Here in Michigan, we all know how long and dreary the winter season can be for boaters who’d rather be out on the lake. Luckily, your Cabin Cruiser doesn’t have to sit in storage all winter untouched. There are many services that we can perform on your boat while it’s in storage so it’s ready for use by next spring – the key is getting it in early!
Before You Get Started, Here Are a Few Considerations…
There are a few things to consider when determining the flooring update options for your boat. One of these considerations is whether your boat is in warm or cold storage. Note: for us to work on your boat, it cannot be winterized in Shrink-wrap.
We can perform work on your boat in commercial storage, marinas, or at your residence.
If your boat is in warm storage, we can install swim platforms and GatorStep flooring. With swim platform installments, it’s important to keep in mind that your boat should have a minimum of 4 to 5 feet of additional space in the back for working and storing purposes. If your boat is in cold storage, we can install snap-in mats.
Pro tip: If your boat has existing flooring intact, it must be removed before we can pattern. That project is something you as the owner can take on, or you can hire us for removal as well.
Also, we will travel to boats stored in marinas and other storage facilities in lower Michigan, northern Indiana, and northern Ohio. Reach out to us to ensure you’re within traveling distance!
Let’s Get to The Process:
Step 1.
On our first trip to your boat, we will pattern the area, clean up the pattern with CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and verify the area on your boat with an on-site cut template from CAD. We can mail samples or you can meet us at your boat and we will bring the samples you have chosen to ensure you’re still happy with your choice as sometimes it looks different digitally than it does physically and under different lighting.
Step 2.
On our second trip to your boat, we will install your new flooring. Some materials, like GatorStep, might require additional trips to finish the install at the storage facility, but those workdays will be back-to-back. If the flooring is being replaced on the inside of your cabin cruiser, it might be a week’s worth of work before it’s done depending on the size and needs of the cabin. Planning is key to this whole process, and we will be there to guide you.
While We’re Out There…
Have you ever heard the expression, “Two birds, one stone?” In most cases, services can be performed at the same time, saving a second trip to your boat and saving you money down the line. For example, if you choose to add a Swim Platform to the back of your boat, that is service #1. Adding GatorStep flooring to the Swim Platform is service #2. This means there is only one round of travel costs, whereas booking later down the road will result in a new round of travel costs. Bundling services like this is a great way to enhance your boat in the most timely and cost effective way.
Of course, with multiple services you should account for longer lead times from manufacturers to ensure your boat’s project is done by the time you’re ready to take it out of storage.
Make it happen.
After we pattern your boat, it takes about 4-6 weeks to receive the material from GatorStep, and about 6-8 weeks for Snap-In Mats. Understanding the length of the process will be greatly beneficial to you as you plan your cabin cruiser services! But don’t forget, you are not alone in the planning process.
If you’re ready to be proactive this winter so that your Cabin Cruiser is ready this spring, reach out to us with questions and get your free quote!