As I draw closer to making a purchase on a pre-owned Cigarette or Fountain, I am considering a lift. None of the dealers at my lake sell a lift large enough for a 38' or 42' boat. I have always had lifts for my ski boats and those encroach on our view of the water enough. A large lift will just block our view that much more. Then there is the cost and the hassle of another lift to be installed and removed every season. I'm considering just letting a powerboat just stay tied up at the pier and having the hull detailed at the end of the summer before storage. I'd probably get a backup bilge for "insurance"

Can you please give me your thoughts on just covering it and letting it float? Is this a terrible idea?

I have a 50ft slip for my boat without a lift. I tied my Seadoo up in it all summer floating in the water and had a carpet layer build up that noticeably slowed me down.

If the sides are painted, most likely, the clear will start to peel.

If you don't want the lift,check out if the local marina can offer a concierge service - they put the boat in the water when you want it and back on a trailer/ under covered building when not needed

I get pissed off how the hull looks after a weekend, all summer ? That would kill me

Not that I am for it, but at My lake (Winni in NH) it happens all the time. Very little amt of lifts. Have anodes refreshed every few yrs and clean bottom a few times or more. Some don’t snd they look gross pretty quickly.

My vote is for rack storage with concierge service. I found one near me that will keep it on my trailer if I want to take it someplace else. Their price was less than a slip and winter storage would cost.

I can't sleep if mine is tied up to a dock for the weekend!!! Is there a leak? Is the bilge pump working? Are the Batteries up? Ropes come untied? etc. etc. etc. Besides, sitting in the water is just hard on them. Moss, corrosion, spider crap! No way.

I don't really like my boat getting wet......

In all honesty, find someone who can get you a lift. A 38 Cig isn't that big of a boat, and a 42 fountain is even smaller, So there is no reason not to put it on a lift. You'll get used to looking at it quickly......

Sent you a PM.