There are almost as many choices of summer boat berths as
there are types of vessels — making a wise choice makes for a
great summer. Use our checklist to assess marinas, yacht clubs,
mooring fields, and boatyards, and then choose the one that’s
most affordable for your budget and/or appealing for your
lifestyle.
• Location Do you decide to boat on the spur of the moment
or like to unwind after dinner? A nearby spot works best.
However, if you consider your boat a weekend home, a
lively harbor setting or a facility with amenities enhance the
vacation-like experience.
• Water A site must have enough water at mean low tide from
spring through fall to keep your boat afloat.
• Layout Is your boat hard to maneuver or are you new to
boating? Eliminate spots wedged between other vessels, tight
spaces, and/or angles that require tricky moves. Ride out to
a prospective mooring to see if it’s easily accessible when the
field is full; take local prevailing winds into account, too.
• Serenity Is the harbor generally calm? If the spot regularly
rocks, consider the ease of getting on and off the boat with
equipment, gear, and guests.
• Assistance Are dockhands around to help from early until
late?
• Accessibility Facilities with bulkheads or ladders aren’t
suitable for those with limited mobility, small children, and
dogs. Check out the dock’s ramp at low tide — is it so steep
it’s hard to navigate with a stroller, cane, or a full cart of gear?
• Power and water Is the dockside power supply adequate for
everything you enjoy using while hanging out? Is fresh water
available?
• Travel lift Is there one on the premises capable of hauling
your boat?
• DIY May you work on your own boat on the premises and/
or bring in an outside professional?
• In-house mechanic Is the resident mechanic certified on
your vessel and engines? What’s the average turnaround on
a summer repair?
Choose
Your
Best Berth!
• Pumping How close is the nearest pumpout site?
• Fueling Where’s the nearest fuel dock?
• Moorings Does the cost of the mooring include access to
land amenities? Is launch service additional? What’s the
average wait time for launch service on summer weekends,
what hours are launches in operation, and how far into fall
do launches run?
• Parking Is there enough parking for boaters and guests? Is
there a convenient place to unload gear? Does the parking lot
flood during rainy spells or when the tide rises?
• Security Protection is important for those who sleep aboard
as well as well as those who don’t remove valuable equipment
between trips.
• Pluses (or Minuses) Does the facility have a ships’ store,
laundry, showers, and/or ice available? If you’re joining a
yacht club, is there a dress code? Are year-round amenities
and activities included or is there an additional food and
drink minimum? Does the club have reciprocal privileges at
destinations you plan to visit?
• Neighbors What’s the average age of members or other boat
owners? If you’re seeking peace and quiet, you’ll likely look
at different locations than if you’d welcome companionship.
The same goes for what happens when the sun goes down —
do dock dwellers get rowdy or does the place seem deserted?
• Dogs Are they permitted? Are there restrictions?
• Emergency preparedness Does the facility have fire fighting
and life-saving equipment? Is there a published storm
evacuation plan?
• Cold storage Is on-site winter storage available, or must you
move the boat elsewhere in the fall? If available, does your
season end on the facility’s schedule or when you decide?
• Splash Is spring launch on a first-in, last-out autumn
timetable or may you arrange a launch date that fits your
schedule?
• Affordability Can you afford the overall cost of your vessel’s
berth? Boating should be recreational, not a source of stress.
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