Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Purchasing your dream yacht at anchor makes for some pretty Instagram pictures as you begin your new chapter on the ocean blue. What many newbies often forget, though, is choosing a marina for your yacht. Whether you want to berth a motor yacht or a traditional sailing yacht, you need a place to park your vessel at some stage. Regardless of whether you purchase privately or go through a dedicated yacht berths broker, there are certain elements that any good berth should have. If you’re ready to buy a mooring for your yacht, this guide covers the top five must-haves you should be looking for.
Choosing a Marina for Your Yacht Guide
The truth is, marinas aren’t just a place to park your boat. For most, the marina is also where you’ll be spending your holidays. It’s your haven when you’re on your dry land, and it’s fair to say this is the place you’ll make lifelong friends.
Don’t underestimate the impact the right (or wrong) marina can have on your yachting experience. Here are the top five aspects that make any marina the right marina.
1. All About the Location
It goes without saying that location is everything. Your first location decides how far away from home you’ll be and how much hassle it is to get there. Too far away and you’re probably not going to get there as often as you like.
Beyond the travelling distance, where do you like to sail? If you’re a lover of the English coastline, you don’t want to be parked in a marina in Scotland or the Mediterranean. The best place to start is the waters you already know. Convenience is far more critical than many of us would like to admit.
On a side note, think about the actual slip. If your boat is extra wide and you’re trying to berth a motor yacht, you want to ensure that the channel is wide and deep enough for it. Likewise, you also want to ensure your manoeuvring skills are up to scratch.
Bonus: Don’t Forget the Weather!
Getting close to the open sea might be more convenient because you can zip out of the harbour quickly. However, it’s often a better idea to be out of the main channel so you’re properly sheltered from the wind and waves.
That also plays into the amount of boat traffic. Buy a mooring for your yacht under heavy traffic, and you’re going to be dealing with constant waves, which can make it harder for the less experienced to get in and out.
2. Rules and Amenities
What does your marina bring to your yacht at anchor?
Amenities are very much a personal issue because what you want isn’t necessarily what somebody else wants. Let’s start with what your boat actually needs. You’ll be looking at:
- Shore power hookups
- Fresh, drinkable water
- Fuel
- Pump out services
- Line hangers
- Gear boxes
- Dinghy storage
- Shore showers
Things like picnic tables, swimming pools, and restaurants are nice, but they shouldn’t be the defining factor. Concentrate on the essentials first and then decide what more you’re willing to pay to access.
Pair this part of your research with the rules of the marina. Every marina will have its rules, like where to throw your rubbish out and parking, but others might ban pets or have complex rules around maintenance.
Give the marina a call or check their website to see if those rules align with your expectations.
3. What’s Nearby?
You might think that you’re only going to visit the marina to climb aboard and sail away, but when you take off your shoes and get back on dry land, it’s handy to have things that are nearby.
For example, many boaters often want to walk into town for a dinner and a pint. If those things aren’t there, how much will that impact your experience? Likewise, sometimes things might be a little further away, so what are the transport links like?
Remember, even something as simple as a supermarket or a corner shop can be handy if you’ve forgotten to bring something from home for your trip. If you’ve got a crew or you’ll be spending long periods at the marina, consider what you enjoy doing outside of sailing and then see if that location can fulfil your needs.
4. Parking
Marinas often aren’t within walking distance of your local train station. Plus, many boaters like to drive because it makes it easier to transport everything you need for your next trip. Don’t assume that parking is available, convenient, and (most importantly!) free.
A great yachting season can get off to a bad start just because you don’t have a short, easy trip to your vessel. And don’t forget that busy bank holidays and weekends can compound the problem. The last thing you want to be doing is fighting for a space.
Note that some marinas may utilize nearby public parking, and in many cases, the costs can be extortionate. Other marinas might have their own parking, with some prestige marinas even having gated parking for members only.
5. Staff and Community
Support when you need it most is invaluable. Whenever you’re leaving your boat to return home, you want to know that you can trust the staff. Even while you’re at the marina, you want to know that you can approach the staff and get the guidance and advice you need.
An increasing number of marinas have dedicated on-site staff phone lines you can call if you’ve got a problem. And, as a bonus, always make a point of getting to know the marina management as early as possible. Most marina managers are passionate boaters themselves, and that passion will be reflected in whether the marina is kept up to the proper standard.
Of course, when you buy a mooring for your yacht, you’ll also be meeting your fellow members. Marina berths mean you’ll be at close quarters with other vessels, and you’re bound to get to know your neighbors at some stage.
The community can make your time in the marina that much more enjoyable. It’s where lifelong friendships are made, and in many cases, the joy of the day isn’t even being out on the water but spending time with those you bump into.
Remember, a marina isn’t just the place you tie up your boat. It can be incredibly social, and many marinas will even hold community events, including bar visits, barbeques, and even live on-site music.
What if You Don’t Like Your Marina?
Not every marina experience will be a happy one. It’s also important to remember that a formerly fantastic marina can turn sour for any number of reasons, including new neighbours and management.
Some of the most common issues that boaters run into include strict rules, lacklustre facilities, and higher costs. And the fact is that no matter how well you choose your marina, these problems can escalate over time.
So, what can you do if you don’t like your marina?
· Move – The most direct option is to move to another marina. It’s a hassle, but there’s no sense in trying to stick it out if you’ve already exhausted all other avenues. Note that if you’ve got an agreement in place, check how long you have until it expires.
· Raise a Complaint – Try to raise a complaint with the marina management. Focus directly on the specific issues that are impacting your experience, such as lack of maintenance, poor service, or declining cleaning standards.
· Formal Dispute Resolution – If you’re not getting the response you want, you can escalate into formal dispute resolution, such as through mediation or by taking legal action. However, it’s vital to mention that private marinas are entitled to welcome whoever they like, so this often isn’t as effective as you might think.
Most contracts have notice periods, with 28 days being the standard. Alternatively, some mooring contracts might allow you to pay a penalty fee to move immediately. Read over the terms and conditions before choosing your marina to ensure that you can live with that contract.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a marina for your yacht is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll ever make. Take the time to do your research and decide what you’re willing and unwilling to compromise on.
And if you’re struggling to find a marina that ticks all your boxes, approach a dedicated yacht berths broker for bespoke advice and recommendations.
Yacht Marinas FAQs
What marina facilities are available?
It depends on the marina, but you can usually expect everything you need to run your boat, such as electricity, recycling, water, and fuel. Some might have shops, cafes, clubhouses, and gyms.
What are the main rules of marina etiquette?
Generally, just be considerate. Follow the rules on issues like rubbish disposal, speed limits, noise, and pets.
Can you buy a marina berth?
Yes, you can. In the UK, some are sold via land registry deeds, whereas others are sold through berthing licenses.