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• WEST MARINE

MOORAGE

Moorage is something that potential owners sometimes inquire about, but usually only as a matter of costs. Although costs are considerable, there are other factors to think about when it comes to choosing a home for your yacht.

The cost of moorage is, in some cases, prohibitive to those interested in yacht ownership. It is related to the expense of waterfront property, and many large port towns like Vancouver have even made the dock slips items of real estate themselves (dockominiums). The price for regular moorage, however, is a function of length overall (LOA). This is why it's crucial to avoid vessels with long bowsprits, or protruding outboard rudders, etc. A small boat does slightly better with respect to moorage costs than a long boat, but it is not a linear relationship. In fact, as the yearly rate in many marinas is around $2500-$3500, that may be a very large fraction of the actual purchase price of a small vessel, which would make the moorage costs very unsavory indeed! The best solution is to keep the very small vessels on trailers for the winter, and moor the larger yachts, taking the yearly fees as part of the cost of ownership. When compared to the costs of vehicle ownership, it comes into reasonable perspective. One note about size, though, is to be careful if you plan to purchase a >30' yacht. The standard slip size in most marinas can accommodate up to 30' of boat between the 'fingers'. Beyond that length, you may have to get on a waiting list for the coveted 'side' berths. This is something that tempers the 'one-foot itis' that many yacht owners contract.

Location (location, location) of this 'real-estate' is more important on the water than on the ground, particularly when you take into account the maximum speed of sea-going craft in relation to their shore-based counterparts. If you pick a marina close to home, it may save you a few minutes ground travel to get there, but the time it will take to motor your sailing vessel out of long inlets and rivers before you get to your sailing waters may make the whole experience negative. 

Marine Chandleries may or may not be close to your chosen marina, as may the case with haul out facilities. Although the latter will not be a major problem, the lack of a nearby chandlery, or at least a hardware store, will make many projects more difficult, and last minute quick fixes (before a cruise) all but impossible, especially on a busy weekend. It is a bit of a walk from your vessel to your car, longer than is the case with your residence, and there is the added issue of dropping that last bolt or screw and loosing it in the water. The closer the boat is to these support businesses the better.

Showers are a nice addition to any marina, particularly after long cruises. They are also mandatory if you plan on staying aboard your vessel.

Live Aboard marinas are quite different from normal marinas, as effluent discharge has been restricted in most coastal communities. They can occasionally be found in certain areas, but may need to be offered in conjunction with support for effluent pump out, sometimes with semi-permanent installations.

A good marina should provide many sunny days of relaxing with other owners, sharing stories, doing the usual maintenance and fixes, and easy and quick departures to the open water. Evening's can sometimes spent having picnics and parties on the boats or adjoining docks, and your marina and boat can become an extension of your home, acting as your own backyard. Although often 'inherited' with a yacht at the time of purchase, is it prudent to do your homework first and decide if that particular marina can provide all these features. It can make or break the experience of yacht ownership.