Oz Marina Fees (LOA/LOD)? Berth Availability?

[vicktheviking]

Firstly, some background.

I'm currently in UK but will be buying a vessel in Australia around December when I return.

Marina fees (LOA/LOD)?

How do the majority of marinas in Australia charge (LOA/LOD) for live aboards?

I'm planning to purchase a vessel around 36' LOA. But with bowsprits etc that could be 44'+ LOD.

Availability

I hear there is a massive shortage of marina berths.
Is this true or specific to particular areas like, say, Sydney?

My last vessel was a 26' folkboat kept on a swing mooring (Northern NSW) at a very reasonable rate so have not dealt with too many marinas.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Ilenart]

Vick,

I am based in West Australia so I can't really comment on the Eastern States. However I would suggest you organise a pen / mooring BEFORE you purchase a boat. Here in WA the wait is at least 2 years for a pen and people are asking $20-30k to buy a mooring. From what I have heard it is similar in the Eastern States.

The majority of marinas charge for the pen length so at 44' you will be looking at a 15m pen. Suggest you look hard at a boat with LOA around 39 feet. That way you can fit into a 12m pen, which are a lot more common than 15/18m pens (a lot cheaper too).

Ilenart

[vicktheviking]

Thanks for the feedback Ilenart. Have taken your advice and sticking to below the 12M mark. Have also contacted our local marina whos prices dont seem too unrealistic (and they are realy friendly too) until we get to the top of a NSW Maratime mooring list again.

[tdw]

Depends on the area. We are up in Balmain and pay $275.00 for a swing mooring , it would be $675.00 for a marina berth. Berths harder to come by than moorings. If you wanted to be in main harbour/eastern suburbs expect to pay more and wait longer unless you have an in.
Liveaboard can still be a problem in Sydney. Many marinas will not allow. Strictly speaking it is still illegal.
NSW Maritime mooring is of course much cheaper but getting one in a half way decent area can be a bore.
Situation in Pittwater is similar I believe.