Are you a proud owner of a boat? Congratulations! Have a wonderful time at sea. Now it is time to select the right marina to dock your boat. It is important because a marina plays an important role in the safety and maintenance of your boat. It is also significant to improve your boating experience. Do you want to know how to choose the best marina? Here are the key factors to consider.
1. Location of the Marina
You should select a marina that is close to your home and is easily accessible, because you can visit it often. Moreover, it will reduce your travelling time. If you visit a fishing spot or any other recreational spot frequently, find a marina near it.
2. Amenities
Ensure the marina provides all facilities such as fuel stations, repair services, and waste disposal. When these facilities are available on-site, it is convenient and time-saving. Check if additional features like parking, restaurants, stores, and pharmacies are available. If you stay on your boat for a long extended time, you should look for marinas with showers, restrooms, fresh water, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Opt for marinas that are clean and well-maintained.
3. Safe Environment
A safe and secure environment is an essential and not a luxuryYour boat is valuable and has costly parts and equipment. So, choose a marina that has good security, like cameras, security guards, and community watch programs. The marinas should also have fire prevention measures and should be prepared to deal with emergencies.
4. Accident-Free Zone
The risks of slips and falls are common in marinas. So, you should check if the docks have non-slip surfaces and good lighting at night. Moreover, injuries from boat propellers and electric currents are also frequent. Hence, marinas with ‘no swimming’ policies are better. The marina should be protected from strong waves and winds.
5. Size and Shape of the Slips
If the size of the slip is small, your boat can be damaged, and it will be difficult to maneuver. If it is too big, boats will be at risk of too much movement from waves and wind. So, the size and shape of the slips should be ideal and perfect for your boat. The size considerations include overall length, width, and depth. The length of the slip should be greater than the LOA of your boat. The width should be more than the width of your boat’s beam. The slip should be deep enough for your boat’s draft.
The shape considerations include configurations like dock layouts, such as T-shape, L-shape, and U-shape.
6. Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff
Friendly staff are important to have a stress-free boating experience. Knowledgeable staff are a great asset when a boat faces a mechanical issue or other problems. Staff who are trained to handle emergencies are an asset to the marina. Moreover, staff should be responsible for making regular checks and communicating with boat owners consistently. Ensure all the staff, including the port managers and mooring attendants, are the best before choosing the marina.
7. Cost
The cost of booking a marina consists of many elements. The main costs include mooring fees, yearly or seasonal charges, insurance, pump-out fees, and extra costs like electricity, security, and water. Before you book, ask for a full price list. Make sure the total cost is within your budget. Are you planning to book for a long term? Find out if they will provide you with discounts. Check if the marina charges liveboard fees. Ensure the pricing is transparent.
8. Reputation
The good reputation of a marina indicates that it is safe, secure, affordable, and convenient. Ask the existing customers who are using the services of the marina for honest reviews and feedback. Read the online reviews. Make sure the positive reviews are more than the negative ones.
9. Personal On-Site Check
Take a personal tour to verify the amenities, safety features, and other amenities. Ensure the security measures are the best. Check if the marina is well sheltered and protected from harsh weather and natural disasters. Make sure the slips are long, wide, and deep enough to accommodate your boat.
10. Availability of Slip
This is very important, especially if you are planning to go for a long-term or permanent mooring. Contact the staff and ensure the availability of the slip.
11. Think Ahead of Future Needs
Are you planning to buy a bigger boat in the future? Does the marina provide haul-out service? Are you going to shift your home? Ask these questions and think ahead before choosing the marina.
Are you wondering where to find the right marina to suit your needs and the size of your boat? Visit SlipStream, a website where you can contact the marina and make the booking. You are assured of huge discounts when you book through SlipStream. Book your marina space now and have a wonderful time sailing.
