If you are in the process of acquiring a new slip for your vessel, there may be several questions you haven’t thought to ask. Every marina is just a little different than the next. While it may take some time to become familiar with the “neighborhood” you are considering mooring in, there are a few basic questions that will help guide you in the direction you want to go. This is a great time of year to take the time to do some shopping around. An off-season commitment may also help you secure a great rate and prime location. But before signing the contract, be sure to spend some time with your marina operator to answer some these must-know questions. 

How is billing calculated?

Monthly and annual rates vary from marina to marina. Some marinas require a large deposit to secure your location and others are comfortable with month-to-month obligations. The length of time you can commit to stay may weigh heavily on your decision to sign on the dotted line.

How many other houseboats use the marina?

If you are looking for a community of fellow dock mates who share the same enthusiasm for houseboating that you do, this could be a big factor in your decision to moor there. Some marinas actually have docks separated out by the types of boats that occupy the slips. If this is an important factor in your decision to lease a slip, take some time to walk around and find out who you’ll be neighboring with. After all, slips can become close quarters if you are stuck next to some one who doesn’t share your ideas of how to spend time at the dock.

What kind of pump-out facilities are available?

This may seem like an obvious question but if your prospective dock doesn’t have facilities, it can be a long and frustrating trip to the nearest pump-out. The type of MSD and how often you use it could weigh heavily in your decision to moor at a marina with no accommodations.

How will the marina operations be affected during floods or drought?

Most reputable marinas will take responsibility to notify you should a problem arise at the dock. This isn’t always the case, though. Many a houseboat have taken on water and reached a detrimental state before the owner was notified. If you plan to spend extended periods of time away from your vessel, it pays to know that your boat is being watched and you will be notified if any problems arise.

What kind of security is available?

A higher slip fee is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that you’ll get from knowing that your boat is safe and secure when you are away or during slow seasons. Often, a gated dock is a simple solution to keep unwanted visitors off your vessel. It pays to find out what type of security measures will be taken once you’ve signed on as a member of any marina community.

Does your marina have an established dock community?

Many houseboaters find their dock mates become as close as family. You do, after all share a passion with your neighbor. If you are looking for advice and friendships with fellow houseboaters, take the time to find out what type of community is in force at your marina.

How close are the nearest stores?

Even the most prepared boater runs in to unexpected situations that may require a trip to the local market during off hours. If you are put off by having to drive long distances in a pinch, the marina with no local store within a reasonable distance may not be the wisest choice. However, if planning ahead is your thing, the remote location of a quiet marina may appeal to your sense of solitude more than the need for some late-night ice cream.

Does the marina have a fully stocked ship’s store?

If your marina has a fully stocked ship’s store, you’re in a great position to not have to worry when it comes to last minute decisions to visit the lake. While some ship’s stores offer competitive prices, others might recoup the stocking hassle by charging over-the-top prices for common grocery items. This is definitely worth checking in to if you’re the type who prefers to head to the lake on the fly.

Is there an onsite restaurant?

One great pastime for many houseboaters is cooking aboard. Even for the most culinary-inclined, that can get old on occasion. How often you eat out could be a big factor in deciding on a slip space. If this is a priority, make sure your marina has an onsite eatery of some time to accommodate those meals you just don’t feel like cooking yourself.

What kind of repair and maintenance services are available?

Maintenance isn’t the most exciting topic to think about when shopping for a new on-the-water home base. But it is a reality. It can be a huge relief and a major time saver if you have immediate access to some one who can help you with repairs without having to schedule some one to come out far in advance.

Cellular coverage and internet connection?

We’d like to think that your time on the water should be free of worry from the office. That’s not always the case. For those who prefer to stay connected at all times, internet availability and cellular coverage may be on the top of the list. Others still might require a place that is cell free to break away from the pace of city life.

Typical utility costs?

The cost of your slip shouldn’t give you sticker shock. Make sure you ask up front what additional utility expenses you may incur at the marina before you sign the dotted line.

What are plans for expansion?

Whether you are looking for a small, quiet marina or a bustling major houseboat hub, expansion plans of the marina you are investigating may play a major role in your decision to moor there. In many cases, you may be able to lock in a great rate with a younger marina who intends to improve facilities and offer much more in the years to come. On the other hand, if you secure a slip because you like the seclusion of a small dock, you may find yourself disappointed when you find the marina breaking ground on a resort expansion.

What type of accessory craft are available for rental?

There may be times when you plan to have visitors or would like to spend the day on the water playing aboard a rental craft. This may not be an issue if you have your own accessory vessel. But knowing what your facilities have to offer may come in handy when the family comes to visit and wants to check out the rest of the lake by water.

What are the policies and rules on overnight stays and living aboard?

Living aboard your boat is a dream for many houseboat owners. If you intend on spending extended periods of time aboard, be sure to ask what the marina’s policies are regarding living aboard. Also, be familiar with the lake’s guidelines on time spent aboard as well. It would be a shame to get booted off your vessel if you’ve exceeded your allowable time aboard because you failed to read the fine print.