Top 5 Things to Look for When Buying or Leasing a Boat Slip
A slip is basically a home for your boat. Not all marinas and docks have the same layout, and these can make a huge difference in your experience. Your slip is not only important for tying up, but for protecting you and your boat when you're not on the water. Some slips will be more ideal than others, and like parking spaces, some will fit better than others.
When looking at a potential marina or slip, consider the following tips to make your new home safer and more efficient.
1) Docking: First and foremost, you want a slip that will be simple to get in and out of. Larger boats, be it wider pontoons or long sailboats, should request slips near the end of docks, closer to open water. These types of boats are harder to maneuver through tight quarters, so look for wide-set docks that leave plenty of room between rows of slips.
2) Power: If your boat requires a nightly charge, make sure a power source is easily available next to your slip after your boat is tucked in for the night. No one wants to be fussing with extension cords or fighting crowded outlet space. The best slips will have a private outlet off each slip.
3) Depth: The depth of the water is very important, especially for sailboats that have a hull. These boats will not be able to dock in shallow water, and it is always important to make sure there is enough room underneath to accommodate your vessel. Use a pole or long measuring stick to check the depth at the most shallow time of day or year to make sure the water will stay deep enough.
4) Size: Different slips are made different widths and lengths, so check to make sure that your boat will fit in the slip properly. If you board through a side gate, the length of the finger dock is crucial. Make sure it extends far enough back to where you like to load, or you may need to back your boat in. Similarly, if you have a boat that sits higher in the water, you'll want a taller dock.
5) Location: You may end up spending a great deal of time at your marina, cooking meals, visiting with friends, or soaking up the summer sun. You'll want a location that is easy to get to, as well as one that makes you feel at home. Look for anything that may annoy you- clutter, excessive noise, unclean water- as well as things you would like to have in a marina, such as swimming area, restaurant, or like-minded boaters.
6) No matter where you end up, you'll want to make sure both you and your boat are comfortable, and you do not have to think about the marina- just your next big adventure on the water!
When looking at a potential marina or slip, consider the following tips to make your new home safer and more efficient.
1) Docking: First and foremost, you want a slip that will be simple to get in and out of. Larger boats, be it wider pontoons or long sailboats, should request slips near the end of docks, closer to open water. These types of boats are harder to maneuver through tight quarters, so look for wide-set docks that leave plenty of room between rows of slips.
2) Power: If your boat requires a nightly charge, make sure a power source is easily available next to your slip after your boat is tucked in for the night. No one wants to be fussing with extension cords or fighting crowded outlet space. The best slips will have a private outlet off each slip.
3) Depth: The depth of the water is very important, especially for sailboats that have a hull. These boats will not be able to dock in shallow water, and it is always important to make sure there is enough room underneath to accommodate your vessel. Use a pole or long measuring stick to check the depth at the most shallow time of day or year to make sure the water will stay deep enough.
4) Size: Different slips are made different widths and lengths, so check to make sure that your boat will fit in the slip properly. If you board through a side gate, the length of the finger dock is crucial. Make sure it extends far enough back to where you like to load, or you may need to back your boat in. Similarly, if you have a boat that sits higher in the water, you'll want a taller dock.
5) Location: You may end up spending a great deal of time at your marina, cooking meals, visiting with friends, or soaking up the summer sun. You'll want a location that is easy to get to, as well as one that makes you feel at home. Look for anything that may annoy you- clutter, excessive noise, unclean water- as well as things you would like to have in a marina, such as swimming area, restaurant, or like-minded boaters.
6) No matter where you end up, you'll want to make sure both you and your boat are comfortable, and you do not have to think about the marina- just your next big adventure on the water!
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