on how you like to boat. Some people love the convenience of a marina, others enjoy the simplicity of a mooring. And for many, Lift and Launch offers a flexible, well-supported middle ground.
At Northshore, we’re here to help you find the setup that suits your style – whether that’s dry storage, valet mooring, or something in between.
Want to chat through your options?
Get in touch with our team – we’re happy to answer questions, show you around, and help you find what works best for you and your boat.
