Every person chooses a boat carefully based on their recreational needs. They go to great lengths to make sure their boat is well-maintained. If you do so much for your boat, why not take the same steps when renting a slip at the marina?
Boats are expensive. People put in a lot of time and money to make the right decision. So, you wouldn’t want it to be treated badly at a downtrodden marina that has no amenities and doesn’t take any security measures.
Just like the comfort of a home is for you, so is a marina for a boat. This is why you need to choose a place that offers premium service without costing you an arm and a leg.
Following are a couple of things you need to consider before docking your boat at a marina:
Find Out the Slip Rates
Visit multiple marinas to find out the rental rate for a slip. If you have a yacht club nearby, you will get access to luxury amenities and privileges. However, this can get quite expensive. You can go for moorings, typically cheaper, but they can leave your boat vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and other boats.
Then there are public docks, which are cheaper but lack security. Hence, you need to do research thoroughly to find out which one will be under your budget.
Ask About the Numbers
The cost of docking your boat depends on several factors. Here’s an example to help you understand:
- Let’s say a docking slip costs $3,729 a year. That’s $311 a month.
- Based on the length and type of boat, it costs $149/foot a year, which is $12.44/foot a month.
- The cost will also increase based on the location of the marina.
Make Sure They Have Foolproof Security
Security is a major concern at all marinas. Boats are mostly stolen when they are loaded at trailers. This does not mean your boat is safely docked in a rented slip. Find out if the marina has cameras covering the entire place and their policies on theft.
Ask About the Amenities
A marina that cares for its customers will offer plenty of amenities to ensure its clients stay loyal. Here are some amenities you should look for:
- Electrical points for charging batteries
- Waterproof dock boxes
- Clean water for washing boats
- Private showers
- Laundry facilities
- Private lockers
- Dock carts
- Dinghy docks
- Recycling Receptacles
- Dock steps
Access to Wet and Dry Dock
A wet dock offers you more convenience. It allows you to access your boat on the water easily. On the other hand, a dry dock is a surface where your boat is stored. You will have to call the marina in advance so they can prepare your boat and get it on the water. The former option is more expensive than the latter.
And there you have it — key points to consider when renting a docking slip. Why not spend your money on building a dock instead? Visit the EZ Dock website for quality floating docks. They also offer docking accessories and launch platforms for kayaks and canoes. To get in touch with them, dial 800-654-8168.
