Whether you’ve just purchased a boat or yacht or have had one for years, where you keep it when you’re not using it is almost as important as the vessel itself. That’s why it’s so essential to do your due diligence before choosing a marina, yacht club, or other facility. Below are a few things to consider.
The boating community is very small and vocal. Ask other boaters or locals what they think about the facility you’re interested in and search online for reviews.
Consider the location of the marina itself, as well as the location of your slip at the marina. Make sure your slip is protected from wind, waves, and vessel traffic. Wave action can do a lot of damage to moored vessels, as can other boats if they don’t have enough room to maneuver. How close is your slip to the open water? If the facility is in an exposed location, do they have wave attenuators installed to protect boats?
The more room you have to maneuver, the better. For example, if your boat has a 10’ beam and the marina offers you an 11’ wide slip, it will be challenging to get the boat in and out without contact between the boat and the dock. If your vessel is difficult to maneuver in tight quarters, look for a slip toward the end of the pier. If your vessel has a deeper draft, ensure you can get in and out of the marina and your slip at low tide.
While some marinas may have a lower slip fee, they may not have the facilities to let you pump out your engine head, get gas, or haul out. Here are some features to look for:
More sophisticated facilities will offer services, such as:
If the facility doesn’t take care of its buildings and area, how will they care for your boat? If there is trash on the ground, overflowing trash cans, or the docks are in disrepair, consider looking elsewhere. Also consider the safety, stability, and condition of the docks, cleats, and power pedestals when evaluating a marina—premium facilities often have lighted docks.
Consider asking these questions:
Unfortunately, it is fairly easy for small boats and the equipment inside them to be vulnerable to theft. When considering a marina, look for gates, security cameras, lighting, and security guards. The more security that the facility has, the better.
Make sure that the facility is equipped with items to help individuals should they be in any life-threatening danger, including CPR equipment, fire extinguishers, life jackets, and egress ladders.
Evaluate the insurance of the facility and any insurance requirement that they might have for you.
If you’re interested in additional features such as events, dining, clubhouse, or recreational areas, you’ll want to review those amenities when evaluating a marina or yacht club as well.
Consider all these factors when choosing your next marina or yacht/boat club, so you can maximize the time you enjoy being at the dock and out on the water.
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