If you’re looking at getting a boat one of the first things you need to know is how expensive it’s going to be to keep it up. That includes things like where you’re going to keep your boat.
And when it comes to storing your boat at a marina, that’s going to be one of the biggest expenses that you have. At least, aside from buying the boat in the first place. So, let’s take a look at some of your most common questions.
How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Boat in a Marina?
The cost to keep a boat in a marina will vary depending on a number of factors. It depends on the length of the boat (most marinas charge by the foot) as well as where you live and whether you’re paying by the night or by the month. If you’re considered ‘transient’ you’ll see rates that vary from $1 to $3.50 per foot if you stay by the day or $10 to $25 per foot if you pay by the month.
These costs generally include everything you need, including electricity, fees to live aboard the boat, taxes, pump-outs, and any other fees. This means you can live on your boat for a relatively low rate, especially when you compare it to the cost of renting an apartment or paying a mortgage for a house.
How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Boat in a Marina in Florida?
If you live in Florida, you’ll generally pay between $1 per foot of your boat and $25 per foot of your boat depending on how long you plan to stay. Daily rates are at the low end while month rates fall into the upper end.
Staying in a marina for a few days means that you could pay up to $3.50 per foot of your boat to stay in the marina. On the other hand, if you decide to stay for an entire month you could pay as little as $10. There are often weekly rates available as well.
Even better, when you stay in a marina in Florida everything you need is generally included in the cost. That means electricity, live-aboard fees, taxes, pump-outs, and tips.
Factors That Affect the Marina Fees
Several different costs can affect the fees you pay for a marina. A small boat will not pay the same rate as a larger boat, for example, and what state or even what city you’re in will also play a role in costs.
The overall type of marina that you’re staying at and just how large (or small) it is will affect the cost with many larger marinas charging more. The location of the marina, especially the state or city they are in, will also affect costs. And you’ll have to think about the type of slip that they have and just what body of water it’s located on.
The size of your boat will affect your cost as most marinas charge by foot. Not to mention the more services or amenities and the more security at the marina the more you will pay.
You also need to think about the weather, the operating hours, and convenience of the marina, taxes in the area you’re staying in, additional fees or services that are added in, and more. In essence, the more you get the more you’re going to spend.
Why Are Marina Fees So Expensive?
The truth is that marina fees aren’t that expensive when you think about all you’re getting for the cost. You’re definitely going to pay less for marina fees than you would rent a house or apartment. But there are a lot of amenities included.
Marina fees often include all taxes, tips for deckhands, electricity, and anything else that you might need. Even security and sometimes liveaboard fees are included in those costs.
That’s why it’s a good idea to look at everything the marina includes when you’re setting up your rental. The more you’re getting for your money the less expensive it is going to seem in the long run.
Are Marinas Safe?
Marinas are generally safe because they are responsible for everything in them. When you pay to store your boat in their marina they promise to keep it protected. That’s why they may have locked gates and keys, security guards, and more.
You want to know what the security features are for the marina that you’re using. Whether you’re staying with your boat or you’re going to leave it stored there, you want to be sure no one is going to get in or out that shouldn’t be there.
Different marinas will have different types of security, so make sure you know what’s included in yours before you sign a contract.
How Many Marinas Are There in the US?
There are over 12,000 marinas in the United States and somewhere around 1.1 million boat slips. That means there’s definitely plenty of options when it comes to storing your boat or even living on your boat. That also doesn’t include some of the private or unregistered marinas (though you may want to be careful about those).
If you’re looking for a high-quality place to leave your boat you will want to look at the registered marinas that have a good following. You don’t want your boat to be the only one in the marina because chances are it’s not doing something right.
On the other hand, getting into a packed marina might cost you more. Make sure you’re weighing out what you get for what it’s going to cost.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing where to leave your boat, it’s important to look at the costs. Know what the different marinas in the area are charging and make sure you choose one that gives you a good balance between cost and amenities.
References
https://www.technomadia.com/2018/12/how-much-does-it-cost-to-stay-in-marinas/
https://www.topsailinsurance.com/news/item/20-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-marina.html
