From Marinas to Private Docks: Finding a Place to Secure Your Boat

Much to the disappointment of many boaters, being out on the water every day isn’t possible. 

Whether you’re winterizing your boat for the season or looking for an easily accessible dock for the night, finding a place to secure your boat is crucial for its safety and longevity. 

Multiple mooring options are available to you. Find out which one is right for your situation here.

Different Types of Places to Secure Your Boat

What are you looking for when you secure your boat? Easy access, low cost, high security? Whatever your priority, you’ll likely find it in one of these options:

Marina Slips

Marinas are generally full-service mooring options. They can service, store, or haul your boat as needed. Many also have marine stores, fueling capabilities, and bait available. They’re easy to access, and boats are generally more protected than other options.

Another benefit of marinas is the lively social environment. You can enjoy the company of other boat owners, network with captains, and build a reputation for yourself. 

With all of these benefits and amenities, you shouldn’t be surprised that marinas are one of the most expensive mooring options. They’re also in high demand, leading to limited availability. If you secure a slip for your boat, you’ll be side-by-side with other boaters, just like in a condo, so you might not have a lot of privacy (or peace and quiet!).

Private Docks

Private docks, naturally, offer all of the privacy that marinas don’t. You have private access.

Private docks demand a high initial cost, which can be a major downside for many boaters. However, even though you’ll have to buy and maintain the property, owning your private dock is cost-effective in the long term. As an owner, you can customize the dock based on your preferences, boat, and other variables. You can’t do that at a marina!

Mooring Buoys

Mooring buoys are secured to the seabed by an anchor or another device. Generally, they’re rated for certain boat sizes and have specific swing radiuses to prevent boats from bumping into each other. A mooring buoy field may have 10 buoys or 100 — whatever its size — and is a place where you can leave your boat semi-secure without much fear for only a small fee.

Mooring fields are often protected, peaceful areas. They’re also a great solution for deep water, as you won’t have to use a lot of anchor rode to avoid dragging.

Mooring fields are inexpensive, and their low cost shows in a few ways. They don’t offer facilities. They’re less secure than other options (if you’re not on your boat, someone could drive up and board it, and you’d never know). Additionally, you’ll need a friend or an inflatable dinghy to take you to and from land. 

If you secure your boat in a mooring field, have strong ground tackle to attach your boat to the buoy. If your ground tackle isn’t up to the task, it’ll break, and your boat will float away.

Dry Storage

Dry storage involves taking your boat out of the water every time you return to a marina and storing it in a shed/facility. It’s popular for smaller boats. You can knock down maintenance costs by keeping your boat away from harsh weather conditions and UV light. Dry storage is also inexpensive.

The biggest tradeoff is the lack of convenience. You’ll have to call ahead to launch your boat, which may require waiting in line. 

Anchoring

Anchoring your boat is always a temporary solution. Still, it’s free, and you can choose any location if you follow local rules and regulations. 

However, anchoring your boat isn’t like parking your car at the mall. Just because you anchor your boat doesn’t mean your anchor will hold, which means your boat might not stay where you left it. If you decide to anchor your boat, ensure you can monitor it constantly.

Choose the Right Option

Many boat owners use a combination of mooring options based on season. They may keep their boat in a marina during the summer and make use of dry storage during the winter.

Other considerations include:

• Budget
• Boat size and type
• Frequency of use
• Security needs
• Accessibility requirements
• Desired facilities
• Location
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Environmental conditions
• Legal and environmental constraints

Tips to Secure Your Boat

Protecting your boat from theft and damage looks a little different depending on where you secure it. Consider these key points when you choose your mooring option:

• Marinas and docks: Choose locations with security features like gated access, surveillance cameras, and good lighting.
• Dry storage: Select facilities with secure access and ensure your boat is covered.
• Mooring buoys and anchoring: Opt for visible spots and secure your tenders properly so they don’t float away. You can utilize app-enabled GPS trackers and alarms to monitor your boat.

No matter where you moor, keep these general security tips in mind as well:

1. Invest in comprehensive insurance
2. Mark all your belongings with your name
3. Network with fellow boaters who’ll keep an eye on your boat
4. Install hidden kill switches to prevent theft
5. Remove all valuables and lock up before you leave
6. Keep your boat well-maintained
7. Keep up with local security issues 

How Mooring Impacts Insurance

Boating is a dangerous sport. A gust of wind could mean the difference between smooth sailing and running aground. Insurance companies recognize this, and they charge you for it. As a result, how and where you moor your boat can affect your insurance policies and premiums.

Here’s a quick comparison of typical rates for each mooring option:

• Marinas: Lower premiums due to security and emergency facilities.
• Private docks: Variable premiums, but installing security measures can lower costs.
• Mooring buoys: Higher premiums due to greater risk exposure.
• Dry storage: Lower premiums because of the reduced risk of weather damage and theft.
• Open water anchoring: Higher premiums resulting from environmental and security risks.

You can balance the higher insurance costs of some mooring options by paying close attention to local mooring regulations. Abiding by all local environmental, safety, and zoning laws is a great way to start. Performing regular maintenance and safety equipment checks may lower costs as well.

To get the best insurance rates wherever you choose to secure your boat, maintain accurate boat documentation and consult with maritime insurance specialists for optimized coverage and cost.

Don’t underestimate the importance of insurance. Many people overlook it. Accidents and damage happen, so have the foresight to anticipate them. 

How to Choose a Secure Location: Weather and Environmental Considerations

Checking the weather before mooring your boat is always a good idea, as harsh weather may affect your decision.

Even if the weather is beautiful, consider environmental conditions as you search for a place to secure your boat. For example, you want to ensure that the water depth is appropriate for your boat.

A sandy or muddy seabed has a better anchor hold. It’s also ideal to select an easily accessible site for maintenance and emergencies.

To minimize your impact on the ecosystem, follow these guidelines:

• Use eco-friendly mooring and docking systems to preserve the seabed. Throwing an anchor over a reef could result in fines or jail time.
• Avoid discharging pollutants and use biodegradable cleaners and products.
• Stay away from protected sea life habitats.
• Use LED lights and solar panels to reduce power use.

Long-Term Storage vs. Short-Term Mooring

Long-term storage and short-term mooring have very different needs. Here’s how to prepare for each.

Long-term storage:

• Deep clean your boat and winterize your engine
• Use quality covers and climate-controlled dry storage
• Put security measures in place to prevent theft and vandalism

Short-term mooring:

• Secure your boat for local weather with heavy lines and fenders
• Choose accessible locations so you can check on your boat regularly
• Practice eco-friendly mooring

As you prepare to leave your boat, the extent of your preparation will depend on several factors. Ask yourself these questions: How long will I be gone? Is it hurricane season? How often am I going to use my boat? Answering them will help you balance cost, security, and maintenance needs.

Extend Your Knowledge

Finding a place to secure your boat is only the beginning. You need the knowledge and skills to keep your boat safe while it’s moored and on the water. Taking a captain’s license course is a great way to learn what you need to know to make the best mooring decisions when you leave your boat. Contact Mariners Learning System today to get started.