Four Things By Cindy Wallach
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Keep track of their belongings Is your boat a project boat? Some marinas have working yards and are okay with owners working on their boats in the water. Marinas that have a more resort vibe might not allow you to power-sand your toe rail in your slip. If your boat is a project boat, find out what’s allowed so that tensions don’t flare. Before you pull in with standup paddleboards, kayaks, and a dinghy, make sure you talk to your marina about where toys are allowed to be stored and launched. Get involved Many marinas offer activities, barbeques, and other functions. The more slipholders who participate the ##Photo courtesy of Herrington Harbour
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better, so get out and meet your slip neighbors and use the amenities offered to you. Follow the rules Make sure you understand your contract, extra fees, electric, and payment expectations and pay your bills on time. Some places require you to pay in full up front, whether you have an annual slip or are just passing through. Talk to your marina manager about payment schedules and extra costs to avoid misunderstandings. Marinas also want their docks to look as nice as possible. Nobody likes to see derelict boats or finger piers cluttered with junk. In severe weather, boats that are not well kept
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can have loose parts blowing off and endangering others, or worse: such boats might sink in the slip. Cluttered finger piers or docks can be a trip hazard, block the flow of foot traffic and dock carts, and may even cause someone to fall into the water. Create community It’s a good idea to know the rules of your marina, keep an open conversation going with management, and help your fellow slip holders if you see them struggling to stay on track. It’s a community, and everyone needs to do their part to make the community enjoyable and safe. If something isn’t working out for you, let the marina staff know as soon as possible.
Questions To Ask When Choosing a Marina: • How deep of an approach will you need? • How tight is the slip being offered, and can you maneuver your boat in it? • How far is the location from your home, and how far from the open Bay? • Do you want on-site pump-outs or fuel? • Do you plan to haul out and store your boat there in the winter/is that an option? • Is there a dinghy dock you may use? How about kayak racks? • Will the marina let you do your own work there or bring in outside contractors? Or are only marina staff permitted to do so? • What amenities do you need, and which can you do without?
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