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What is a Marina? The Difference Between a Boat Dock vs. Boat Slip

Sophia Maggio @ Jun 14, 2022

New to boating? If the answer is yes, prepare to learn an entirely new language. 

For a new boat owner , figuring out the difference between a boat slip, boat dock, and marina takes time, research, and regular chances to chat with other boaters. Consider this article your very own Boat Bible: today, we’re clarifying common nautical terms so you can look & feel like a master of the marina.

What is a Marina?

A marina is a water-based facility where recreational boaters can store their yachts and small vessels. Compared to   ports , which store larger passenger ships and freighters, marinas store recreational watercrafts only. Marinas are typically located in harbors, docks, or basins, providing easy access to larger bodies of water. 

A marina offers various services - most notably, moorings and boat slips - that allow boaters to store and protect their personal watercraft. “Mooring” simply refers to any structure to which a boat can be secured, and boat slips and docks are specific kinds of mooring structures.

Boat Dock vs. Boat Slip

Depending on where you boat, you’ve likely been exposed to a confusing mixture of nautical lingo. Although “boat dock”, “boat slip”, and “marina” are often used interchangeably, we don’t need a linguist to outline the differences between these terms. 

What is a Marina Slip?

Within a dock, think of a boat slip as a single parking space for your vessel. It’s enclosed on three sides and therefore easier to both exit and pull into. 

For boaters who want more protection and privacy on the water, boat slips help secure the boat in place and prevent bumping and grinding against the edge of the dock. 

Traditional U-shaped boat slips optimize space on a dock by allowing more boats to be moored or “parked” along a pier. 

What is a Boat Dock?

In most regions of the U.S., a boat dock refers to the wooden or metal structure where a boat is parked or moored.

• Relative to boat slips, boat docks are open on three sides, which means that boats must be parked parallel to the dock. Inevitably, this increases the boat’s exposure to water traffic - and removes the protection you’d get from a boat slip. That said, a simple dock is typically less expensive than a boat slip and best suited for a secluded, low-traffic area like a private lake or pond. 
• For boaters with limited finances and/or space, a lightweight and durable aluminum boat dock is perfectly acceptable.

Bottom line:   boat slips and boat docks are both forms of boat storage. Their differences lie in the details. When choosing between a boat slip and a boat dock, take note of the following: 

• The size, age, and model of your boat; and if you've recently painted your vessel or applied a boat wrap , you may need the extra protection of a boat slip 
• The location and cost of your local marina(s)
• Where you boat: is it a secluded lake or a bustling beachfront? 
• How long you'll be storing your boat - and how much you have saved in your boating budget

Average Marina Cost

In the U.S., the cost of renting a boat slip is typically measured in price per foot of the boat’s length. For a 1-year boat slip rental, boaters can expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $240 per foot of the boat’s length. The price of a marina depends on several factors:

1. Boat Dock vs. Boat Slip

Your storage choice - either a boat dock or a boat slip - will affect the price of storing your boat in a marina. If you’re docking the boat for a few hours while grabbing lunch onshore, it will cost less than mooring your boat in a boat slip for days or months at a time.

• Prepare yourself for more boating lingo! The act of attaching your mooring lines from your boat to a boat slip is called berthing . This means that the boat is stored for an extended period of time, as opposed to simply docking the boat for a few hours.
• For temporary or transient moorings , boaters pay by the day; for permanent moorings, boaters pay for the entire season.

2. Location

Unsurprisingly, boat slips in small town marinas typically cost less than marinas in major, more expensive cities. Even in the same city, marina docking prices can vary significantly: in Los Angeles, for instance, Yacht Haven Marina boat slips cost $10.50/foot for 25’-30’-long vessels, while the nearby Marina del Rey charges $19.58/foot for 30’-31-long vessels.

3. Marina Add-Ons:

Depending on the location of the marina, boaters may have the option to pay for premium services such as on-site restaurants and entertainment, docking support, winterization, and on-site fuel stations. 

Overwhelmingly, boaters opt for boat slips to maximize space and protect their vessels. But of course, there’s something nostalgic - and affordable - about a simple boat dock. To enhance your dock dialect, simply return to this article as needed: pair your knowledge with time and talking, and you'll be prepared to make the best decision for your watercraft and crew.

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Yacht sinks at Marina Del Rey dock after ammunition and fireworks catch on fire

By Dean Fioresi , Julie Sharp

Updated on: September 19, 2024 / 11:01 AM PDT / KCAL News

A luxury yacht carrying nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition and fireworks caught fire shortly before sinking in the Marina del Rey harbor on Wednesday evening. Two people were on board the 100-foot yacht when the fire ignited, but both were able to get off safely.  

The U.S. Coast Guard continued environmental cleanup efforts Thursday morning as the yacht bobbed on its side, testing air quality and remediating water contamination from fuel spillage.

At around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday,  firefighters rushed to the docks at Basin A, where the boat, named "The Admiral," was heavily involved in flames, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Crews tried to fight the fire both by ground and by water, but it proved difficult to contain.

Bystander video showed fireworks shooting off the deck of the boat and bursting overhead, all while firefighters worked to contain the volatile flames. Two hours later, the boat quickly sank below the water line and by 11 p.m. it was nearly fully submerged. 

With SkyCal overhead Wednesday evening, large flames could be seen inside of the boat despite a heavy barrage of water being sprayed by crews. Hours after the firefight began, SkyCal returned to the scene where the  boat had almost sank  entirely under the water in the harbor. 

After sinking, crews began a "booming" operation, which was conducted in order to contain the foam that firefighters sprayed and the fuel that leaked during the incident. Heavy equipment was brought in to pull the boat back to the surface, leaving it floating on its side.

Thursday morning, a Coast Guard representative said efforts are concentrated on containing hazardous fuel or other material that may have spilled into the water. Also, air quality is a concern as the boat was filled with 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

"What we do know is that the vessel capacity was 6,000 gallons. We do know that they fueled up with 4,000 gallons of diesel, but we still do not know how much fuel discharged out into the environment and how much remains still in the vessel," Lt. Cmdr. Omar Borges, of the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Air readings so far say that there are no flammable fumes in the air, and the air is not hazardous for locals to breathe, according to the Coast Guard. 

The process will take a number of days, monitoring air and water. Officials said there is no evidence yet that any wildlife has been harmed. 

It's unclear if the people on the yacht were the owners, but there were no injuries. Officials have not yet confirmed how they will upright the boat and remove it from the harbor. 

Dean Fioresi is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. He covers breaking news throughout Southern California. When he's not writing about local events, he enjoys focusing on sports and entertainment.

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Designing Today’s Superyacht Marinas

Louisa Beckett is the former editor of Motor Boating, ShowBoats International, and Southern Boating magazines, and a longtime contributor to Dockwalk. Over her career, she has written about a wide variety of vessels ranging from Sea-Doos to superyachts, and has had many adventures on the water, including riding in a U.S. Coast Guard “rollover” boat in heavy surf off Cape Disappointment, Washington.

Captains, currents, and climate change all play a role in designing today's superyacht marinas...

As the global superyacht fleet continues to expand and the boats themselves keep getting bigger and beamier, the need for modern marinas to accommodate them is growing at a rapid pace. Today, it seems like the ribbon is being cut on a new superyacht harbor somewhere in the world several times a year. Many of these new marinas are part of a large, multi-use development built to be a destination in their own right, frequently incorporating residences, retail, restaurants, recreational facilities, and other public-access areas in addition to superyacht berths.

We spoke to several of the leading superyacht marina designers to find out what goes into creating a successful facility for today’s global market. We learned that while the primary goal of every superyacht harbor is the same — to provide safe, secure berthage to patron yachts along with a high level of service and amenities that will ensure their continued patronage — no two marina master plans are alike because so many variables factor into each marina’s design.

Market Assessment

First and foremost, the geographic location of a new superyacht marina, or an existing marina being redeveloped to accommodate today’s superyachts, plays a crucial role in determining its master plan. “One of the first things we do is a market assessment. That’s to fully understand who the users are going to be,” says Sam Phlegar, president, principal engineer for marine design and engineering consultancy firm Applied Technology & Management (ATM), which has designed many IGY marinas (ATM’s parent company), including Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, USVI; Rodney Bay Marina in St. Lucia; and Fore Points Marina in Maine; along with other superyacht harbors in the U.S. and Caribbean. “Typically, larger yachts are homeported or they’re transient. If they’re visiting, you want to know where they are visiting from, where they are going to, and what their expectations are,” Phlegar says. ATM interviews yacht captains, cruising guide editors, and other marina operators. It even uses large-yacht tracking software to help determine cruising patterns in the area.

A major consideration is whether the marina property is “on the beaten path” or not. “It’s hard to drive a destination status if you are nowhere near the traditional cruising routes,” he says. Another consideration, he adds, is: “If you are going to be a homeport for charter yachts, you have to have excellent airlift.”

A major consideration is whether the marina property is “on the beaten path” or not.

The local power grid and road infrastructure, customs and immigration accessibility, and the capacity of other marinas in the region, and a host of other questions are answered by this preliminary survey. “The market assessment gets you to understand what that marina should be,” Phlegar says.

Feasibility Study

The physical characteristics of the marina property under development are just as important as its location — if not even more so. “Once market demand is confirmed, the next step in the marina planning process is confirming the physical feasibility,” says Eric Simonton, IGY executive vice president of real estate and business development, whose most recent marina project is IGY Málaga Marina, currently under construction in Málaga, Spain. “Ample depth and tranquility are key elements of a marina’s functionality and dredging and wave attenuation are expensive and often the gating factors from a financial viability perspective,” he says.

According to Mathieu Salomon, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas technical director — whose recent projects include consulting on the design of Dubai Harbour, which when completed will be one of the world’s largest marinas with more than 1,100 berths accommodating yachts up to 160 meters in length — a marina feasibility study typically will require “a number of surveys ranging from:

• Bathymetric and topographic surveys
• Environmental conditions such as wind, wave, and surge
• Sedimentation surveys
• Affection plan (official site plan issued by the government with survey coordinates designating the boundaries)
• Concept designs for on-shore development.”

Local tidal variations, wave activity, and storm surge are among the most important factors to consider during the feasibility study, Salomon continues. “When you are designing a marina, one of the first pre-determined items is the quay heights, which are affected by a number of variables, such as astronomical tidal variation, extreme tidal variation, storm surge, and wave buildup.”

For example, he says, “In some parts of the Northern Atlantic, you may have up to 12 meters rise and fall of tide daily, while in the Med and Caribbean that is limited to 0.7 meters under normal atmospheric conditions. As a result of this assessment, the quay height can be determined, and the quay height determines a number of infrastructure considerations.”

A marina designer also needs to know the local tidal cycles in order to determine which type of docks to use. 

A marina designer also needs to know the local tidal cycles in order to determine which type of docks to use. “Most megayacht facilities are in micro-tide environments, but some destination marinas are located in tidal waters,” Phlegar says. “A megayacht prefers a solid, non-floating dock, [but] when you have a larger-range tide cycle, then floating docks are many times preferred. Designing a marina is very, very site-specific — there are so many variables.”

Floating docks turned out to be the best solution for the new Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina at Paradise Landing in Paradise Island, The Bahamas, which is being completely re-developed by owner Sterling Global Financial, Ltd. for a late 2021 opening. “We researched the market in North America and Europe, finding that Bellingham had the best product to manage our tidal change and provide flexibility for smaller boats along with superyachts,” says Brent Chapman, the company’s president and COO.

Climate Change

A superyacht marina designer must ensure the project can handle not only everyday wind, waves, and tides, but also extreme weather such as hurricanes or cyclones (in regions where they occur) and in future, the possible effects of climate change.

“Of course, we had to make sure that we could handle storm surges,” Chapman says. “The property is known as Hurricane Hole, and it actually is a hurricane hole — it’s always been a safe port in a storm. Still, the new seawall goes down 35 feet, and it is metal and concrete on top. The floating docks are designed for a 10-foot storm surge, which exceeds any historic hurricane in Nassau.”

“Climate change is a major consideration in designing any marina these days,” Simonton says. “The specter of climate change influences decisions regarding the types of docks to be used, as well as the freeboard and elevation of the docks. Upland facilities are being built to resist storm surge and sea level rise.”

“Predicted rising sea levels are an important consideration,” says Salomon. “We look at the worst environmental conditions for 100 years.” Luckily, however, he adds, “Today with hurricanes, the beauty is the superyacht knows long before and they get out of there.”

Future-Proofing

Considering the major investment required to design and build a superyacht marina today, no owner wants to see it be out-of-date tomorrow. So, part of the marina designer’s task is to “future-proof” the project against changing trends in the large-yacht market.

“Nobody’s got the crystal ball of that,” Phlegar says. “But we do take into account that boats tend to get beamier and longer over time. There are also catamaran-type vessels that are taking up more beam space within in the slips…. So, we try to build into the design as much flexibility as we can.”

For example, he continues, in the Caribbean, “We have side-tie dockage where you can have a 200-footer during the megayacht transient season, and in the summer, you can have three 70-foot sportfishers in the same spot they had the 200-footer. The challenge there is providing the power that would be needed for the different vessels…. You get creative and design power that can be stepped up or stepped down on the site.”

“Future-proofing marinas is all about having the flexibility to increase capacity,” Simonton adds. “Designing berths that can accommodate larger and larger vessels; designing utility service with the ability to add and expand capacity and maximizing Internet bandwidth are all ways to ensure that demand can be met in the future. We always have an eye 10 or 20 years out.”

Utilities and Service

When it comes to the utilities and other services that today’s superyachts demand from a marina, the designer typically will ask the captains what they prefer. For example, Salomon says, “Does a yacht prefer to have underwater moorings or mooring buoys? It’s not a binary question where it’s yes or no — there are different opinions. Ropes dirty and potentially scratch the boat, but some captains don’t like to navigate between mooring buoys. It is always interesting to hear captains’ opinions on the subject.”

Clean fuel delivered via high-speed fuel pumps or in-slip fueling, black- and grey water disposal, high-speed broadband Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security are all features that yacht captains and owners have come to expect. So is abundant shore power, the demand for which has grown exponentially over the years.

“There is a great deal of innovation in the marina sector right now with increased capacity and sophistication in the delivery of utilities and services. As vessels get larger and more sophisticated, the landside support facilities must keep pace,” Simonton says. “Delivering the amounts of power that are being requested by the market is a challenge these days. The top end of electricity demand has grown significantly. Fifteen years ago, a small handful of vessels in the world may have sought 600 amps of power. We now have clients requesting 2,000 amps or more.”

“The specter of climate change influences decisions regarding the types of docks to be used, as well as the freeboard and elevation of the docks. Upland facilities are being built to resist storm surge and sea level rise.”

When the marina is located on an island with limited power supply, delivering enough shore power can be one of the most challenging aspects of its design. At Hurricane Hole Marina, for example, “We’re investing multi-millions on the power infrastructure in terms of new equipment, backup generators,” Chapman says. “We are working with BPL (Bahamas Power & Light); we’ve built a main building for utility that will house the switch gear for Paradise Island…. We’ll have clean, reliable power for our yachts, our condominiums, and [our] commercial properties.”

New solutions to the power-generation problem may be on the horizon, Salomon says. “We are in the process of identifying a[nd] developing a multi-renewable energy provider that can generate power using the elements present in a marina, which [include] tidal, current, solar, wind, and wave.”

Crew Facilities

When it comes to marina design, “There are two elements that are part of the concept,” Salomon says. “The first is, what does the yacht require — power, fuel, water — the ‘hardware,’ I like to call it. These are the elements required for the boat to come in, berth comfortably, and be serviced. Second, and as important, are all the ancillaries for the crew. It goes from bars, shops, washrooms, very good Wi-Fi, to sports leisure facilities — squash court, tennis court, a pool. All these things will impact where the boat goes.” Just as a new superyacht design is often a compromise between owner areas and technical spaces, designing a superyacht marina typically requires a delicate balance between crew amenities and commercial properties — particularly if it’s a destination marina incorporating condominiums, retail, restaurants, public spaces, and more.

“A marina nowadays is rarely a standalone project. It’s normally part of a real estate development,” says Salomon. “A marina is waterfront property — it’s prime land. Any developer would rather put something there that will generate a return on investment.”

The scope of the dedicated crew facilities a marina must provide depends on its location, he continues. If the yacht harbor is in the Med port with established local hangouts for the yachting community, the crew usually can find their fun off-site. “In Monaco, in the evenings, they can socialize; they can meet their girlfriends, their partners,” Salomon says. “It’s a buzzing lifestyle.”

On the other hand, he says, “If you go to a remote island like Canouan, which is a project we built in 2014, it is very secluded, very quiet — the slogan is, ‘Where billionaires go to get away from millionaires.’ There aren’t many things to do, and the nearby resorts typically are restricted to their guests, so having facilities to entertain the crew is essential…. The captain is not going to want to stay there if his crew have nothing to do.”

“A marina nowadays is rarely a standalone project. It’s normally part of a real estate development,” says Salomon. 

“In a perfect situation, the retail/restaurant offerings surrounding the marina can fully meet the needs of the crew,” Simonton says. “When that is not possible, for whatever reason — the offerings may not match the needs of the crew — the marina owner may step in and fill the gap with dedicated crew facilities. IGY also partners with local businesses to better meet the needs of captains and crew, often resulting in special, enhanced, or discounted services and offerings.”

The new Hurricane Hole Marina footprint houses multiple condominium towers, casual, and fine-dining restaurants, a gourmet grocery, and other retail stores. “The cornerstone is the marina,” Chapman says. “The marina will be secured so only the owners and guests of the yachts can actually get onto the dock. But the rest of the facility is open for the public. We are literally 120 steps from Atlantis…so there are lots of people who are walking around, looking for somewhere to go, something to eat.”

Despite the demand for commercial businesses on-site, he says, “We are building a dedicated lounge for captains, and a fitness facility for captains and crew, along with a pool. That’s where the trade-off comes in. As the owner and development manager, because this is such a long-term investment for us, we are motivated to just to make the best decision for the long run. We may give up some short-term revenue, for some retail space, for example, yet it makes it a much better property in the long run from a customer and value aspect.”

In short, the best superyacht marina designs put captains and crew first. “When owners and charter guests are aboard, the yachts tend to be at sea. So, when yachts are in port, the captain and crew are our primary clients,” Simonton says. “Making their jobs easier, and experience more comfortable and fun, is key tenet of our company ethos. Ease of access to marine service providers and vendors, dining and nightlife options, Internet, work-out facilities, places to congregate socially when off the boat, and access to fun, local experiences are all key attributes of the most successful superyacht marinas.”

This feature ran in the October 2021 issue of Dockwalk.

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Crime and Public Safety | 100-foot luxury yacht sinks in Marina del Rey…

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Crime and Public Safety

Crime and public safety | 100-foot luxury yacht sinks in marina del rey after fireworks explosion and fire.

The fire was reported shortly after 8:33 p.m. and firefighters responded to 211 Basin A to douse the flames on the approximately 100-foot boat, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported.

Multiple explosions resonated throughout the harbor as The Admiral was consumed by flames.

Footage at the scene from CBS 2 showed the boat listing to one side before sinking in the harbor.

Two people on board escaped the flames unharmed, the fire department reported. ABC 7 reported one person suffered a cut on the arm.

KTLA reported that the fire stemmed from fireworks exploding on the vessel, threatening other boats nearby and several structures.

An investigation into the fire was underway.

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Everything You Need To Know About Designing A Marina

The global boating enthusiast community is increasing at a breakneck speed, with the common interest shifting towards bigger and beamier vessels. Consequently, the demand for well-designed marinas that can easily accommodate so many boats has risen to an all-time high. However, designing and constructing a high-quality marina isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Whether you’re building a small-scale or a large marina, proper understanding of the key concepts involved and planning accordingly is imperative to the project’s success. If you’re reading this, you are probably searching for how to design a marina and looking for expert marina planning advice, ranging from basic to complex design and infrastructure. 

If that’s the case, then your search ends here. This article explores deep into the science of professional marina design and construction, from key factors involved to materials, budget estimates, and much more. Without any further ado, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What Is A Marina & Why Is It Important?

Let’s start with the basics; what’s the deal with marinas? At its core, a marina is a sophisticated dockyard where yacht owners, boating enthusiasts and sailors park their inexpensive vessels. These boats or yachts are most commonly used as ferries, for ocean tourism, or for delivering goods via water routes. 

Most people often compare it with harbours, considering how these spaces also host massive ships that load in goods at times. Nevertheless, marinas are mostly dealing with smaller boats and pleasure craft than large cargo ships, unlike harbours. Also, as per common boating industry trends, many people use these fancy dockyards as recreational spaces for plain vessel-watching (only if the marina has enough space to entertain such activities).

People who live nearby waterbodies such as riversides or islands, recognize the importance of marinas the most. It’s quite impractical to always commute from such areas to mainlands or towns for small errands via large ships, which is why the demand for boats and yachts is rising by the day. Did you know that in 2021, North America alone saw the number of first-time boat owners surpassing 400,000 in total? Simultaneously, the need for marinas is increasing as they’re perfect to dock these small vessels. 

Key Dynamics That Influence the Designing of A Marina

So, are you looking forward to designing your first marina? Let’s understand this first: marina planning is highly dependent on a few important determinants. 

Although the visual appeal is quite crucial for design and construction, a lot more than that goes into creating a practical layout. Ranging from the type of raw materials used to weather conditions, aligning your plans as per these dynamics helps create a safe and customer-preferred marina.

Area Available for Marina Design

First and foremost, the type of marina one must design should adhere to the space available for development. You should focus on creating ample space for proper arrangements of slips to make the most room for onboarding boat owners. 

Apart from slips, the area available for development is also dependent on its location. For instance, ocean-based marinas are usually more spacious than small-sized lakeside marinas. But if you’re planning how to design a marina on small water bodies where mostly personally owned vessels visit, having enough room shouldn’t be an obstructing factor. 

Total Allocated Budget & ROI

Real estate project quality is highly reliant on its allocated budget; the higher you spend, the fancier the output. Likewise, when it comes to designing a marina, working on a handsome budget can seriously enhance the final result. However, if you’re planning to build a dock in the busier parts of your country, best believe the costs may shoot higher than in off-beat, seasonal areas.

It’s always recommended to ensure whether you’d make hefty returns on your investment for smart marina planning; figure out whether the area has high customer demand. If the marina starts projecting massive revenue from berthing ships and boats throughout all seasons, you’re more likely to earn back your investments much faster.

Has managing your marina budget become a challenge? Automate the basic marina management tasks with Dockmaster, a high-rated marina management system .

Size & Category of Boats Used

Your target audience plays a major role in the design process, and here’s how:

As discussed earlier, space availability affects marina planning heavily and that’s because you need sufficient room to berth the vessels. Although hosting small-sized personal boats doesn’t need a lot of space, it’s not the case with bigger ships and yachts. 

If you’re planning to berth large vessels and mega yachts, ensure to add the necessary infrastructure appendages (lifts, side-tie space, etc). Thoroughly analyzing what boat category your marina is capable of berthing is key to proper marina planning.

Customer & Staff Safety Attributes

Safety should always be a high priority, whether you’re building a pastry store or an Oceanside marina. These spaces are usually more prone to safety and security hazards, and the design must consider these points.

First, prepare the marina to respond to potential fire hazards occurring due to fuel or ignition malfunctions by adding fire alarms, smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc. Keep first aid kits and other necessary medical facilities at hand for any unprecedented emergency. Last but not least, install warning and exit route sign boards to easily navigate the people present in the marina to stay protected from hazardous situations.

Climatic/Weather Restrictions

Next on our marinas, the design factors list is the most impactful of all — weather conditions. 

Before finalizing what type of dock to use, figure out the most frequent climatic situations and tidal cycles that the location goes through the year. If it’s most freezing or snow-laden, you may have to invest in different types of raw materials than you would for marinas in tropical atmospheres. For instance, polyethylene is more durable and damage-resistant in colder temperatures than regular wood. 

Besides, always have a backup plan to protect your marina from sudden weather challenges — read more about preparing your marina for hurricane seasons here.

How Much Does Marina Design & Construction Cost?

Next, how much do marinas design cost, on average? Sadly, there isn’t an accurate estimate as the expenses mostly depend on customer demands varying from place to place. 

For instance, building a marina in areas where the boating culture is widely appreciated, such as Florida, can cost you around USD 8 million. However, you can establish the same marina in New York, where boating isn’t as popular for less than USD 700,000.

Apart from the customer demand, the expenses also heavily rely on the quality of raw materials used for construction. If you’re using top-quality steel or wood, the budget will shoot up. Other imperative factors behind expenses include the total number of hired staff and their working hours.

To read 9 tips on effective marina management, click here . What Materials Do You Need To Build A Marina?

Selecting the right construction materials is imperative to marina planning, as these components sustain the dockyard throughout different weather conditions. 

The material you’d require also depends on the construction site dynamics and your business goals behind marina development. Thus, ensure to choose low-maintenance, sustainable surface materials to build a strong marina that doesn’t demand an arm and a leg for periodic servicing. 

Being the most commonly used marina construction material, choosing the right type of wood is pertinent for its long-term sustainability. 

Here’s the biggest challenge: wood is prone to rotting quicker than its alternatives. In this case, opting for hardwoods can be an ideal choice; however, you’d need to clean and oil it periodically to prevent any damage caused by water intrusion.

On the other hand, choosing pressure-treated wooden surfaces enhances the aesthetic appeal of your marina’s design, but it also requires higher maintenance.

If you prioritize super low maintenance and longer sustainability over the visual appeal, using concrete for dock construction is your safest bet. Besides, newly introduced additives and advanced treatments make it even more sustainable in rigorous weather, disproving the age-old myth that concrete is highly ineffective in freezing climates. Dock manufacturers mostly apply concrete to build heavy-duty breakwaters, tiles, and pools on the property.

This goes without saying, aluminum is possibly the lowest-maintenance material on this list. Highly resistant to rotting and corrosion, it takes only a little vinegar or baking soda formula to maintain aluminum components in your marina.

However, aluminum oxidizes very quickly, which adversely affects its appearance. 

Using steel is pertinent to marinas design and it is mostly used to construct the supporting components for docks and piles. Both galvanized and stainless steel is highly durable and rot-resistant.

However, you may witness minor corrosion from time to time, which again hides easily under a paint coating.

Plastic, especially polyethylene, isn’t affected by water intrusion and does not require any maintenance at all.

Marina designers mainly use plastic for benches, floating docks, gangways, etc. Unlike wood, plastic doesn’t splinter or need sharp nails, which makes it a safer base for people to commute barefoot.

Popular Marina Design Trends to Follow

Now that we’ve discussed how to design a marina, let’s take this learning further and enlist some design trends that enhance your marina’s value. Customer preferences have evolved with time, transcending marinas from boat berthing spots to pastime destinations. 

That said, these futuristic design ideas will help your marina business last for years to come:

Going Green For Marina Construction

Marinas, in general, are quite notorious for being not so environmentally friendly. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency , these luxurious dockyards often contribute to high toxicity levels in the water, boost pollutant concentrations among water-based organisms, and skyrocket erosion levels. 

However, “going green” or incorporating eco-friendly components while designing can help your marina stand out from the rest. For instance, refraining from wood and using polyethylene instead prevents polluting the aquatic environment, as wood tends to stain more. 

Revamping the Usual Material, Colors & Styles

Marinas that are more visually appealing are more preferred by customers, compared to old stereotypically-designed docks. Recent boating industry trends include building customized marinas with different themes, styles, and colour schemes to attract more customers. 

Adding More Fun Shoreline Attractions

Marina customers have changed over time; not everybody prefers spending all their time boating. In many cases, the boat owners sail down to the marinas to relax and spend some quality time on the spot itself. 

You can make the most of this trend by adding a list of fun-filled shoreline amenities. For instance, keeping fast food takeaways, dine-in restaurants, or swimming pools as a key part of your marina planning helps keep your customers happy. You can also build more inviting spaces for enthusiasts to gather, communicate and stay engaged. Besides, it also adds extra revenue to support any periodic maintenance or other critical expenses.

Advanced Wave Protection Attributes

Massive waves usually rise by hurricanes, mega yachts, or cargo ships, which adversely impact the marina property. To prevent your property and the berthed small boats from any sort of damage, it’s imperative to install larger breakwaters or floatable attenuators in the marina. Apart from storm safety, larger attenuators increase dock space as an added advantage.

Your Marina Is Set Up: What About Maintenance?

Proper maintenance is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of a marina. Implementing a proactive maintenance plan helps ensure the safety, functionality, and appearance of the marina. Here are some important tips for maintaining a marina:

Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of all marina components, including docks, pilings, gangways, and electrical systems. Inspect for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, loose or damaged fasteners, and any potential hazards. Promptly address any issues detected during inspections to prevent further damage.

Cleaning and Debris Removal: Regularly clean the marina to remove debris, leaves, trash, and other waste that can accumulate around the docks and shorelines. This helps maintain a clean and inviting environment for boat owners and visitors while preventing potential blockages in drainage systems.

Piling Maintenance: Inspect and maintain the integrity of pilings, which provide support for the docks. Check for signs of degradation, such as rot, marine growth, or damage caused by pests. Implement measures to protect pilings from marine borers and other pests, such as using protective coatings or wraps.

Electrical System Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the marina’s electrical infrastructure, including power pedestals, wiring, and safety systems. Check for signs of corrosion, loose connections, or damaged electrical components. Ensure that electrical systems are up to code and regularly tested for safety.

Dock and Gangway Maintenance: Inspect docks and gangways for structural integrity, rot, decay, or any other damage. Replace any worn-out or damaged components promptly to avoid safety hazards. Clean and treat wooden surfaces regularly to prevent slipperiness and maintain their appearance.

Water Quality Management: Monitor and manage water quality in and around the marina. Implement practices to prevent pollution, such as proper waste disposal, fuel spill containment, and regular water testing. Install appropriate filtration systems to maintain good water quality and prevent the growth of harmful organisms.

Facility Maintenance: Maintain marina facilities and amenities, including bathrooms, showers, fueling stations, and waste disposal services. Regularly clean and inspect these facilities to ensure they are in good working condition and meet hygiene standards.

Emergency Preparedness: Develop and regularly review an emergency response plan to handle unforeseen events, such as severe weather conditions or accidents. Clearly mark emergency exits, install appropriate signage, and provide training to staff on emergency procedures.

Communication and Customer Service: Foster open communication with marina users, boat owners, and staff to identify and address maintenance concerns promptly. Respond to customer feedback and take necessary actions to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. Regularly communicate maintenance schedules, updates, and any potential disruptions to marina operations to keep boat owners informed.

By following these maintenance tips, marina managers can ensure the longevity, safety, and overall success of their marina. Implementing a proactive maintenance approach reduces the need for major repairs and enhances the overall experience for boat owners and visitors.

*Note: DockMaster’s marine management software includes features that facilitate maintenance tracking, work orders, and preventive maintenance scheduling, enabling marina managers to streamline their maintenance processes and ensure efficient operations.

Wrapping Up

Here’s the biggest secret about how to design a marina th at stays in business profitably: put your customers and staff first throughout the journey. In a nutshell, marinas that rank high in safety and offer attractive features to engage the customers will always outlast their competition. Busy with extensive design planning? Leave the daily marina operations to DockMaster, an industry-leading marine maintenance software trusted by marina owners for 38 years; request a free demo today.

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10 Famous Yacht Marinas In The World

Yachting began in the 16th century when lightweight and easily manoeuvrable boats were built to evade pirates. Slowly, their designs and use evolved, and after the end of major world wars, they were mainly used for recreation as pleasure crafts.

In today’s world, yachts participate in regattas and several other competitions held around the world. Rich owners go on sea holidays on their comfortable and luxurious yachts, endowed with the most advanced features.

Additionally, the upkeep of the yacht requires substantial money and time. Hence, owners want their yachts to berth at the best yacht marinas with all the amenities to safely handle their prized possessions.

There are many famous yacht marinas in the world, which are both charming and offer excellent facilities. Ten such popular marinas are discussed in this article.

Table of Contents

1. Porto Montenegro

Montenegro is a famous tourist destination, with over 300,000 tourists visiting the southeastern European country in summer. It is a much-liked yachting destination and home to the biggest marina in the world in terms of size and capacity.

Porto Montenegro lies in Kotor Bay, which is a UNESCO-protected site. The yacht marina is perfect for luxury seekers as it offers high-end services, shopping stores and social events.

Visitors can choose leisure activities in its yachting club or relax in the waterfront luxury villas. It is the recipient of many awards and was named the Best Superyacht Marina in 2021. It has evolved into the most popular yachting marina in the Adriatic and the most modern and well-equipped one in the Mediterranean region.

It has 450 berths spanning 12-180 meters. Many facilities, such as yacht repair and maintenance, water sports, and cultural activities like music events, fashion shows and art exhibitions, can be enjoyed by visitors.

The waterfront has many multicuisine restaurants, spas, boutiques and the Naval Heritage Museum and Lido Mar- a big pool and bar constructed in the Venetian architectural style. Many exciting sailing regattas are also organised at the marina annually.

2. Dubai Harbour, UAE

Situated at the confluence of the grand Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters, Dubai Harbour is a top-class marina in the UAE. It boasts a modern yet elegant cruise terminal that syncs with the gulf’s longstanding seafaring traditions.

The marinas of the Dubai Harbour cement the city’s position as a prominent maritime hub. It has 1100 berthing facilities and 3 bays that accommodate yachts measuring 160 metres or less.

It has an expansive shopping complex, a yacht club and also helipads. It is the perfect stopover point for luxury yachts and superyachts.

It is close to the international airport and has picturesque waterfront residences. The harbour is easily accessible from attractions like the Burj-al-Arab. The authorities offer VIP facilities to guests and ensure people can explore Dubai in a unique manner in its waters.

The cruise terminal covers 120,000 m2 and is an iconic entry point to Dubai. The two terminals can welcome the biggest cruise ships and are endowed with many entertainment facilities, leisure activities and retail offers.

3. Marina Grande, Capri

One of the oldest fishing settlements in Italy, Marina Grande on the island of Capri is the most expensive marina in the world, which redefines luxury and comfort. One can find congregations of yachts and superyachts owned by the world’s wealthiest in its berths.

Securing a berth is not easy, and one has to book several months in advance to visit this exotic marina with colourful houses, beautiful cliffs and lush hills. It is located below the main town and is enclosed by world-class restaurants and 5-star hotels offering breathtaking views.

The marina has more than 300 berths that welcome superyachts measuring up to 60 m or 197 feet. It is also the departure point for boats going to Blue Grotto.

While cruising in the adjacent waters, one can expect to see medieval villages, bungalows on rocky ridges, white sandy and pebbled beaches of Capri and the beautiful scenery as if it were a painting. Capri also has many nightclubs where people can party their hearts out.

It is the only port on the island and a busy one too. It handles yachts along with ferries. The harbour is well-linked to famous tourist spots such as the Piazetta. A bus stop is close to the port, and one can also take the traditional open-air taxis.

4. Port of Hercule, Monaco

Monaco is a luxury tourist destination, and the Hercule port is an extension of its affluent image. Lying in a natural bay at the end of an ancestral rock, Hercule is a deepwater harbour. It is enclosed by five-star hotels, resorts, casinos, pubs and clubs.

The yacht marina has 700 berths, including 30 visitor berths capable of accommodating yachts measuring 120 m and more. All are endowed with fresh water and electricity supply, public telephones, a self-service laundrette, and a garbage collection unit. There is wifi, a television and fuel service too.

The port was once used for trade by the Greeks and Romans; however, it was not well-sheltered from easterly winds. Hence, two piers were erected in the 20th century to solve this issue.

Port Hercule is filled with yachts when the Monaco Grand Prix is organised in May. Guests can enjoy the show from their yachts. Many yacht owners also participate in the grand Monaco Yacht Show held in September.

5. Limassol Marina, Cyprus

Cyprus is world’s one of the most famous and easily accessible islands. It is directly connected to many European and Gulf countries via Airways. Cyprus has kept up with the times, infusing modernity while retaining its age-old charm and natural beauty.

The island has peaceful coves, bays, streams and coastal resorts, all close to the Limassol Marina, which acts as a base to explore the island of Cyprus and enjoy its beauty. Apart from this, guests can go for watersports, especially scuba diving.

The modern marina has a team which round the clock to provide excellent hospitality to its guests and residents. It is operated by Francoudi & Stephanou Marinas.

The marina offers 650 berths for yachts measuring 110 metres or less. It also has 162 luxury apartments and 74 seaside villas. Not only this, but it also has many private berths that can be rented and direct beach access. The marina has several dining and shopping areas, a beauty and wellness centre etc.

It has a boatyard offering repairs and maintenance through its hundred-ton travel life, a 50-tonne trailer and a slipway. There is also a chandlery shop to meet all yachting needs.

6. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal

Vilamoura is the biggest marina in Portugal and has been voted the best year after year. It has 1300 berths and offers an array of services to its clients. The marina has grown steadily and is endowed with the latest technology to provide a seamless experience.

It is the key attraction of Vilamoura and has emerged as a true marine destination providing mooring to day cruisers and luxurious superyachts. It is a popular shopping hub featuring local craft shops to big brand stores. It is close to an environmental park, golden sand beaches, clubs and casinos.

It also has a boatyard with a slipway, a 60-tonne capacity crane, two lifts, forklifts, and stacks. Services like repair and maintenance, hull cleaning and towing are offered.

About 200 boats can be kept in its land storage area. Chandlers can be found in the reception areas and also several quays.

Guests can enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet skiing or charter a boat. There are golf courses, tennis courts and an equestrian centre too.

7. Port de Gustavia, Saint Barts

Saint-Barthelemy island is an exotic location in the Carribean Sea. The island’s famous port of Gustavia is one of the world’s most scenic and iconic natural harbours. It comprises two facilities: a marina for boats and yachts and a commercial trading port.

Its marina can accommodate 152 boats and superyachts measuring 152 m or less. It is easily accessible and close to the island’s airport. Customers can avail of many services, such as fuel supply, fresh water and electricity, free wifi etc. Fuel is available for small yachts and tenders at the commercial pier.

Its mesmerising location makes this marina special despite its limited number of berths. It is nestled between lofty hills, lush greenery and turquoise blue waters. It is almost impossible to make a reservation here during peak season when the rich flock here to relax and enjoy a perfect weekend. During Christmas, the firework show is also a sight to behold.

Near the marina are several boutiques, white sandy beaches, palm trees, cabanas, restaurants and an enchanting view.

8. Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey

One of the most famous marinas worldwide, the Yalikavak marina holds several titles and awards, such as Best Superyacht Marina Award in 2022. It is also a part of the British Yacht Harbour Association’s five gold anchors rating.

Yalikavak marina has 620 berthing facilities and offers excellent services through its well-trained and professional staff. Yachts having a maximum LOA of 140 metres are welcome here. Over a hundred superyachts visit the marina annually, including the iconic Eclipse, Saluzi, Heritage and many others.

The shopping alley is lined with numerous brand stores and boutiques. There is also a beach hotel and a fitness centre.

The marina is a part of the UNICEF platinum wings initiative, which helps disadvantaged children get their basic human rights.

About 1000 professionals are employed at the marina, which receives over 2 million guests from 120 nations. It promotes the image of Turkey as a prominent maritime tourism destination.

9. Marina Flisvos, Greece

Flisvos Marina lies in Paleo Faliro, just six km from Athens. It is the premier Greek Marina that offers mooring and other facilities for mega yachts. It has 303 berths, of which 50% are reserved for luxury yachts measuring more than 35 m.

It is the perfect leisure spot on the Athenian Riviera and covers over 6000 m2. The promenade is lined with trees, coffee shops, bakeries and dining spaces. Special events are also organised in the commercial complex every year and can be enjoyed by guests and visitors.

Other infrastructure includes a control tower for ensuring the safe movement of yachts, a helicopter landing area and two parking lots to accommodate 310 vehicles. One can go shopping and leave their children engaged at the famous children’s playland.

10. OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain

The OneOcean Port Vell is a luxurious marina to accommodate huge yachts. It is ideally located at the heart of the city centre, close to the neighbourhood of Barceloneta and other attractive destinations such as the Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and Camp Nou.

It was initially constructed for the 1992 Olympic games and has been upgraded since then. It has 148 mooring facilities or berths with a 9 to 14 m depth to welcome 190 m long superyachts. Work is underway to construct eight additional berths to welcome yachts between 30 to 8 metres.

The marina has a gymnasium, a cocktail bar and a famous restaurant with live music. The renowned club lies amidst Espanya and Barceloneta quay and can be entered from the Maremagnum recreation complex. There are also several shops to rent water sports equipment.

You might also like to read-

• Top 10 Most Expensive Private Yachts In The World
• The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Boats – Top 20
• Top 10 Books on Yacht Design
• Types of Sailboats: A Comprehensive Classification
• Introduction To Different Types Of Yachts

Disclaimer:  The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

Read More Articles By This Author >

Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

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Yacht with 1,000 rounds of ammunition and fireworks burns in Marina del Rey

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Marina del Rey’s harbor produced an unexpected light show Wednesday evening as a luxury yacht loaded with ammunition and fireworks burned for more than two hours before flames were extinguished, authorities said.

Flames leaped 20 to 30 feet from the 100-foot vessel, dubbed the Admiral, while live ammunition rounds could be heard firing from the boat, according to videos from the scene .

Thursday morning, the charred yacht was lying on its side, and the water around it was tinted red from the diesel fuel dumped from the vessel. A Coast Guard spokesperson said an estimated 4,000 gallons of diesel was dumped into the water. The total is not official as monitoring continues.

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said two passengers aboard the boat exited safely. No information was available about the cause of the blaze.

An L.A. County Fire spokesperson said one individual suffered minor injuries, was treated at the scene and was released.

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The boat, traveling at a high speed, crashed into the jetty near its slip, killing a man. It would have been much worse, if not for the quick thinking of a passenger.

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Firefighters responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and eventually knocked out the flames at 10:33 p.m. The boat was declared fully submerged at 11:33 p.m.

The yacht’s owner, who was not identified, told fire officials that the vessel was carrying 1,000 rounds of ammunition and fireworks.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel confirmed they were on the scene evaluating cleanup options.

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Andrew J. Campa is a member of the Fast Break team at the Los Angeles Times, having previously covered the Eastside and San Gabriel Valley. Before, he worked at several medium and small daily newspapers and has covered education, sports and general news. He’s a proud University of Alabama (#RollTide), Cal State Fullerton and Pasadena City College alumnus.

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Fireworks, ammunition lead to explosion on yacht in Marina del Rey

Fireworks, ammunition lead to explosion on yacht.

Two people on the luxury yacht were rescued, according to authorities.

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. - A luxury yacht docked in Marina del Rey was left completely destroyed after a fire triggered fireworks and ammunition being stored inside. 

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call in the 13800 block of Bora Bora Way a little after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18. 

Firefighters say two people safely got out of a 100-foot-long yacht. Neither were hurt in the massive fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.  

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Boat explodes in Marina del Rey

Video captured by a witness showed dozens of fireworks going off and loud explosions coming from the fully-engulfed yacht.  

Officials overnight confirmed a large amount of ammunition as well as fireworks were being stored on the boat, which sparked the explosions. 

Engines, fire boats, and rescue boats doused the flames from both landside and the water.  

The three-story yacht partially sunk about 20 feet deep after the fire was knocked down. 

Crews then started focusing on minimizing the environmental impact by using booms to contain any fuel or contaminants from spreading farther into the water.

No major damage occurred to surrounding vessels. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

• WEATHER ALERT Flood Watch Full Story

Luxury yacht docked at Marina del Rey sinks after fire; explosions heard on video

MARINA DEL REY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A high-end yacht docked at Marina del Rey sank after catching on fire Wednesday night.

The fire in Basin A was first reported around 8:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Firefighters responded and poured water on the 100-foot vessel from the dock at the end of Bora Bora Way.

Witness video captured the sounds of several explosions as firefighters battled the flames.

But the interior flames appeared to resist the water hoses and the boat continued sustaining damage. It quickly began taking on water from the hoses as the flames, possibly fueled by a gas source, continued to burn.

The yacht began listing, and by around 10:30 p.m. firefighters were ordered to evacuate the dock. The boat began slowly overturning onto its side and sinking into the water.

There were no major injuries reported. Two people on board exited safely, though one reported a minor cut to the arm.

There was no word on how the fire started. Authorities said it's possible ammunition was on board the vessel.

The boat is named The Admiral, but the identity of the owner was not immediately available.

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• MARINA DEL REY
• LOS ANGELES
• LOS ANGELES COUNTY

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California yacht loaded with 1,000 rounds of ammo, fireworks bursts into flames and sinks at popular marina.

A luxurious California yacht filled with fireworks and 1,000 rounds of ammunition burst into a fiery inferno before sinking into the Marina del Rey on Wednesday night.

The Admiral, a 100-foot, twin-diesel-engine boat, was docked in the man-made harbor when it erupted into flames, leading to a large-scale response from the LA Fire Department.

Only two hours after catching fire, the nearly million-dollar boat sank into the 800-acre marina 5 miles south of Santa Monica.

Two people escaped the blaze without injuries, the fire department reported.

Witnesses captured the flames tearing through the 100-foot yacht as fireworks illuminated the black smoke and flew across the sky.

Efforts to extinguish the flames appeared successful from the outside, but the fire burning on the inside seemed to be resistant to the water hoses as the blaze continued to destroy the interior, according to KTLA.

Dozens of first responders and intrigued community members watched the fallen boat lying in the marina while crews continued to douse the wreckage with water.

Neighbors grew fearful that the blaze would extend into nearby boats and potentially set off a chain reaction.

“I saw it fully engulfed in flames and like many of us living here, heard an explosion and saw fireworks coming off it, and more flames and then walked down here and captured video of it,” resident Lynn Rose told NBC Los Angeles .

The boat was reportedly being fueled by a propane source “complicating” firefighting efforts. Officials set up a floating physical barrier known as a boom to prevent debris, including diesel fuel, from polluting the waters.

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It began listing to its side, forcing officials to evacuate everyone from the dock. The destroyed yacht sank around 10:30 p.m. while the fire continued to burn below deck.

Officials did not indicate how the fire started as of Thursday morning.

The Admiral, built by Broward Marine in 1986, featured four cabins including the master suite, could hold 10 guests with three crew members, and was last listed in 2018 for $985,000, according to Boat International.

Before its fiery destruction, the boat could reach a top speed of 18 knots (20 mph).

The owner’s identity was not immediately revealed.

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Posted on September 3,  2020

Boat Dock vs. Boat Slip: What is a Boat Slip?

Boat Dock vs. Boat Slip

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Written by  ShoreMaster Marketing

When you spend a lot of time on the waterfront, you hear a lot of nautical terms. One of those terms is “boat slip,” which is sometimes used interchangeably with “boat dock” or even “marina,” especially in the south. Many homes with lake docks will have docks and one or two slips.

The differences aren’t huge, and the terms are more regional than technical. While boat slips and boat docks will both give you a place to store your boat, there are some differences between the two, and those differences are worth noting to make sure that your set-up fits your lake dock.

The Basic Differences 

A boat dock is the actual structure of wood or metal where you’re parking the boat and putting boat dock accessories . Mooring at a boat dock means securing it parallel to the dock and leaving three sides open to the water. Sometimes a dock might have boat slips, which you can see if the dock looks like an F, T, L, or similar configuration (northern boaters will usually use it to describe a U shape in a dock where the dock is on both sides of the lift). A boat slip is more like a single parking space for your boat. They aren’t as open as boat docks are, but are easy to pull into, and they’re enclosed on three sides, so there’s only one way in and out.

Which One is Better?

Slips are the preferred choice of marinas—and for good reason. Slips allow more watercraft to be moored along a pier by creating more “parking spaces.” Slips also mean more mooring points to keep watercraft securely in place. Properly moored boats are kept in the middle of a slip, which can prevent extra bumping and grinding against the edge of a dock, and boarding the craft can be more secure. They’re a great choice for boat owners who want extra protection for their craft, especially if you own more than one craft, are in a high-traffic area, or might have visitors.

If you have a limited budget or space, an aluminum boat dock might be a better fit for you. The construction is easy, simple, and flexible, and a dock takes up less space on the water than a slip. A dock is also a fine choice for lake docks in secluded areas with just one boat, where traffic and bumping aren’t as much of a concern. And if you don’t have a boat at all, or prefer to park yours in a public marina, you might be fine without a slip because a dock can still be a great place to relax and entertain, with or without a boat.

ShoreMaster Aluminum Boat Docks

ShoreMaster’s premium docks have the quality that can only come from decades of waterfront expertise. Our aluminum boat docks are lightweight, durable, and have the greatest number of customization possibilities in the industry. You can have your dock layout be as simple as you need it to be, and you can decide to upgrade or add sections if you need something bigger or need to add a slip. For advice or recommendations about what will work for your set-up, contact a local ShoreMaster dealer .

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Top 10 Superyacht Marinas in the United States

Best marinas to dock your boat..

Marine, marina, harbor, yacht club, port — not exactly synonyms, but close. A marina provides safe dockage for vessels of all sizes, often offering supplies, repair, and other facilities to those who rent a slip. A quick (but unreliable) Google search told us that there at about 12,000 marinas in the United States.

Whether that’s true or not, that’s a lot to sift through. But we did it — we found the top 10 superyacht marinas in the U.S.

1. Yacht Haven Grande | Miami, Florida

“Welcome to Miami” is the vibe when you step off the yacht and into Yacht Haven Grande by Island Gardens. This marina is nothing short of flash and accommodates some of the largest superyachts in the world. 

This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina destination, and one of the finest in the world.

Bonus: Denison’s Miami office is nearby to help you with your new yacht search.

Max boat length: 500+ feet

2. Gurney’s Star Island Marina | Montauk, New York

All the way at the End of the World (as Montauk, NY is so often referred to), is Gurney’s Star Island Marina . It’s part of a larger resort and therefore offers plenty of amenities for boat owners who book a slip. Despite a sense of exclusivity, Gurney’s Star Island Marina does not require a membership. 

The marina can accommodate yachts up to 220 feet with a maximum draft of 12 feet. Boat guests have full access to Gurney’s Star Island facilities and amenities, including laundry services, a private beach, a fitness center, heated pools, tennis courts, and waterfront dining options. It’s a welcome land excursion for yacht charters in New England . 

Max boat length: 220 feet

3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Smack dab in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center (also home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ). It’s all about the amenities when you dock at Bahia Mar, which includes access to a swimming pool, fitness center, entertainment concierge, diving and sailing tours, and dining options. Oh, and the beach is right across the street. 

The marina is separated into the South Basin and the North Basin, with the resort, parking, shops, and restaurants conveniently in the middle. Bahia Mar holds 250 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length. Facilities include fueling, free WiFi, cable television, and pump out. Best to book ahead of time — about 90% of the slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by Denison’s Fort Lauderdale office to speak with a superyacht specialist. 

Max boat length: 300 feet

4. Safe Harbor Charleston City | Charleston, South Carolina

Safe Harbor has locations all over the west and east coasts, but its marina in Charleston , South Carolina is one of the best superyacht marinas in the United States. It’s home to the Mega Dock (dun, dun duunn), which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

Charleston is a premier boating destination , and the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and southern hospitality are a welcome respite after a big day on the water. Yachts that book a slip at Safe Harbor receive complimentary wifi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, and cable TV hookups. They also have a full marine service, fuel dock, and waterfront restaurant. While membership is not required to dock at this marina, you can become a member of Safe Harbor to gain access to an entire network of premium locations, amenities, and events.

Stop by Denison’s Charleston office to learn more about yachts for sale. 

Max boat length: 455 feet

5. Marina del Rey Marina | Los Angeles, California

Marina del Rey hosts one of the largest marinas in the U.S. It can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and up to 5,000 yachts year-round. Californians do things big — the marina has hotel rooms, restaurants, a Denison office , a movie theater, paddleboard rentals, and a shopping center (among other amenities ). It’s a short drive to/from Santa Monica for the beach or LAX to catch a flight. When you book a slip at Marina del Rey Marina, you’ll get security, fresh water, power, ice delivery, wash and fold delivery, and dockside shuttle service.

Max boat length: 150 feet

6. Farley State Marina | Atlantic City, New Jersey

Dock the yacht and head for the slots. Farley State Marina is part of the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. This protected marina offers 630 floating slips and dockage for vessels up to 300 feet in length. When you rent a boat slip at Farley State, you get exclusive resort amenities including access to the H20 Rooftop Pool and Bar. Spend a day on the water then enjoy the award-winning restaurants, shows, casino games, and nightlife at the Golden Nugget.

7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, California

The Marriott Marquis and Marina in San Deigo offers a prime waterfront location for your yacht or boat. The Marina District is ideally located downtown with easy access to catch a Padres game, tour the USS Midway Museum, or bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter.

This 450-slip marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 125 feet. Because this marina is part of the Marriott, guests can order room service to their boat, gain access to the pool, or use the fitness center. Say hello to the Denison San Diego team while you’re there. 

Max boat length: 125 feet

8. DiMillo’s Marina | Portland, Maine

In the heart of Portland’s Old Port is DiMillo’s Marina , an iconic neighborhood staple. It’s a two-minute walk to Portland’s historic downtown area with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus provision and marine services. DiMillos offers summer, winter, year-round, and transient dockage with amenities such as a gated facility, wifi, electricity, sewer, and fuel. 

Max boat length: 250 feet

9. Stock Island Yacht Club And Marina | Key West, Florida

Stock Island Marina is one of the best marinas in the Florida Keys. It provides guests with excellent amenities including a waterfront pool, waterfront restaurant, event space, and fitness center; the unrivaled location is an ideal haven for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and sportfishing. Stock Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 101 feet, with a max draft of 7 feet. By land, it’s about four miles from Key West International Airport and 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants on Duval Street.

Max boat length: 101 feet

10. Tidewater Yacht Marina | Portsmouth, Virginia

At mile marker zero on the Intercoastal Waterway is Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. It’s the halfway point between Florida and New York, a perfect pit stop for yachts traveling up and down the east coast. Tidewater Yacht Marina offers 300 slips — transient slips can accommodate boats as small as 20′ to yachts over 150’ in length. The marina offers restrooms, showers, laundry, and free wifi for guests. 

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Marina Fees & Boat Slip Pricing Explained

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Buying a boat is only part of the investment when it comes to enjoying life on the water. Just like a car, RV, or house, boat owners, too, have expenses that can be offset by renting out their vessels . One of the biggest questions boaters ask is how much it costs to keep a boat in a marina. Marina fees, boat slips, and all. We go over it all in this post: Marina Fees & Boat Slip Pricing Explained :

• Mooring options
• Quick access to our waterways

Boat slip pricing on a sliding scale

• Boat insurance

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

Mooring options: Trailering, boat slips, & buoys

While smaller boats can be kept on a trailer to cut ownership costs and make it easy to move the boat to different locations to fish, ski, snorkel, or enjoy a day in the sun, larger boats are kept in the water by renting space in a marina known as a “boat slip.”

Boat slips are not to be confused with a “boat dock,” which is open on three sides, allowing you to dock your boat along a strip of land rather than an enclosed slip.

There are other options for both boat classes as well. Some boats can be kept tied to a “mooring buoy,” a big, sunken weight that acts as an anchor, typically provided by the marina.

Smaller boats can also be kept in a marina’s “rack storage system.” It is just as it sounds, large metal racks provide spaces for boats to be stored either inside or out, kind of like boat “condos.” This is also known as the “launch on command” service.

The boat is kept in the rack until the owner wants to use it. Then, the marina picks the boat up from the rack with a large forklift and sets it in the water, where the owner takes it out for the day.

Each storage method comes with different costs, and all have their pros and cons.

Pro Tip: Another way to offset boat ownership costs is by renting it out on your non-boating days. Platforms like Boatsetter will get you connected to vetted renters and facilitate things like communications. Boatsetter boat owners make an average of $20,000 annually by renting out their boat(s). List your boat here .

Quick access to our waterways is everything

While trailering a boat reduces costs, it can also reduce spontaneity by making it harder to go for a ride without planning and preparation. Rack storage costs more than trailering a boat but makes launch and recovery easier for the owner because the marina does all the work.

One thing to remember about using the rack storage system is that it requires the owner to make arrangements in advance and during working hours to have the boat ready and waiting.

Any sized boat can be kept in a slip where it is easy to access, can be used at any time of the day or night, and only requires the owner to plan what kind of drinks, snacks, and music to enjoy while out on the water with friends and family.

For owners who slip their boats, going for a cruise can be as easy as walking down the dock, firing up the engines, and going for a ride. However, boat slip prices can be one of the biggest expenses that boat owners face. So, how much does it cost to rent a boat slip?

Marina prices for all types of boat storage can vary from one geographic location to another but are usually charged according to the length of the boat or by the length of the slip, or the storage space itself.

Although there can be other variables as well, rack storage costs for a 25-foot boat can run around $2500-$3000 for the season. For the same 25-foot boat, a slip in a marina can cost $3000-$4000 for the summer season.

In warmer climates like South Florida , many marinas offer year-round rates. Some Florida marinas charge by boat’s linear foot for each month, so the same 25-foot boat slip can cost $18 to $22 per foot per month.

In colder climates, boat owners must also cover the cost of either outside storage, which requires that the boat is winterized to protect engines and water systems from the cold, or inside heated storage, which is more expensive but does not require that the vessel is winterized.

Winter storage costs can often be the same as the slip costs or more for indoor heated storage.

There are other charges boaters need to consider. Marinas around the country have begun requiring boat owners to carry Protection and Indemnity insurance. or P&I, on their vessel to protect the marina from the costs associated with collisions, damage, sinking, and even environmental impacts from oil and fuel.

READ MORE: Boat Ownership 101: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Keeping it safe: You and your boat

The costs for “Protection and Indemnity Insurance” (or P&I Insurance) can also vary from vessel to vessel, so the best option is to call your insurance provider for a quote.

P&I Insurance is a liability insurance specifically designed to address the unique needs of the marine industry. You can learn more about insurance for your boat rental in this post .

Pro Tip: Boatsetter is currently the only boat rental marketplace online in partnership with GEICO Marine Insurance providing boat owners with an exclusive policy for their boat rental business. Learn more about Boatsetter’s Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Insurance Policy .

Like any sport, hobby, or lifestyle, boating has its associated costs but the trade-off is worth every penny. Just like a house, your boat needs a place to park, maintenance, and insurance. However, turning the key in your front door won’t start the engine so you can go for a cruise in the sun.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

List. Rent. Earn— Only at Boatsetter

Chuck Warren fell in love with boats at 9 years old while helping to restore his grandfather’s 1939 44-foot Elco cruiser. A lifelong boater, Chuck has experience operating large and small vessels on the waters of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the Great Lakes.

During his 35-year marine industry career, Chuck has been the driver for several offshore powerboat racing teams, the chief engineer aboard a Caribbean research and salvage vessel, captain of a Florida Keys sunset cruise, and more.

Today, Chuck is a boating industry writer, copywriter, and captain who lives on his 40-foot boat in the summer when he isn’t delivering vessels around the Great Lakes or teaching new boaters to drive. Winters are split between the West Michigan lakeshore and wherever his travels take him.

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What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

If you’re in the market for a new boat, you may be weighing your options between a powerboat, a yacht, or something else. But what’s the difference? To help you choose a craft that best suits your lifestyle and needs, this article is going to weigh the main differences between a boat and a yacht.

Boats and Yachts

With so many different types of yachts to choose from, it can be hard to know your Flybridges from your Tri-Decks if you’re just starting your search. Although there is a growing number of terms used to describe the different types of yachts out there, many of the terms overlap or are used interchangeably.

If you’re on the market for a yacht, the team here at Van Isle Marina has compiled a review of the different terms you’ll likely come across when cruising through yachts for sale .

The term ‘boat’ is used to describe any water vessel, propelled by either sails, an engine, or manpower. It’s not very specific, which means yachts, dingeys, and everything in between technically falls under the blanket term ‘boat’.

The term ‘yacht’ brings a little more prestige and sophistication with its origin story, being derived from the word “hunter” in Dutch. Hundreds of years ago, the Dutch navy built and sailed yachts to literally hunt down pirate ships in shallow waters. That’s part of the reason why both powerboats and sailboats can be classified as ‘yachts. It didn’t take long for other nations to catch on, using the Dutch idea for navy ships and eventually racing vessels and private, recreational vessels.

The size is one of the most common factors used to determine whether a boat should be classified as a yacht or not. When it comes to size, there are no official rules, so it depends on who you ask. Some will say the boat needs to be at least 35 feet to qualify as a yacht – others will say even longer. If you’re yacht is more than 75 feet, you’re approaching Super Yacht range, and if it’s more than 250 feet you’re in Mega Yacht territory.

Despite the uncertainty around size-based classification, typically, you’ll know it when you see it. That massive vessel that looks like it could sleep a 10+ and needs a dozen ropes to secure it to the dock? That’s definitely a yacht. And that small, single-level boat with not a lot of room to stand? That’s definitely a boat.

The downside of using size as the only determining factor is it’s black and white. If you set the boundaries with size, there’s no room for gray area. Let’s explore more…

Luxury Living

Yachts are an international symbol of luxury and wealth around the world. The yacht is synonymous with luxury, which can actually help us when classifying boats as yachts or not. If the boat is built with luxury top of mind, it is probably a yacht.

How do you spot luxury? From the shore, the exterior of a yacht is typically sleeker with distinct accent styles. But the real luxury becomes evident when you step on board. Yachts are built with spacious living areas, full size kitchen and bathrooms, advanced TV and audio systems, and designer-style furnishings. You might even find hot tubs, a pool, and a helicopter pad in ultra-luxurious cases.

If you’re closing in on the purchase of your new boat and you’re still unsure whether it’s a yacht or not, the price tag should give you some indication. Yachts are known to cost far more than boats, due to their level of luxury and comfort, size, and usage. For a brand-new yacht, you can easily pay $100,000+ per foot, which means you’re looking at millions of dollars for the total price.

There are other costs to consider as well. Because yachts are larger, most will require a professional crew (or at least a captain) on board. Then there’s maintenance and insurance, both of which will cost more for a yacht.

Another key differentiator between boats and yachts is what their purpose – what they’re being used for out on the water. There is no nailed down definition of what makes a yacht a yacht, but most boaters consider a yacht to be any type of sea vessel that is used strictly for recreational or pleasure purposes like cruising , entertaining, water sports, fishing , or year-round accommodations.

The only purpose of a yacht is recreation. But more specifically, yachts are designed for personal pleasure and leisure, whether that’s long, ocean-crossing journeys or anchoring near a buzzing port town.

On the other hand, if the vessel is doing a job or being used for a specific activity, it’s not a yacht. If the boat is involved in any commercial activity, it’s only a boat. Even if it’s being used recreationally, for example fishing or watersports, the boat is still a boat.

Handling Conditions

When you’re out on the open ocean, you’ll have high winds and dangerous waters to deal with. In these conditions, size will definitely work to your advantage. And while you’re closer to shore, you can expect the conditions to be much calmer.

When it comes to dealing with conditions, one worthwhile classification system places boats into one of 4 categories, labelled A through D:

Class A : These are large yachts capable of handling high winds (force 8 on the Beaufort scale) and up to 13-foot waves in the open ocean. These boats are certainly yachts and are built for the open ocean.

Class B : While these yachts aren’t quite designed for the open ocean, they’re very capable craft. Also known as “ offshore vessels ”, Class B yachts are best suited for waters less than 200 miles (321km) from shore.

Class C : Class C boats are typically known as ‘boats’, as they’re designed for inshore and nearshore excursions – not the open ocean. These boats are fine with waves a few feet high, but anything higher than that is dangerous.

Class D : These boats are typically small ones and are not built for harsh conditions. These craft can handle winds of up to 25km/hour and waves just a couple feet high.

Types of Yachts

A yacht is first defined either as a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or gulet yacht, and then as a sports yacht or luxury yacht.

• Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails
• Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors
• Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors
• Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining
• Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.
• Sports Yacht : a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.
• Catamaran Yacht: a yacht with two hulls (pontoons) often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters.

Yacht Style Categories

Yachts can further be grouped or defined according to their form and function, such as with flybridge, sedan, pilot house, and sportfish yachts, for example.

• Classic Motor Yacht: a yacht that was built between the 1920s and 1970s (before today’s modern technology began dominating modern yacht manufacturing). A modern yacht can be built based on the classic motor yacht style.
• Sedan: a popular yacht style with deck space above the hull and living quarters below. The living quarters of a sedan yacht are enclosed and single-level.
• Flybridge: a sedan-style yacht with an open deck and more comfortable living space above the main bridge of a vessel.
• Daybridge: a multi-level yacht that is even more open than a flybridge. Belize Motoryachts are known for creating this distinctive style of yacht.
• Open or Enclosed: a term used to describe the layout of and access to the flybridge. In an enclosed flybridge, access to the above flybridge is enclosed inside the living space. In an open flybridge, access to the flybridge above is open to the elements.
• Downeast Style: a low-profile yacht with a large working cockpit and small helm station. This highly recognizable style is inspired by the mid-1900s traditional Maine lobster boat. Back Cove yachts are a shining example of downeast-style inspired yachts.
• Pilothouse: A multi-deck yacht like a flybridge with a larger interior main deck.
• Sky Lounge: an enclosed area at the top of the vessel that provides the benefits of the view but with several amenities, protection from the elements, expansive windows and sometimes a sunroof.
• Cockpit Motor Yacht: a yacht with more cockpit space than deck space.
• Sportfish or Sport Fishing Yacht: A yacht used for fishing with a large cockpit, storage space, and the ability to handle rougher seas. These can also be referred to as Flybridge Sportfish or Sportfish Express and are built for longer durations out on the water.
• Convertible: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht with a sportfish yacht to have entertaining space when you need it, and also fishing space when you need it.
• SUV: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht and sport yacht.
• Tri-Decks : a superyacht with three levels of staggered, enclosed living space.
• Expedition Yachts: a large yacht with a deeper displacement hull for more stability and comfort during longer-range trips.

There are dozens of governing bodies, societies, and other organizations that set standards, classifications, and definitions in the world of boating. There are different authorities like this all over the world, so it’s a good idea to check-in with local groups or areas you plan to visit.

If you’re in the market for a new boat or yacht, head over to Van Isle Marina on Harbour Road in Sidney, BC. You can browse our selection of yachts for sale on our website, but be sure to stop by the marina to check out our facilities, fuel dock and Sea Glass Waterfront Grill .

250 656 1138

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6 [email protected]

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Yacht with fireworks on board goes up in flames in Marina del Rey

Neighbors reported the sounds of frightening explosions coming from the vessel., by missael soto • published september 18, 2024 • updated 3 hours ago.

Witnesses described powerful explosions as a large yacht with fireworks and unspent ammunition on board went up in flames Wednesday night in Marina del Rey.

Neighbors were worried the fire would jump to nearby boats after hearing loud explosions coming from the 100-foot vessel.

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"I saw it fully engulfed in flames and like many of us living here heard an explosion and saw fireworks coming off it, and more flames and then walked down here and captured video of it," said Marina del Rey resident Lynn Rose.

In addition to the fireworks, an LA County Fire Captain told NBC4 that there was live ammunition on the vessel.

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"According to boat owner 1,000 rounds of unspent ammunition and fireworks onboard,'' the county fire department said in a statement Thursday morning.

The call came in at around 8:30 p.m. of a vessel burning at 2201 Basin A in Marina del Rey.

"It’s a delicate balance with putting the fire out and not sinking the boat, there are a lot of environmental hazards on the boat fuel oil what have you, and so we’re doing that delicate dance of putting the fire out but not sinking the vessel in the slip," said Capt. Pono Barnes, of lifeguard services with the LA County Fire Department.

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Fire officials say no one was on the yacht at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.

The fuel spill cleanup operation could take several days. It was not immediately clear when the boat will be removed from the water.

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Marina Facts

Marina Terms

• Berth – A designated space or area in a marina where a boat can be moored.
• Boat Bottom Paint – Specialized paint or coating applied to the hull of a boat to protect it from corrosion, fouling, and damage.
• Boat Cleaning Services – Professional cleaning and detailing services provided within the marina for boats and yachts.
• Boat Cleaning Station – A designated area within a marina equipped with facilities and supplies for cleaning and maintaining boats.
• Boat Detailing Services – Professional services for thorough cleaning, polishing, and restoration of boats within the marina.
• Boat Documentation – The official paperwork and certificates required for boat registration, ownership, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Boat Hauling Services – Professional services for transporting boats to and from the water, often using specialized trailers or cradles.
• Boat Hull Maintenance – Regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of the boat’s hull to prevent corrosion, fouling, or damage within the marina.
• Boat Insurance – Insurance coverage specifically designed to protect boats, yachts, or vessels against damage, loss, or liability.
• Boat Launching – The process of putting a boat into the water from a trailer or storage area within a marina.
• Boat Lift – A mechanical device or structure used to lift boats out of the water for storage or maintenance in a marina.
• Boat Lift Maintenance – Regular inspection, repair, and upkeep of boat lift equipment to ensure its proper functioning within the marina.
• Boat Lift Operator – A trained professional responsible for operating the boat lift equipment in a marina.
• Boat Lift Storage – A storage system within a marina that utilizes boat lifts to keep boats elevated and protected from water and weather.
• Boat Lift Storage Agreement – A contractual agreement between a boat owner and the marina regarding the storage and handling of the boat using a boat lift.
• Boat Lift Storage Renewal – The process of extending or renewing the rental agreement for boat lift storage within the marina.
• Boat Lift Storage Rental – The agreement or contract between a boat owner and the marina management for renting a boat lift storage space.
• Boat Maintenance Log – A record or logbook documenting all maintenance and repair activities performed on a boat within the marina.
• Boat Navigation Instruments – Devices and equipment used for navigation purposes, including GPS systems, compasses, and charts.
• Boat Propeller Maintenance – Regular inspection, repair, and maintenance of boat propellers to ensure optimal performance and efficiency within the marina.
• Boat Ramp – A sloping platform or surface used for launching boats into the water from a marina.
• Boat Ramps – Inclined surfaces or structures used to launch boats into the water from a marina or boatyard.
• Boat Safety Equipment – Essential equipment and devices required by law or recommended for boaters to ensure their safety, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals.
• Boat Security Systems – Electronic systems and devices installed on boats to enhance security and prevent theft or unauthorized access within the marina.
• Boat Slip Layout – The arrangement and organization of boat slips within a marina to maximize space and accessibility.
• Boat Slip Transfer Fee – The fee associated with transferring the ownership or usage rights of a boat slip within a marina.
• Boat Trailer Storage – Designated areas within a marina where boat owners can store their trailers when not in use.
• Boat Wash Station – A designated area within the marina equipped with facilities for washing boats, including hulls, decks, and exteriors.
• Boat Washdown Area – A designated space within a marina equipped with water and facilities for boaters to clean their boats, especially to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Boat Waste Disposal – Proper disposal of waste materials generated on boats, including trash, oil, batteries, and other hazardous substances, in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Boat Waste Pump-Out Schedule – A predetermined schedule or frequency for waste pump-out services within the marina, ensuring regular maintenance and cleanliness.
• Boat Winterization – The process of preparing a boat for storage during the winter months, including draining water systems, protecting engines, and covering the boat.
• Boathouse – A building or structure used for storing boats in a marina.
• Boatyard – An area within a marina where boats undergo repair, maintenance, or storage on land.
• Boatyard Canvas Work – Custom fabrication, repair, or installation of canvas covers, enclosures, and sails within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Carpentry Services – Professional carpentry and woodworking services for boat repairs, modifications, or interior fittings within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Crane – A large, heavy-duty crane used for lifting and moving boats within a marina, often employed during haul-out or launching processes.
• Boatyard Electrical Systems – Installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems on boats within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Environmental Compliance – Adherence to environmental regulations and best practices within the boatyard or marina to minimize environmental impact
• Boatyard Equipment Rental – The provision of equipment and tools for rent within the boatyard or marina, such as power tools, boat stands, or scaffolding.
• Boatyard Fiberglass Fabrication – Custom fabrication and construction of fiberglass components for boats within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Fiberglass Repair – Professional repair services for fiberglass boats, including hull repairs, patching, or refinishing within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Fiberglass Restoration – Specialized restoration services for damaged or deteriorated fiberglass surfaces on boats within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Haul-Out Procedures – Standard procedures for lifting and hauling boats out of the water using travelifts or cranes within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Hull Painting – Professional painting services for boat hulls, including surface preparation, priming, and applying protective coatings within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Mast Storage – Designated areas within the boatyard or marina where boat masts can be stored when not in use.
• Boatyard Pressure Washing – The use of high-pressure water jets to clean boat hulls, decks, and other surfaces within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Propeller Services – Inspection, repair, or replacement of boat propellers within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Rigging Services – Professional services for inspecting, repairing, or replacing standing and running rigging components on boats within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Service Yard – A designated area within a marina or boatyard where boat maintenance, repairs, and service work are performed.
• Boatyard Services – Additional services offered in a boatyard within a marina, such as hull cleaning, engine repairs, or painting.
• Boatyard Shrink Wrapping – The process of covering and sealing boats with shrink-wrap material for protection during storage within the boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Storage – Designated areas within a marina or boatyard where boats can be stored on land when not in use.
• Boatyard Travelift – A heavy-duty crane or hoist used to lift and transport boats within a boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Travelift Capacity – The maximum weight or lifting capacity of the travelift equipment within a boatyard or marina.
• Boatyard Waste Recycling – Recycling programs and facilities are available within the boatyard or marina for the proper disposal and recycling of waste materials.
• Boatyard Welding Services – Professional welding and metal fabrication services for boats within the boatyard or marina.
• Bollard – A short post or pillar on the dock used for securing ropes or lines to hold boats in place within a marina.
• Breakwater – A barrier built offshore to protect a marina from the force of waves.
• Bridge Clearance – The minimum vertical distance between the water surface and the lowest point of a bridge, important for boats navigating to and from a marina.
• Channel Marker – A buoy or beacon used to indicate safe navigation channels within a marina.
• Dock – A structure or platform where boats can be moored or tied up.
• Dock Box – A storage container or locker located on the dock of a marina for boaters to store their belongings.
• Dock Cart – A wheeled cart or trolley available for boaters in a marina to transport supplies, gear, or belongings between their boat and the shore.
• Dock Fender – A cushioning device or material installed on the edges of docks or piers to protect boats from damage during docking or mooring.
• Dock Lighting – Illumination fixtures installed along the docks and walkways of a marina for visibility and safety.
• Dock Lines – Ropes or lines used to secure a boat to a dock or slip within a marina.
• Dockage Agreement – A contractual agreement between a boat owner and a marina regarding the use of a slip or dock space.
• Dockmaster – The person responsible for supervising the docking and mooring of boats in a marina.
• Dockside Power – Electrical power supply available at the dock for boats to connect and receive electricity in a marina.
• Dry Dock – A basin or structure where boats can be lifted out of the water for maintenance or repairs.
• Dry Storage – A storage area within a marina where boats are stored on land, typically on trailers or racks, when not in use.
• Estuary – A partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean mix. Estuaries often host marinas, docks, and ports, offering access to both river and ocean environments, and supporting diverse marine ecosystems.
• Fjord – A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea, typically surrounded by steep cliffs or mountains. Fjords can accommodate marinas, docks, and ports, offering breathtaking scenery and access to pristine waters for boating enthusiasts.
• Floating Breakwater – A movable or floating structure used to reduce wave energy and protect the marina from rough waters.
• Floating Dock – A platform or structure that remains buoyant on the water’s surface, allowing boats to be moored.
• Fuel Dock – A dock equipped with fuel pumps for boats to refuel within the marina.
• Fueling Station – A designated area within a marina equipped with pumps and storage for dispensing fuel to boats.
• Gangway – A movable or fixed walkway connecting the dock to boats, allowing access to and from the marina.
• Guest Dock – A transient or temporary docking area within a marina for visiting boats.
• Gulf – A large area of the ocean, partially enclosed by land, with a narrower opening than a bay. Gulfs often have marinas, docks, and ports along their coastlines, serving as important trading and recreational hubs.
• Harbor – A sheltered area of water where boats can seek refuge and dock.
• Inlet – A small body of water that extends inland from a larger body of water, such as an ocean or bay. Inlets often feature marinas, docks, and ports that provide access to sheltered waters and recreational boating opportunities.
• Jetty – A structure that extends into the water to provide a secure area for boats to moor.
• Lagoon – A shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a barrier, such as a sandbar or coral reef. Lagoons may have marinas, docks, and ports that provide access to calm and protected waters, ideal for boating and water sports.
• Lake – A large inland body of water, typically freshwater, surrounded by land. Marinas and docks on lakes offer recreational boating opportunities, fishing access, and waterfront amenities for lakeside communities.
• Liveaboard – A person who resides on a boat docked in a marina as a permanent or temporary home.
• Liveaboard Regulations – Specific rules and regulations governing the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of individuals living aboard their boats in a marina.
• Marina – A facility or dockyard where boats, yachts, and ships are kept and maintained.
• Marina Accessibility – The provisions and accommodations in place within a marina to ensure ease of access for individuals with disabilities.
• Marina Amenities – Additional features and services offered within a marina, such as restaurants, shops, or swimming pools.
• Marina Construction – The process of building or expanding a marina, including dredging, piling, and infrastructure installation.
• Marina Design – The architectural and engineering planning involved in creating a functional and efficient marina layout.
• Marina Dock Monitoring – Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the docks and berths within a marina for safety and security purposes.
• Marina Dockage – The availability and allocation of dock spaces for boats within a marina.
• Marina Electrical System – The infrastructure and wiring within a marina that provides electricity to boats and facilities.
• Marina Emergency Evacuation Plan – A predefined plan outlining procedures for evacuating the marina in case of emergencies or natural disasters.
• Marina Emergency Response – Protocols, procedures, and resources in place to handle emergencies, accidents, or natural disasters within a marina.
• Marina Emergency Response Team – Trained personnel responsible for quickly responding to and managing emergency situations within the marina.
• Marina Environmental Education – Programs or initiatives aimed at raising awareness and educating boaters about environmental conservation and responsible boating practices.
• Marina Environmental Impact Assessment – A comprehensive evaluation of the potential environmental effects and impacts of a marina’s construction or operations.
• Marina Environmental Monitoring – Regular assessment and evaluation of water quality, marine life, and ecosystem health within and around a marina to ensure environmental conservation and compliance.
• Marina Environmental Permitting – The process of obtaining necessary permits and approvals for marina construction or operation in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Marina Environmental Stewardship – Practices and initiatives undertaken by a marina to minimize its environmental impact and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
• Marina Event – Organized activities, gatherings, or competitions held within a marina, aimed at engaging boaters and promoting community spirit.
• Marina Events Calendar – A schedule or listing of upcoming events, activities, and social gatherings organized within the marina.
• Marina Expansion – The process of increasing the size or capacity of a marina to accommodate more boats.
• Marina Fee – The cost or charge associated with using the facilities and services of a marina.
• Marina Fueling Protocol – Established procedures and safety guidelines for fueling operations within a marina, including spill prevention and fire safety measures.
• Marina Insurance – Coverage specifically tailored for the risks and liabilities associated with owning and operating a marina.
• Marina Lift – A mechanical device or hoist used to lift and lower boats in and out of the water within a marina.
• Marina Liveaboard Agreement – A contractual agreement between a liveaboard resident and the marina management, outlining the terms and conditions of living aboard a boat within the marina.
• Marina Liveaboards Association – An organized group or association representing the interests and concerns of liveaboard residents within the marina.
• Marina Maintenance – Regular upkeep and repairs are conducted to keep the marina infrastructure in good condition.
• Marina Maintenance Crew – A team of workers responsible for performing routine maintenance tasks, repairs, and upkeep of the marina facilities.
• Marina Maintenance Dredging – The process of removing accumulated sediment or silt from the waterways, channels, or basins of a marina to maintain sufficient depths for safe navigation.
• Marina Management Software – Computerized systems used to streamline operations and reservations within a marina.
• Marina Master – The person in charge of overseeing the operations and management of a marina.
• Marina Membership – The status of being a member of a marina, often entitling individuals to various privileges and discounts.
• Marina Monitoring System – A system that uses surveillance cameras, sensors, or alarms to monitor the activities and security of a marina.
• Marina Navigation Channel – A designated and marked pathway within a marina, ensuring safe entry and exit for boats while avoiding shallow areas or obstacles.
• Marina Newsletter – Periodic publications or communications distributed to marina members and boaters, providing updates, news, and important information about marina activities and events.
• Marina Office – The administrative center within a marina where transactions and inquiries are handled.
• Marina Operator – The individual or organization responsible for managing and operating a marina.
• Marina Patrol – The security personnel responsible for monitoring and enforcing safety and regulations within the marina.
• Marina Pump-Out – The removal and disposal of waste materials from onboard holding tanks of boats within a marina.
• Marina Pump-Out Vessel – A specialized boat equipped with waste pump-out equipment, used to collect and dispose of waste from boats within the marina.
• Marina Regulations – Official rules and guidelines set by the marina management to ensure safe and responsible boating practices.
• Marina Regulations Compliance – Adherence to the rules, regulations, and policies set forth by the marina management.
• Marina Repair Services – Professional repair and maintenance services available within the marina for boats, engines, and onboard systems.
• Marina Reservation System – An online or automated system used to book and manage boat slips or services in a marina.
• Marina Residency – The status of residing on a boat within a marina as a permanent or long-term resident.
• Marina Retail Store – A shop or store located within the marina premises, offering boating supplies, equipment, and accessories.
• Marina Rules and Regulations – The guidelines and policies governing the use and behavior within a marina.
• Marina Safety Equipment – Life-saving devices, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment are available within a marina for boater safety.
• Marina Security – Measures and systems in place to ensure the safety and security of boats and the marina.
• Marina Services – Facilities and amenities provided to boaters, such as showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.
• Marina Signage – Signboards, placards, or markers displaying important information, directions, or warnings within a marina.
• Marina Slip Accessibility Guidelines – Established guidelines and standards for designing and constructing boat slips within the marina to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Marina Slip Accessibility Modifications – Adaptations and modifications made to boat slips within the marina to accommodate boaters with disabilities.
• Marina Slip Allocation Policy – A set of guidelines and criteria used by the marina management to allocate slips to boat owners based on factors such as boat size, type, or length of stay.
• Marina Slip Assignment – The process of assigning a specific slip or berth to a boat in a marina.
• Marina Slip Assignment Criteria – The specific factors and considerations used by the marina management to assign boat slips to owners, such as boat size, type, or length.
• Marina Slip Assignment Policy – The documented guidelines and criteria used by the marina management for assigning slips to boat owners.
• Marina Slip Assignment Priority – The established order or priority system used to allocate boat slips within the marina, giving preference to specific criteria, such as seniority or boat size.
• Marina Slip Cancellation Policy – The guidelines and procedures governing the cancellation of a reserved or leased boat slip within the marina.
• Marina Slip Insurance – Insurance coverage specifically tailored to protect boat owners against risks and liabilities associated with their assigned slips within the marina.
• Marina Slip Lease Termination – The process of ending or terminating the lease agreement for a boat slip within the marina before the agreed-upon duration.
• Marina Slip Lease Transfer Process – The step-by-step procedure involved in transferring the lease of a boat slip from one boat owner to another within the marina.
• Marina Slip Leasing Options – Different types of leasing arrangements are available for boat slips within the marina, such as long-term, seasonal, or transient leases.
• Marina Slip Maintenance – Regular inspection and upkeep of boat slips to ensure safety, functionality, and aesthetics.
• Marina Slip Monitoring – Continuous monitoring of occupancy, availability, and usage of boat slips within the marina for efficient management and allocation.
• Marina Slip Monitoring App – A mobile application that allows boat owners to check the availability, status, and reservation of slips within the marina.
• Marina Slip Monitoring Dashboard – A digital interface or display that provides real-time information about the status and occupancy of boat slips within the marina.
• Marina Slip Monitoring System – An automated system or technology used to track the occupancy, availability, and usage of boat slips within the marina.
• Marina Slip Orientation – An introductory session or briefing provided to boaters upon renting or obtaining a new slip, covering marina rules, safety measures, and facilities.
• Marina Slip Ownership – The legal ownership rights and responsibilities associated with owning a boat slip within the marina.
• Marina Slip Reconstruction – The process of renovating or rebuilding existing boat slips within the marina to improve functionality, safety, or aesthetics.
• Marina Slip Renewal Notice – A notification or reminder sent to boat owners regarding the renewal of their slip lease within the marina.
• Marina Slip Rental – The agreement or contract to rent a specific space in a marina for a boat.
• Marina Slip Resale – The process of transferring the rights or ownership of a boat slip from one boat owner to another through a resale transaction.
• Marina Slip Resale Agreement – A contractual agreement between a seller and buyer of a boat slip, outlining the terms, conditions, and transfer of ownership.
• Marina Slip Reservation – The process of reserving a specific slip in advance for a specified period within a marina.
• Marina Slip Transfer – The process of transferring the rights or ownership of a boat slip from one individual to another.
• Marina Slip Transfer Documentation – The paperwork and documentation required to complete the transfer of a boat slip from one owner to another within the marina.
• Marina Slip Transfer Process – The step-by-step procedure involved in transferring the ownership or usage rights of a boat slip within the marina.
• Marina Slip Upgrade Waiting List – A list of boat owners who have expressed interest in upgrading their current slip within the marina, in case of availability in the future.
• Marina Slip Upgrades – The process of improving or enhancing existing boat slips within a marina to accommodate larger boats or provide additional amenities.
• Marina Slip Upkeep – Regular cleaning, maintenance, and repairs are conducted on boat slips to ensure their functionality and appearance.
• Marina Slip Utility Connections – The provision of essential utilities, such as water and electricity, to boat slips within the marina for boaters’ convenience.
• Marina Slip Waiting List Management – The systematic organization and management of the waiting list for boat slips within the marina, ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Marina Slip Waiting Period – The length of time a boat owner may have to wait before obtaining a desired slip within the marina, depending on availability and demand.
• Marina Slip Waitlist – A record of individuals who have expressed interest in obtaining a slip within a marina, in case of availability in the future.
• Marina Slip Waitlist Notification – A communication sent to individuals on the waitlist for boat slips within the marina to inform them about availability and assignment.
• Marina Social Committee – A group of individuals within a marina responsible for organizing social events, gatherings, and community-building activities.
• Marina Waiting List – A list maintained by the marina management to track and allocate available slips or berths to boaters in order of priority.
• Marina Waiting Lounge – A designated area within the marina where boaters can relax, wait, or socialize before or after their boat activities.
• Marina Waste Management – Systems and procedures in place to handle and dispose of waste materials generated within a marina in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Marina Waste Management Plan – A comprehensive plan outlining strategies and procedures for managing waste disposal, recycling, and environmental sustainability within the marina.
• Marina Waste Oil Disposal – Proper disposal of used or waste oil collected from boats within the marina, following environmental regulations.
• Marina Waste Pump – A pump system used to extract waste materials from boats’ holding tanks and transfer them to an appropriate disposal facility.
• Marina Waste Pumping – The process of pumping out and disposing of waste materials, such as sewage or bilge water, from boats within the marina.
• Marina Waste Recycling – Programs and initiatives implemented within a marina to encourage and facilitate the proper recycling and disposal of waste materials.
• Marina Water Supply – The source and distribution system of fresh water available within a marina for boaters’ use.
• Marina Weather Monitoring – Continuous monitoring of weather conditions, including wind, temperature, and tides, within the marina for boating safety purposes.
• Marina Wi-Fi – Wireless internet connectivity is provided within the marina for the convenience of boaters and visitors.
• Marina WiFi Network – The wireless network infrastructure provides internet connectivity to boaters and visitors within the marina premises.
• Mooring – The act of securing a boat or vessel in a marina to prevent it from drifting.
• Mooring Line – A strong rope or cable used to secure a boat to a mooring point within a marina.
• Nautical Chart – A navigational map used by mariners to navigate safely in and around marinas.
• Navigation Aids – Visual or electronic devices used to assist boaters in navigating safely within and around a marina, such as buoys, beacons, or GPS systems.
• Navigation Lights – Lights mounted on boats to indicate their position, direction, and status within a marina or waterway.
• Ocean – A vast body of salt water that covers a significant portion of the Earth’s surface. Marinas, docks, and ports located along coastlines provide access to the ocean for various maritime activities, including recreational boating and commercial shipping.
• Pier – A raised structure extending into the water, often used for loading and unloading boats.
• Pump-out Station – A facility within a marina where boaters can empty their onboard waste tanks.
• Reservoir – A human-made or natural body of water used for storing water for various purposes, such as irrigation, drinking water supply, or hydroelectric power generation. Marinas and docks on reservoirs offer recreational boating opportunities and water-based activities.
• River – A natural flowing watercourse that typically empties into another body of water. Ports and docks located along rivers serve as transportation hubs for commercial shipping, facilitating trade and commerce.
• Sea – A large expanse of saltwater partially enclosed by land. Seas are often interconnected with oceans and provide locations for marinas, docks, and ports that serve as gateways to the sea for coastal communities and boaters.
• Seawall – A barrier or wall built along the shoreline of a marina to protect it from erosion and wave action.
• Slip – A narrow waterway or channel in a marina where boats are docked.
• Slip Lease Agreement – A legally binding contract between the marina operator and a boat owner, outlining the terms, duration, and conditions of slip rental.
• Slip Length – The measurement of the space or length available in a slip within a marina, is important for determining suitable boat sizes.
• Slipway – A ramp or inclined platform used for launching and retrieving boats from the water in a marina.
• Sound – A large sea or ocean inlet, usually deeper than a bay. Sounds provide natural channels for shipping and may feature marinas, docks, and ports that support boating and maritime industries.
• Sound – A wide sea or ocean inlet, often parallel to the coastline, created by the submergence of a river valley. Sounds can feature marinas, docks, and ports that facilitate maritime trade and provide boating facilities.
• Strait – A narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. Straits may have marinas, docks, and ports that serve as vital maritime transit points, allowing vessels to navigate between different bodies of water.
• Tidal Range – The difference in water level between high tide and low tide, which can affect navigation and docking in a marina.
• Transient Boater – A boater who temporarily docks their boat in a marina for a short duration, often for leisure or visiting purposes.
• Vessel – A general term referring to any watercraft, including boats, yachts, and ships.
• Vessel Haul-Out – The process of lifting a boat out of the water using a crane or travel lift for inspection, maintenance, or storage in a marina.
• Vessel Registration – The process of officially registering a boat with the appropriate authorities for identification and legal purposes.

Yacht Club – An organization or association of boating enthusiasts typically affiliated with a marina.

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What to consider when choosing a marina, yacht club, or other facility

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.

Reputation.

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?

Slip length, space, location, and depth.

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.

Availability of dock utilities and facilities.

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:  

• Fuel docks with well-maintained above-ground tanks
• Consider a facility with Wi-Fi, which can come in handy (you may not need phone and cable TV these days)
• Utilities such as water and electricity/shore power are also convenient and important for preventative maintenance

Yard maintenance services.

More sophisticated facilities will offer services, such as:

• Spring commissioning, dry storage, and winterizing
• Haul-out and drop-in services (with capabilities for hauling large boats). Check to ensure your vessels beam and tonnage can be tolerated by the facility’s lift in the event an emergency haul-out is needed.
• The ability sell, service, and repair your engines, and that the work is performed by reputable, well-qualified technicians. This is very important as outboard engines, specifically, have become highly computerized and require authorized, highly trained service technicians to work on the motor.
• Pressure washing (available throughout the season)
• Gelcoat or fiberglass repairs
• Qualified electronic service technicians
• Painting, varnish, or bright work
• Wash, wax, and detailing
• Bottom painting
• Yard space for DIY yard service and repair, including access to water and electricity. Check to make sure you can (a) work on your own vessel, and (b) hire your own labor if needed.

Maintenance of the facility.

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.

Storm preparation plans.

Consider asking these questions:

• What is their plan should a windstorm or hurricane come through?
• What services do they provide, such as haul-out capabilities, to help you protect your watercraft?
• Will the boats that are less protected from the open water be moved to different locations of the marina before a storm?
• Do you have the proper gear needed to protect your boat (fenders, lines, removing canvas, charged battery for bilge pumps, etc.)

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.

Availability of life-saving equipment.

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.

Other available services and amenities.

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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Boating terminology for first-time cruisers.

Post by Becky at Dockwa - Published on 02/16/22 5:00 AM

Whether you're hopping aboard for your first cruise or want to brush up on your boat terminology ( LOA, anyone ? ), this cheat sheet will help you to decipher some on-the-water lingo. Read on to familiarize yourself with some of the more frequently used words and phrases translated into everyday English.  (Not your first rodeo? Please share this with someone who might need a leg up for their first outing)

Marina Terminology

If you're more of a stowaway than a skipper, finding ways to make yourself useful can go a long way. Researching and securing dockage or helping keep watch while underway is a great place to start. Some terms to know as you help float plan: 

What is a float plan?  

A float plan is a document detailing the intended agenda for the boat, including vessel, crew, and equipment information, date of departure, date(s) of arrival, fuel stops, overnights, and dockage/anchorage reservations.

What's the difference between a slip and a dock?  

A slip is a dock section in which captains park their boats. The dock can refer to the general area of the marina where the boats tie up ("Let's head down to the dock") as well the actual flat floating structure itself ("This dock is badly damaged") . A marina's docks can encompass its slips, linear dockage, fuel dock, dinghy dock, and sometimes the ship's store or office. You may find cleats (ideally), electrical hookups, or water hookups near your slip. In addition, you may find a dock cart for toting gear or provisions, an ice machine, and bathrooms down the dock. 

What is linear dockage?

As opposed to a slip a boat pulls into, linear dockage is a marina configuration that docks boats by lining them up end to end along the dock, one boat's bow to another boat's stern. 

What is a mooring ball?

Also casually referred to as "a mooring," a mooring ball floats on the water's surface and is secured to the harbor bottom typically via a large, heavy, and permanently-installed anchor, cement block, or another immovable weight. Attached to a mooring ball generally, is a pennant, which is a length of rope with a loop at the end – the loop not only helps you grab the mooring ball's pennant using the boat's boat hook, it also is the loop through which a line will run to secure the boat to the mooring. Different harbors label their mooring balls in different ways, and they vary by the size of vessel they can accommodate. 

What is a dock piling?  

A piling is a heavy post, like a telephone pole embedded into the seafloor and used to secure docks in place or to which boats can be tied.

What does VHF stand for?

VHF stands for "very high frequency." On boats, the VHF is the onboard radio transmitter. Marinas (and other boaters, harbor patrols, and the Coast Guard) monitor specific VHF channels. Once you've reserved your dockage, a captain will put out a radio call on the marina monitors channel to let them know he is approaching, request a slip assignment if not provided via the app's Chat function, or ask for assistance. 

Boat Measurement Terminology

What is loa (length overall)  .

This definition is somewhat controversial. For any captain who has made a marina manager's day more hectic because they fibbed or fudged the numbers, this one's for you: When reserving dockage, if the marina asks for your vessel's Length Overall (LOA), they're asking for–wait for it–the overall length of the boat. The whole enchilada. No skimping, no "Oops, when did I get a swim platform?" The boat's branding, marketing materials, or the boat documentation that was done pre-customization may no longer have any bearing on reality. However, in the context of reserving a dock space or mooring, the marina needs to know your boat's literal LOA as measured from its aft-most to forward-most appendages, from the tip of your bowsprit to the back of your swim platform. ( Read more about why LOA matters .)

What is a boat's waterline length?

The length of a boat's hull where it intersects with the water.

What is a boat's draft?

A boat's draft is the vertical distance between the boat's waterline and the bottom of its keel. This measurement determines the minimum depth of water over which a ship can safely navigate. So when you hear "What does she draw?" the question at hand is, "What depth of water is required for the boat to float?" 

As a captain requests dockage from a marina, the marinas will likely ask for a boat's draft as they take the reservation details and often post Mean Low Water of its harbor and slips so that potential guests can make the call without an extra VHF or phone call. 

What is your boat's beam :

Your boat's beam is the vessel's width at its widest point. A marina needs to know this to determine the size of the slip they can offer based on the width of your beam. For example, if a marina has only single-vessel slips for boats up to a 16' beam, a large catamaran will not fit and will need to go on the linear dockage if available. In other contexts, you may hear beam: If a vessel or landmark is abeam, that means it is directly to port or starboard of your boat. If you are sailing on a beam reach, you are sailing a course 90° off the wind, with the wind abeam.

Boating Terminology

What does mob stand for  .

"Man Overboard!" (abbreviated as MOB) is the term to indicate to a boat's crew and passengers that someone has gone in the water. If you hear it and have not been assigned another job in the case of this happening, you can assist by simply finding the MOB and keeping a finger pointed at them at all times until rescued. You may be instructed to hit the Man Overboard button, sometimes labeled "MOB," on a boat's control panel. 

What is a lifering?

The lifering–also known as a ring buoy or lifebuoy – is orange, red, or white ring secured to the boat's stern and designed to be thrown to a person in the water to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. Some modern liferings are outfitted with water-activated lights and tracking devices to aid rescue at night. Unlike throwable, liferings have a long line attached to them which connects to the boat so that once a MOB catches it, they can be pulled in with less exertion.

What is a throwable?

A throwable is a personal flotation device (PFD) that can be thrown at someone in the water to help prevent them from drowning. On recreational boats, they serve a second function as seat cushions. 

What is a Boat Boom?

The boom on a sailboat is a spar (pole) along the foot of the mainsail, which improves sail shape and serves as an attachment point for sail control lines. The boom is above the cockpit, which means it's above the crew in the cockpit. Therefore, when sailing, be mindful of where the boom is. If someone screams "BOOM!" or "DUCK!" don't look; duck immediately to avoid injury. 

What is a lifeline?

A lifeline is a wire or cable that runs outside the deck, supported by stanchions, to prevent crew or gear from falling overboard. Properly installed, you can dangle your body – and several others – over a lifeline (and thus, over the side of the boat) and feel confident you will not go in the water. 

What is a boat rail?

Many boats will have a toerail along the edge of a boat's deck. If when sailing someone asks you to get on the rail, they are likely asking you to hike out as far as you can  over the toerail (or where a toerail would typically be) on the high side of the boat. 

What are knots in boating?

A measurement of speed in nautical miles per hour. 

What are RPMs?

The revolutions per minute on a boat's engine dictates how fast a vessel can accelerate and travel in various sea states.

What is planing in boating?  

Getting a boat to plane involves physics, which will be  better explained by Wikipedia .. . In layman's terms, for a first-time cruiser, know that getting a boat to plane on a powerboat or dinghy may require bringing up the RPMs relatively quickly.

What is heeling?

Heeling is when a sailboat leans over in the water as the wind pushes its sails. When heeling, you will be safest and likely more helpful (even if it's just your weight helping to flatten the boat) on the windward side of the ship. 

What is the difference between a bow and stern?

Generally speaking, the bow is the front location of the boat, and the stern is the back. 

What is the difference between port and starboard?

The port is to your left when facing the boat's bow, and the starboard is to your right. You may hear phrases like, "There's a boat to port," "Leave the mark to starboard," or "The gallon of rum is in the starboard aft cabin."

What is the difference between windward & leeward?

Windward is the point upwind from the point of reference (i.e., you or the boat you're on). Leeward is the direction downwind from the point of contact. The side of a ship that is too leeward is the lee side. On a sailboat that is heeling, the windward side is always the high side, and the leeward side is the side of the boat closest to the water. When sailing (particularly racing), someone yelling, "Get to windward!" translates to "Please make your way to the high side of the boat immediately if not sooner."

What is a winch?  

Merriam-Webster defines a winch as "any of various machines or instruments for hauling or pulling; especially: a powerful machine with one or more drums on which to coil a rope, cable, or chain for hauling or hoisting." On a sailboat, the crew will use a winch to hoist or trim a sail by coiling the sail's sheet or halyard onto it for added leverage. Once pulled in by hand as far as possible, they'll use a winch handle to trim the sail in the rest of the way or to hoist the sail to its uppermost point.

What is a bilge in boating? 

The bilge is the lowest section of a boat where water typically collects. If someone tells you to "check the bilge," they ask you to verify (you may have to lift a floorboard in the main salon) that there is little or no water collected, which can weigh a boat down and thus increase drag. If the bilge has water, you can use a bilge pump to empty it. If ever you see water coming above the floorboards, let someone know immediately. 

Boating etiquette for new cruisers

If you are a smoker, go to the stern (or "go aft" ) to smoke. If you smoke anywhere forward of your fellow shipmates, the smoke will be blown on to them.  

On some boats, people will relieve themselves off the side of the boat so as to avoid going below, opening valves for the head, etc. Always go aft and to leeward to do this, and always keep one hand on the boat. 

If you feel seasick and believe you will be physically ill, make your way aft and leeward if it is safe to do so. As you do, let your captain know– if, on a sailboat that is heeled over, he may opt to right the boat (by turning into the wind, luffing the sails–which slows or stops the vessel). Or ask you to go below rather than put yourself in a potentially precarious position on your first outing. 

Boating Navigation Terminology

What is a nautical chart.

A nautical chart represents a sea, lake, or river's area and nearby coastal regions. Depending on the chart's scale, it may show water depth, navigation aids, navigational hazards, and artificial structures such as harbors, locks, bridges, and buildings. Should the boat's navigation system fail, most boats keep paper chart books of the boat's most frequented region aboard. 

What is a Course in Boating?

Your boat's course is the direction the vessel is heading or steered; its movement through the water. 

What's the difference between heading and bearing?

Your heading is the compass direction in which a vessel is pointing. Your bearing is the compass reading taken off an object in relation to the observer.

What's a Compass?

A compass is a device that always points towards magnetic north, used for navigation

What is a mark in boating?  

A mark is a  fixed buoyage indicator, such as a lighted buoy, a day beacon, can, or mile marker.   Click here for the U.S. Coast Guard's excellent guide to navigation aids and right of way rules . 

What does ETA stand for?  

ETA is estimated time of arrival. An accurate ETA is like seeing a mermaid in boating: an impossibility that may result from delusion or hallucination but intriguing to ponder and share nonetheless.

Boating Terms to know when docking or mooring

What does a dock hand do.

A dock hand is an employee of the marina or yacht club you're about to tie up to. Whenever possible, dock hands make themselves available to catch lines, assist a vessel in tying up or shoving off, answer questions about the marina and surrounding area to the best of their ability, and, if applicable, provide pumpout or fuel service. 

What is a hull?  

The hull is the watertight body, commonly made of wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. To reduce hull weakening due to water or ultraviolet light, manufacturers or boat owners will paint a fiberglass boat's hull with Gelcoat, which requires repair if damaged while underway or docking. 

What is a fender in boating?  

In boating, a fender – typically made out of rubber, foam elastomer, or plastic – is used to cushion the force of a boat as it approaches or remains secured to a dock, a wall, or another boat, to prevent damage to other vessels, or structures. A fender may be tied to rails, lifelines, or cleats aboard a vessel. A cleat is used to "hand-fend" as the boat approaches or departs a slip or raft-up. 

What is a cleat?

Merriam-Webster defines a cleat as "a wooden or metal fitting usually with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast." Cruising, you'll find cleats on board the boat as well as on the dock, and when docking, the bow line, stern line, and spring lines will secure the boat to the dock by making fast a cleat knot on each. 

What's the difference between lines and ropes? 

On a boat, the words rope and line are not interchangeable. It's just a rope when cordage wasn't assigned to a task. However, once it's prepped or in use for a specific job (such as securing an anchor to the bow, securing the boat to the dock, or hanging a fender off the rail), the rope is now in use as a line. A line is referred to by the job it performs: anchor line, dock line, fender line, etc.

What's the difference between sheets and halyards?

A sheet is a word for a line being used to trim a sail. A halyard is a term for a cable used to hoist a sail. Like the lines, these also get named: main sheet (the sheet controlling the mainsail), jib sheets (a pair of sheets that contain jib trim), spinnaker sheets, main halyard, jib halyard, spinnaker halyard, and so on. When under sail, whichever sheet is in use is a working sheet. The sheet not in use is the lazy sheet. 

What is leeway in boating?  

Leeway refers to the sideways drift to leeward of the desired course. If while docking, the helmsman (or anyone) asks you, "Do I have some leeway?" no matter which way the boat is moving, that person is asking for an estimate as to the boat's distance from the dock or any other fixed mark. 

Parts of a boat to know when on deck 

What is a helm  .

The helm is technically the name of the location where the steering and engine controls are located, and can be used as a the interchangeably for the ship's wheel itself, e.g. "Take the helm." 

What is a cockpit in boating?

The  cockpit is traditionally the open well in the boat's deck, typically toward the stern, which houses the helm. 

What is forward vs. aft?

Forward can be used in a few ways. When you're moving towards the bow, you're "going forward." Forward also refers to the general area of the boat that is towards the bow. When you are moving towards the boat's rear end, you are "going aft."

What is a boat's companionway?  

A boat's companionway is a raised hatch with a ladder leading below. You may find it hand-holds on the sides of the ladder or the sides of the steps turned up on both sides to help you step while the boat is heeled over. 

What is a boat's dodger?  

A dodger is a frame-supported canvas structure (usually with clear vinyl windows) that covers part of the cockpit and the entrance to the companionway, thus helping protect the sailboat's interior from weather and waves. A dodger can also help keep a boat's helmsman and crew dry.

What is a bimini top?  

A bimini top would likely be made of the same material as a dodger and stands aft of the cockpit, above the helmsman, but does not provide protection from forwarding waves.

What is a transom?

The transom is part of a vessel's stern where the port and starboard sides meet, and it's a critical part of the hull. As you advance from the transom, the two sides of a boat curve together to meet at the bow, forming the shape of a boat's hull.

Boating Terminology to know when below deck

What is a boat's galley.

The galley is the kitchen on a boat. 

What is a boat's cabin?

Any enclosed room on a boat. 

What is a boat's head? 

The head is the bathroom. You may hear someone say, "I'm going to hit the head," or "The head is broken," or "Tommy is no longer allowed to use the head."  Alternatively, a sailor might say, "I'm gonna hit the head," and then make moves to the stern of the boat toward that purpose. 

What is a nav station in boating?  

Before the world of iPads and onboard wifi, many boats had a broad table below deck, at which a captain could plot a course on a large paper chart while still in sight of the helm. Also, on, near, or in the nav station, you'll likely find a VHF radio, the boat's control panel, and approximately 400 pairs of old beat-up sunglasses. 

What is a boat's stow?

When underway, heeling and waves can send gear sailing across salons and cabins. Stowing your gear–meaning putting it away in a cabinet, strapping it down with lines, or otherwise packing it securely–will keep electronics from breaking, prevent beer from exploding, help the crew negotiate piles of sails without worrying about bags. Overall will provide more peace of mind to anyone above not to hear pandemonium below every time the boat hits a wave. 

What is a tack vs a jibe in boating?

While tacking and jibing are sailing maneuvers, if you are below deck and hear either term yelled on deck or someone yells it down the companionway at you, take this as an indication that you should hold on to something. 

What clutch boating terms did we miss? Email suggestions to  [email protected]  or post in our  Facebook Group . 

Be sure to check out our other blog posts to get an inside look at our favorite destinations, marinas, and tips for first-time boaters. Join the conversation on Flipboard , Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .

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Difference Between a Marina and a Boat Yard

Boat yards and marinas are critical if you own a boat. Both serve the purpose of storage and maintenance, but there is a difference between a marina and a boat yard. Marinas are geared more towards luxury and convenience, while boat yards typically have the bare bones when it comes to amenities. Both serve their purposes, but depending on your specific needs one will most likely be a better fit for you than the other.

What are the benefits of marinas?

Marinas are a place where boat owners can keep their boats, either in water or on land, get regular maintenance, and in some situations, enjoy amenities like tennis courts and spas. In some marinas, people choose to live on their boats, an option that is usually not available in boat yards. Marinas are typically geared towards people who are looking for more than just a place to store their boat and get maintenance taken care of. With all these amenities comes a higher price tag, so if you are on a limited budget, some of the higher end marinas might not be a good fit. However, there are some marinas that offer minimal amenities like electricity and fresh water, and these might be able to fit into your budget.

What are the benefits of a boat yard?

Boat yards are a better option for those who want just the basics and don’t want to pay for amenities. Kind of an industrial area for boat maintenance, boat yards are more for boat repairs and storage than they are for luxury. Boat yards are made for you to be able to store your boat, either in the water or on land, and do any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done. Because they typically don’t have all the amenities that marinas do, meaning their prices are often much less expensive. Some boat yards have people you can employ to do maintenance on your boat, such as a marine engineer , along with you having the option to do it yourself. If you are a frugal boater, or you simply do not need all the amenities that marinas have to offer, a boat yard is a good choice for you.

If you are looking for boats for sale, it is a good idea to keep the price of a marina or boat yard in mind. While nobody likes to think about what can go wrong, the reality of the situation is that sometimes boats have issues that need fixing, and you might have to take your boat out of the water in order to fix the problem. Keeping the price in mind will help prevent any unexpected expenses, helping you minimize the stress of your boat ownership. By knowing the difference between a marina and a boat yard you can make the appropriate decision of where to take your boat.

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