Does anyone store their RIB in a shipping container?

Gerry · 16 July 2012, 15:39

As part of an ongoing search for better storage solutions, I wondered if anyone keeps their RIB in a shipping container?

Pros would be good security (presumably).

Cons would be size - 20ft length would be too short, 40ft is massive, 30ft ideal, but rare or has to be custom made. Also width is an issue - would need to be "pallett wide" size at least, or preferably a non-standard 9ft wide (i.e. non-shipping standard).

Is condensation an issue, especially if putting the boat in wet?

Also surprised by how expensive these are, even old, rusty, bashed up things. Also, not exactly easy to move around...

Anyone any experience?

Gerry

thomas · 16 July 2012, 17:48

Spooky, I've just been looking at one to put in an open barn.

whisper · 16 July 2012, 17:52

Would it get hot in the sun?

(if we had any)

thomas · 16 July 2012, 17:57

You can refrigerated ones

Nos4r2 · 16 July 2012, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas

You can refrigerated ones

That's assuming you want to pay for the power/diesel and the servicing of the fridge unit.

They aren't going to be low hours...

Boats&Outboards · 16 July 2012, 18:15

We have a 20ft one for storage and it has suffered from condensation if left closed for some time. Nothing serious and paperwork doesn't get damp etc in there, so I'd say you will be fine.

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Seabay · 16 July 2012, 18:16

Have got 2 shipping containers both 20ft and 40ft. everything goes in. Condensation IS a problem unless you fit vents to the sides.On real warm sunny days just open the doors.
There are 3mtr widths available but more expensive, Use a standard width and lower the pressure in the tubes.

Doug Stormforce · 17 July 2012, 05:52

Until recently we had a 20' ISO container as a store, no problem with. condensation but we were in there almost every day.

We kept 2 jetskis in one for a while, no problem there.

Cookee · 17 July 2012, 07:27

We raced the RIB in Cape Town and the boat was shipped there in a 40' container with spares etc - we used it as a garage for the week we were racing and then shipped it home in the same container, getting things out of it in the heat had to be done quickly - not sure it would be such an issue in the UK!

Gerry · 17 July 2012, 17:07

Thanks for all the feedback.

Sounds like it's a possibility (maybe with vents or plywood lining to minimise condensation e.g. over the winter).

Just need to see if I can find one the right size at the right price...

Gerry

piemaker · 17 July 2012, 18:19

I wouldn't store anything of value in one for a prolonged period of time. Like an oven in the sun and condensate like mad. I think a top quality purpose built boat cover is a better option. Containers also look scruffy so unless you can hide it your garden will look like steptoes yard.

BogMonster · 17 July 2012, 23:04

Agree with piemaker. They get really hot in direct sunshine (even in cool latitudes) and in the winter time they condense and drip like mad. My father kept his car in one for years and it was (is) covered in immovable rusty stains where water has dripped onto it. I would never keep a vehicle or anything else important or valuable in one!

Plus unless you deflate the tubes a rib won't go in easily (or at all) anyway.

chalkie · 18 July 2012, 06:58

Or you could put a cover on it then put it in a container, I know of people who store ribs in containers and they have no problems getting a ribcraft 4.8 in there but I suppose if you have anything bigger it won't fit. And I have never seen any rust marks off droplets from above on their rib but it is used every weekend which could be why I haven't seen them.