Buying a boat can be a thrilling experience. However, an important consideration would be to find a proper place to store it. You will require to purchase or rent a boat slip at a marina. Contrary to parking spaces that can accommodate any car, a boat needs a slip to store it. Check out these 12 tips while renting a slip for your boat.
1. Check the slip rates
You would not wish to rent or buy a slip, which is more than your budget. A yacht club offers certain amenities and privileges but can be quite expensive. On the other hand, moorings are typically cheaper than slips but the boat can be vulnerable to other vessels or adverse weather conditions. Although a public dock is usually cheap, there is a lack of tight security. Private marinas can be a good choice if you do a bit of research.
2. Evaluate water congestion and traffic
It is better to assess the amount of water congestion and traffic for various reasons. For instance, high traffic congestion can lead to delays while departing from marinas. There can be also an increased risk of collision when water traffic is high.
3. Make sure that security is strong
One significant concern should be security for your guests, yourself, and your boat. Inadequately lit parking lots, unsafe neighborhoods, and unlocked facilities should be avoided as much as possible.
4. Easy access to a marina
Typically, the marina should be easily accessible from your residence. You are bound to use the boat less frequently if you have to drive for hours to get to the marina.
5. Proper knowledge about marina operators
The employees at the marina have to,
- Practice safety
- Be knowledgeable
- Offer proper security
- Assess the requirements of the boaters first
- Instill confidence
- Provide cleanliness
6. Proper amenities to dock
A good dock should be equipped with certain amenities. For instance, you will always require an electrical hook-up for charging the batteries. Similarly, clean water is needed to wash your boats and fill the tanks. Some other amenities you should look for are:
- Laundry facilities
- Private showers
- Private lockers
- Waterproof dock boxes
7. Access to shops
It may not be an important thing to look for when you are simply wishing to store a boat. However, it is an important consideration for people who wish to access shopping facilities easily. You can search the Internet to know about nearby shopping areas.
8. Ease of docking
An important question to ask is whether you can dock your boat easily or not. In case it is tough to dock and depart, you will enjoy boating less. Also, it should be easy to hook up to water and power.
9. Depth of water
Falling water levels signify that the boat cannot be docked properly. You should make sure there is adequate water at the slip’s inside to enter so that the propellers can clear them comfortably.
10. Height of the dock
The dock’s height can ascertain the comfort with which your guests and you can get into or out of your boat. When the dock is fixed and high, it is easier to get on and off from the cockpit side or the side deck.
11. Length of the finger dock
The finger dock can extend from the primary pier and should have an adequate length for your guests and you to step out of the boat easily.
12. Space for personal watercraft
In case you own a personal watercraft or a dinghy, you have to make sure that there is enough space near the boat for doing so.
Conclusion
There are several factors to choose the right dock for your boat. These include convenience, cost, size of the boat, and amenities among others. You can contact us for dry slips in Annapolis and boat slips in Annapolis and we will help you with all your queries.