Marina Checklist Thread - What to look for

[CaptainFredGreenfield]

Originally Posted by sailortjk1

Not all points are going to be relevant to each individual.

Your concerns about security are not a concern of mine.
We are in a very quite neck of the woods.
Docks are not controlled and we have never had the need to control them.

Very true. I'm currently living in a place where people leave their cars and houses (and boats i imagine) unlocked. There are no security marinas at the lake except for the condo development one. Whereas in bigger metropolitan areas, you hear about stuff being stolen off boats all the time. The more security the better.

[xort]

Adequate depth for your boat?
Good WiFi signal available?
Good cell phone signal available?
Is the fairway by your slip busy with traffic?
Is the fairway wide enough to easily maneuver in?

[HerbDB]

All good ideas, I would add pet friendly. By that I mean welcome, but not allowed to run loose unattended. Our marina had an open area where you were free to play with dogs off leash. Great for frizbee or throwing toys.

[CaptKermie]

After reading all those points to keep in mind when considering a marina I can only conclude that I have it made in the shade with the marina I have chosen. I couldn't believe how many of them were in my favor! Almost all of them!

[WouldaShoulda]

More marinas in my area than not WILL NOT permit you to do your own bottom painting and compounding.

And that's not easy to do at 3:00AM when no one is looking!!

[T34C]

Near as I can tell, you seem to have missed the 4 MOST important points.
In this order:
1) Location
2) Location
3) Location
4) Price

[jgeissinger]

Ditto to T34C! I was going to say that if the original poster is actually talking about SoCal, his list should be: Are there any slips at all available? Can I possibly afford it?

[sailingdog]

you might also add how well protected the marina is from wind... wind can do a lot of damage all by itself.

[LittleWingCA]

Here are a few more:

1. At low tide are the boats still floating or stuck in the mud.
2. Are there boat ramps nearby.
3. Barbeque cooking grills available to slip owners.
4. Does the security guard walk the dock as part of their rounds.
5. Does the marina constantly monitor any VHF channels to provide assistance.
6. Does the marina staff walk the docks in heavy rains looking for any signs of boats taking on water.
7. Are the channel markers well maintained.
8. Is there a local police presence during the summer.
9. How often are the trash cans emptied on the docks during the week.
10. Does the marina have a waste oil dumping location.
11. Must all vendors doing work on boats at the marina have to be registered with the office.