I am planning on taking the Cafe to SW Florida over the winter and have two storage options; a dry-stack building or a lift on the canal. The dry-stack would keep the boat away from the water, but I would probably do a better job cleaning her up on my lift.

My goal is to minimize corrosive effects while having a degree of convenience. Thoughts on which option is better?

If you have a lift availible I would go that route. Some of the dry stack places around here can be rough on boats.

I'd agree with Maritime Eng, go with the lift behind the house if you can. Just make sure you had a really solid cover and wash VERY frequently. My dad keeps his Intrepid in FL on a life next to the house on the intracoastal. Definitely more convenient and rack storage facilities get a lot more salty then you think and can be very rough on boats (the old Hideaway).

Lift and wash frequently to keep the salt away..

If I used a dry-stack it would be Sanibel Harbor. For the lift out back I do have a full boat canvas, but am wondering if I am better off to put a roof over it and take the cockpit cover off from time to time to air it out.

Airing out is a must in order to avoid mold/ moisture from settling..roof is also good, but take into consideration what angle the property sits on as compared to the sun.. The sides if not fully covered will take a beating from the sun..

What did your insurance man say about it