How to choose the right marina for your boat

With the cost of owning a boat already high, a swinging mooring may offer a great way of keeping these costs down. However, marinas offer a huge number of benefits and it's money well spent to keep your boat in one of the many marina berths nationwide.

If you own a yacht or a motorboat you will undoubtedly be aware of the trade off between a cheaper swinging mooring or a more expensive marina mooring. The savings achieved by keeping your boat on a swinging mooring will make this option very attractive.

Marina prices

It is difficult to put a price on a marina berth as many marinas will price a berth based upon the size of the craft and the location of the marina. There are also other aspects of marina mooring which will incur extra costs - for example, lifting the boat out of the water, boat washing, electricity and dry stack storage.

Marina prices based on a 10m boat

A 10m boat (with 1m draft) moored for 12 months on a berth will cost in the region of £3,300. A 10m boat (with 1m draft) moored for 12 months on a berth will cost in the region of £3,300. Other costs such as lifting the boat and cleaning it cost in the region of £290 (again based on a 10m craft).

While these costs may sound daunting, proper winter storage and out-of-water maintenance are essential to the longevity of any craft. These services are available to those on swinging moorings - however, marina membership will often come with perks such as discounts for these sorts of services.

Marina facilities

Most modern boats contain a wealth of gadgets and solutions for convenient living. As such, marinas are often equipped to match these standards.

From facilities that you'd expect, such as refuelling stations, electricity and water hook ups - to other additional facilities such as Wi-Fi, you'd expect your chosen marina to be able to cater for your needs. Some facilities to look out for are:

Refuelling station
Water and electricity points
Showers and toilets
Wi-Fi
CCTV surveillance
Environmentally friendly pump-out facilities
On-site chandlery services
Disabled access

Marina security arrangements

It is likely that your yacht will contain expensive equipment and personal possessions which hold value to opportunist thieves. It's therefore important that your chosen marina has adequate security in place to protect your yacht and its contents.

Security arrangements to look out for at a good marina include:

Gates onto pontoons
CCTV surveillance
24 hour security patrols
Flood lighting

Aside from the security provided by a marina, you may also invest in security devices to help secure your craft. Theft of outboard motors is rife across the country. In this instance, something as simple as a chain could deter thieves. Other security items, such as hatch locks, are simple solutions to keep your craft secure.

Police constabularies throughout the UK run initiatives to crack down on marine related crime. Check with your local police constabulary to see what they're doing.

Boat insurance benefits

The security and safety benefits of keeping your craft in a marina will have a positive impact on your boat insurance premium. Having a craft in a marina is the ideal place to store a boat, all year round. Not only are marinas safe, but you will also be surrounded by other boaters - helping to create a sense of community, finding out about the latest in boating and crucially, keeping an eye out for each other's boats.

By keeping your boat in your marina, that money will be spent in a positive manner providing you with dual benefits. Not only are you safeguarding your pride and joy from the many risks that come with leaving crafts out unsecured, but you will also be saving money on your insurance premium at the same time. If you are interested in ways to lower your insurance policy, follow this link for some tips.

Golden anchor classification

The golden anchor classification grades marinas based on their facilities and quality. A marina can sign up to be graded and will achieve a rating based on a points system from one to five golden anchors. The assessment process is rigorous therefore each golden anchor achieved is certainly earned.

Yacht insurance from Towergate

We can offer yacht and catamaran insurance.

Get a yacht insurance quote online or call us on 0344 892 1987.

Motorboat insurance from Towergate

We can offer cover for motorboats and speed boats on and off the water.

Get a motorboat insurance quote online or call us on 0344 892 1987.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.

Adam Summersby Caravan Articles Author Adam Summersby