Before the deposit
Questions to ask before you sign
16 questions to ask each marina you are weighing, so the numbers you compare are the whole quote. These are our own good-practice suggestions; they are not a statement of any law or of any marina's rules.
Billing and the price
How do you measure the boat you bill for?
Length overall with or without the bow pulpit, swim platform and outboard can differ by a few feet, and on a per-foot rate every foot is money. Ask them to write the billed length on the quote.
Do you bill on my boat, the slip, or the longer of the two? Is there a minimum?
A short boat in a long slip may pay for the slip. The comparer has a box for each answer.
What exactly does the season cover?
Get the first and last dates in writing. A "season" that starts later or ends earlier than you expected is fewer months of boating for the same price.
Which taxes and fees are added to the rate?
Ask for the total on a written quote, not just the rate. Some fees are per month, some per season, some one-time.
Is electric included, flat or metered? What amperage is at my slip?
Power is one of the larger extras. Make sure the pedestal matches your boat's shore power cord and that the price is for the amperage you need.
When is payment due, how much is the deposit, and is it refundable?
Deposits are often due long before launch. Know what you get back if plans change.
The slip itself
What is the depth at this slip at low water, or at the lowest normal lake level?
An average depth does not help on a dry summer or a low tide. Use the low number in the fit check.
Is the slip a full finger pier, a half finger, or between pilings?
It changes how you board, how you tie up and how much side room feels comfortable.
Can I see the exact slip before I sign, and is it assigned or can it change?
A slip number on the agreement is worth more than "a 35 ft slip".
Rules and paperwork
What insurance do you require, and in what amount?
Ask what proof of insurance they want, the amount of liability cover, and whether the marina must be named on the policy. Then ask your insurer what that costs before you compare final totals.
Is living aboard allowed, and what does it cost?
If you plan to stay aboard for nights or weekends, ask what counts as liveaboard and enter any fee in the comparer.
What are the rules on guests, parking, pets, work on the boat and outside contractors?
A cheap slip where you cannot use your own mechanic may cost more over the season.
Are pump-out, fuel, launch and haul-out on site, and what do they cost?
Put any season fees in the one-time box and the monthly ones in the monthly box.
Weather, renewal and leaving
What happens before a storm or high water: who moves or secures boats, and at whose cost?
Know your duties in writing before the first warning.
Does the slip renew automatically, and do I keep this slip next year?
Ask about the renewal date, any waiting list and how much notice they give of a price change.
What if I sell the boat or leave mid-season?
Ask whether any rent is refunded, whether the slip can pass to a buyer, and what notice is needed.
Shortlist Plus $1.95 a month or $19.50 a year · Free during preview · what it buys