Liveaboard Marinas: How to Choose the Best One for Your Boat

Living on a boat can be a dream come true for many people who love the water and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

But finding a suitable place to dock your boat and call home can be challenging. 

Not all marinas allow liveaboards, and those that do may have long waiting lists, high fees, or strict rules. 

How do you choose a liveaboard marina that meets your needs and budget?

In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding and selecting a liveaboard marina that suits your lifestyle and preferences. We will cover the following topics:

• What is a liveaboard marina and what are its benefits and drawbacks?
• What are the essential amenities and services to look for in a liveaboard marina?
• What are the factors to consider before moving to a liveaboard marina?
• How to find a liveaboard marina near you or in your desired location?
• How to skip the waiting list and secure a liveaboard slip?
• How to negotiate the best deal for your liveaboard slip?

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to choose a liveaboard marina that fits your needs and expectations.

You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your transition to living on a boat easier and more enjoyable.

What is a Liveaboard Marina and How Does it Work?

A liveaboard marina is a place where you can park your boat and live on it as long as you want. It’s like an apartment complex for boats. 

You pay a monthly fee to rent a space in the marina, called a slip, where you can tie up your boat and hook up to electricity, water, and other utilities. 

You also get access to facilities and services in the marina, like bathrooms, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, etc.

Some marinas even have pools, gyms, restaurants, and bars for you to enjoy.

But not all marinas are the same. Some are nicer than others, and some are more expensive than others. 

Some have more amenities and services than others, and some have more rules and regulations than others. 

Some allow you to live on your boat full-time or part-time, while others don’t allow it at all. 

So how do you find the right marina for you? We’ll tell you later in this article.

What Are the Benefits of Living in a Marina?

Living in a marina has many advantages over living at anchor or on a mooring. Here are some of the benefits of living in a marina:

• Convenience: You can easily access shore power, water, internet, and other utilities without having to worry about running out of battery or fuel. You can also enjoy the convenience of having showers, laundry, trash disposal, mail delivery, and other services nearby. You don’t have to dinghy to shore every time you need something or want to go somewhere.
• Comfort: You can enjoy more space and comfort on your boat without having to sacrifice performance or stability. You can use your air conditioning or heating without draining your battery or generator. You can also avoid the rocking and rolling of waves and wakes that can make living at anchor uncomfortable or even dangerous.
• Safety: You can feel more secure in a marina than at anchor or on a mooring. You don’t have to worry about dragging anchor, breaking free from your mooring, or colliding with other boats in bad weather or strong currents. You also have less risk of theft or vandalism on your boat or dinghy. Most marinas have security guards, cameras, gates, locks, and codes to protect your property and privacy.
• Community: You can meet and socialize with other liveaboards and boaters in a marina. You can make friends, share stories, exchange tips, lend a hand, or join activities. You can also benefit from the knowledge and experience of other liveaboards who can help you with boat maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. Living in a marina can be fun and rewarding if you find the right people.

What Are the Drawbacks of Living in a Marina?

Living in a marina also has some disadvantages over living at anchor or on a mooring. Here are some of the drawbacks of living in a marina:

• Cost: Living in a marina can be expensive compared to living at anchor or on a mooring. You have to pay for your slip fee (the rent for your space in the marina), which can vary depending on the size and location of your boat and the season. You also have to pay for electricity (usually metered), water (sometimes metered), internet (sometimes included), and other fees (such as pump-out or trash disposal). Depending on where you live and how much you use these services, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
• Restrictions: Living in a marina can limit your freedom and flexibility compared to living at anchor or on a mooring. You have to follow the rules and regulations of the marina management, which can include noise limits, pet policies, guest policies, parking policies, and more. You also have to deal with bureaucracy, paperwork, contracts, and deposits. You may not be able to modify your boat as you wish or use certain equipment or appliances that are not allowed
• Crowding: Living in a marina can be crowded and noisy compared to living at anchor or on a mooring. You have to share your space and facilities with other boaters, who may not be as respectful or considerate as you. You may have to deal with loud music, engine noise, generator noise, or partying neighbors. You may also have less privacy and more exposure to the public eye. You may feel like you are living in a parking lot rather than on the water.

What are the Essential Amenities and Services to Look for in a Liveaboard Marina?

As mentioned earlier, one of the main advantages of living in a liveaboard marina is having access to amenities and services that make your life easier and more comfortable. 

However, not all marinas offer the same level of quality and quantity of amenities and services. 

Some may offer everything you need to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a boat. Some may offer only the bare necessities of a dock and a bathhouse. 

Some of the essential amenities and services to look for in a liveaboard marina are:

Power facilities

You will need access to electricity to power your appliances, lights, heaters, etc. on your boat. 

Make sure the marina has adequate power outlets and voltage for your boat’s needs. 

You may also need a power adapter or converter depending on the type of plug your boat has.

Holding tank pumps and pump-out services

You will need to empty your holding tank regularly to avoid unpleasant odors and environmental issues. 

Some marinas have holding tank pumps at each slip that allow you to pump out your waste directly from your boat. 

Others have pump-out stations where you have to move your boat to use them. 

Some marinas may charge extra for this service or require you to use a specific pump-out company.

Restrooms and showers

You may prefer to use the marina’s restrooms and showers instead of your boat’s for convenience and comfort. 

Make sure the marina has clean and well-maintained facilities that are open 24/7 and close to your slip. 

You may also want to check if they have hot water, soap, towels, etc.

Clubhouses and pools

Some marinas have clubhouses and pools that offer a place to relax, socialize, and enjoy some recreational activities. 

You may have access to games, books, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. in the clubhouse. You may also have access to a pool, hot tub, sauna, etc. for some fun and relaxation. 

Check if these facilities are included in your liveaboard fee or if you have to pay extra to use them.

Restaurants and bars

Some marinas have restaurants and bars on-site or nearby that offer a variety of food and drink options. 

You may enjoy having a meal or a drink without having to cook or leave the marina. You may also meet other boaters and locals at these places. 

Check if the restaurants and bars are open year-round and what kind of cuisine and atmosphere they offer.

Laundry and fitness facilities

You will need to wash your clothes regularly when living on a boat. 

Some marinas have laundry facilities that allow you to use washers and dryers for a fee or for free. Others may have laundry services that pick up and deliver your clothes for a fee. 

You may also want to stay fit and healthy when living on a boat. Some marinas have fitness facilities that offer equipment, classes, trainers, etc. for a fee or for free. Others may have nearby trails, parks, gyms, etc. that you can use.

Parking areas

You will need a place to park your car when living on a boat. Some marinas have parking areas that are close to your slip, secure, and free or cheap. 

Others may have parking areas that are far from your slip, unsecured, or expensive. You may also want to check if the parking areas are covered or uncovered, paved or unpaved, etc.

Wi-Fi

You will need internet access for work, entertainment, communication, etc. when living on a boat. 

Some marinas have Wi-Fi throughout the marina that is fast, reliable, and free or cheap. Others may have Wi-Fi only in certain areas of the marina which is slow, unreliable, or expensive. 

You may also want to check if the Wi-Fi has a data limit or not.

Business centers

You may need access to business services such as printing, faxing, scanning, mailing, etc. when living on a boat. 

Some marinas have business centers that offer these services for free or for a fee. Others may not have business centers at all or may charge high fees for these services.

Grocery stores and shipping stores

You will need access to groceries and marine supplies when living on a boat. 

Some marinas have grocery stores and ship stores on-site or nearby that offer a variety of products at reasonable prices. 

Others may not have grocery stores and shipping stores at all or may have limited products at high prices.

These are some of the essential amenities and services to look for in a liveaboard marina. You may have other preferences or needs that are specific to your situation. 

For example, you may want a marina that has a pet-friendly policy, a family-friendly atmosphere, a lively social scene, or a quiet and peaceful environment. 

You may also want a marina that has access to public transportation, medical facilities, schools, etc. 

The best way to find out what a marina offers is to visit it in person, talk to the staff and other boaters, and check online reviews and ratings.

What are the Factors to Consider Before Moving to a Liveaboard Marina?

Before you decide to move to a liveaboard marina, you should consider some factors that may affect your experience and satisfaction. 

Living on a boat is not for everyone, and it requires some adjustments and compromises. 

Here are some factors to consider before moving to a liveaboard marina:

Does the marina permit liveaboards? 

This is the first and most important question to ask before moving to a marina. Not all marinas allow liveaboards, and some may have restrictions on the number, type, or size of boats that can be used as liveaboards. 

You should check with the marina management if they have a liveaboard policy and what are the requirements and conditions for living on your boat.

Can I afford the liveaboard fees?

Living on a boat may be cheaper than living on land in some areas, but it still involves some costs that you should be aware of. 

Apart from the regular slip fee, you may have to pay an additional liveaboard fee that covers your use of utilities, facilities, and services.

You may also have to pay for insurance, maintenance, fuel, taxes, etc. You should make a budget and compare the costs of living on a boat versus living on land in your area.

Can I live in a confined space?

Living on a boat means living in a smaller space than you may be used to. You may have limited storage space, privacy, comfort, and mobility. 

You may also have to deal with issues such as humidity, mold, leaks, pests, etc. 

You should make sure that you are comfortable with living in a confined space and that you can adapt to the challenges and inconveniences that may arise.

Can I handle the weather and water conditions?

Living on a boat means living at the mercy of the weather and water conditions. 

You may have to face storms, waves, tides, currents, etc. that can affect your safety and comfort. 

You may also have to deal with temperature changes, sun exposure, wind chill, etc. that can affect your health and well-being. 

You should make sure that you are prepared for the weather and water conditions in your area and that you have the necessary equipment and skills to handle them.

Can I maintain my boat properly?

Living on a boat means taking care of your boat regularly and thoroughly. 

You may have to perform routine checks, repairs, cleaning, etc. to keep your boat in good shape and prevent problems from escalating. 

You may also have to hire professionals for some tasks that you cannot do yourself or that require special tools or expertise. 

You should make sure that you have the time, money, and knowledge to maintain your boat properly and that you enjoy doing it.

Can I follow the marina rules and regulations?

Living on a boat means following the rules and regulations of the marina where you dock your boat. 

You may have rules regarding noise levels, noise levels, pets, guests, storage, boat size, etc. 

You may also have rules regarding safety, security, environmental protection, etc. 

You should make sure that you are aware of and agree with the marina rules and regulations and that you can follow them without any problems.

Can I get along with the marina staff and other boaters?

Living on a boat means living in a community of people who share your passion for the water. 

You may have opportunities to socialize, network, exchange tips, and help each other out. 

You may also have to deal with conflicts, disputes, or complaints from time to time. 

You should make sure that you are respectful, friendly, and cooperative with the marina staff and other boaters and that you can handle any issues that may arise in a mature and civil manner.

These are some of the factors to consider before moving to a liveaboard marina. However, you may have other personal or practical considerations that are important to you. 

The best way to decide if living on a boat is right for you is to try it out for yourself. 

You can rent a boat or a slip for a short period of time and see how you like it. You can also talk to other liveaboards and learn from their experiences and advice.

How to Find a Liveaboard Marina Near You or in Your Desired Location?

If you have decided to move to a liveaboard marina, the next step is to find one that meets your criteria and expectations. 

Depending on where you want to live, this may be easy or hard. Some areas have plenty of liveaboard marinas to choose from, while others have very few or none at all. 

Here are some general steps and criteria that you can follow to narrow down your options and find the best marina for you.

Step 1: Define your goals and priorities

Before you start looking for a marina, you should have a clear idea of what you want and need from your liveaboard lifestyle. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• Why do you want to live on a boat?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• How often do you plan to sail or cruise?
• How much time do you spend on your boat versus on land?
• How much space and comfort do you need on your boat?
• How much can you afford to spend on living expenses?
• What are your must-haves and deal-breakers for a marina?

Write down your answers and rank them by importance. This will help you focus your search and compare different marinas based on your priorities.

Step 2: Research potential marinas

Once you have defined your goals and priorities, you can start looking for potential marinas that match your criteria. You can use various sources of information, such as:

• Online directories and databases of marinas, such as Marinas.com, ActiveCaptain, or Dockwa.
• Online reviews and ratings of marinas from other boaters, such as MarineTraffic, Cruisers Forum, or Noonsite.
• Online blogs and videos of liveaboards who share their experiences and recommendations of marinas, such as Sailing Britican, Sailing La Vagabonde, or Gone with the Wynns.
• Offline word-of-mouth and referrals from other liveaboards or boaters who have visited or lived in the marinas you are interested in.
• Offline visits and inspections of the marinas yourself, if possible.

When researching potential marinas, you should look for information on these aspects:

• Location: Where is the marina located? Is it close to your work, family, friends, or other places of interest? Is it easy to access by land or water? Is it in a safe and desirable area? Is it exposed to weather hazards or environmental issues?
• Amenities: What facilities and services does the marina offer? Does it have water, electricity, internet, showers, laundry, trash disposal, pump-out, mail delivery, etc.? Does it have restaurants, shops, bars, entertainment, etc.? Does it have a fuel dock, a boatyard, a chandlery, or other boating-related services?
• Price: How much does the marina charge for slip fees and other fees? How does it compare to other marinas in the area or in your budget range? Does it offer any discounts or incentives for long-term stays or referrals? Does it require any deposits or contracts?
• Availability: How many slips does the marina have? How many of them are available for liveaboards? How long is the waiting list? How easy is it to reserve or cancel a slip? How flexible is the marina management with changes or requests?
• Atmosphere: What is the vibe and culture of the marina? Is it friendly and welcoming or cold and impersonal? Is it lively and social or quiet and private? Is it clean and well-maintained or dirty and run-down? Is it family-friendly or adult-only? Is it pet-friendly or pet-free?

Step 3: Compare and evaluate different marinas

After you have gathered enough information on potential marinas, you can start comparing and evaluating them based on your goals and priorities. 

You can use various tools and methods to help you compare and evaluate different marinas, such as:

• Spreadsheets: You can create a spreadsheet with columns for each marina and rows for each aspect you want to compare. You can assign scores or ratings to each aspect based on your preferences and criteria. You can then calculate the total score or average rating for each marina and rank them accordingly. You can also use formulas or functions to highlight the best or worst values for each aspect. Here is an example of a spreadsheet for comparing marinas:

Marina	Location	Amenities	Price	Availability	Atmosphere	Total Score
Marina A	8/10	9/10	7/10	6/10	8/10	38/50
Marina B	7/10	8/10	6/10	7/10	7/10	35/50
Marina C	6/10	7/10	5/10	8/10	6/10	32/50
Marina D	5/10	6/10	4/10	9/10	5/10	29/50

• Charts: You can create charts or graphs with axes for each aspect you want to compare. You can plot the values or ratings for each marina on the chart or graph. You can then visually compare the relative positions and distances of the marinas on the chart or graph. You can also use colors or shapes to distinguish different marinas or aspects. Here is an example of a chart for comparing marinas:

• Lists: You can create lists with bullet points or numbers for each marina and each aspect you want to compare. You can write down the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, strengths and weaknesses, or features and benefits of each marina and each aspect. You can then read through the lists and weigh the trade-offs and compromises of each marina and each aspect. Here is an example of a list for comparing marinas:
• Marina A
  • Pros:
    • Great location near the city center and attractions
    • Excellent amenities with water, electricity, internet, showers, laundry, trash disposal, pump-out, mail delivery, etc.
    • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere with social events and activities
  • Cons:
    • Expensive slip fees and other fees
    • Limited availability for liveaboards with a long waiting list
    • Crowded and noisy with lots of traffic and neighbors
• Marina B
  • Pros:
    • Good location near the airport and highways
    • Very good amenities with water, electricity, internet, showers, laundry, trash disposal, pump-out, mail delivery, etc.
    • Flexible and accommodating management with discounts and incentives
  • Cons:
    • Moderate slip fees and other fees
    • Average availability for liveaboards with some waiting list
    • Boring and impersonal atmosphere with few events and activities

Step 4: Make your final decision

After you have compared and evaluated different marinas based on your goals and priorities, you can make your final decision on which marina to choose as your home on the water. 

You should consider these factors when making your final decision:

• Your gut feeling: How do you feel about each marina? Which one makes you happy and excited? Which one makes you comfortable and relaxed? Which one makes you nervous or anxious? Trust your intuition and emotions when choosing a marina.
• Your future plans: How long do you plan to stay in the marina? Do you have any plans to sail or cruise elsewhere? Do you have any plans to change your boat or lifestyle? Think about your future plans and how they may affect your choice of marina.
• Your room for change: How easy is it to change your mind or switch to another marina if you are not satisfied with your choice? Do you have any backup options or alternatives? Do you have any exit strategies or contingencies? Be prepared for any changes or surprises that may occur after choosing a marina.

How to Skip the Waiting List and Secure a Liveaboard Slip?

One of the biggest challenges of moving to a liveaboard marina is finding a slip that is available and affordable. 

Many liveaboard marinas have long waiting lists that can take months or years to clear. Some may have no vacancies at all or may charge exorbitant fees for liveaboard slips. 

How can you skip the waiting list and secure a liveaboard slip? Here are some tips and tricks:

Be flexible

You may have more chances of finding a slip if you are flexible about your location, boat size, amenities, services, etc. 

You may have to compromise on some aspects of your ideal marina and be open to other options that may be available and affordable. 

You may also have to consider moving to a different area or region where liveaboard marinas are more common and accessible.

Be proactive

You may have to take some initiative and action to find a slip that is available and affordable. 

You may have to contact multiple marinas and inquire about their liveaboard policies and availability. 

You may also have to visit the marinas in person and see for yourself what they offer and what they look like. 

You may also have to network with other boaters and marina staff and ask for referrals or recommendations.

Be creative

You may have to think outside the box and find alternative ways to find a slip that is available and affordable. 

You may have to look for sublets, swaps, or transfers from other boaters who are willing to give up their slips for a period of time or permanently. 

You may also have to look for private docks, moorings, or anchorages that may allow liveaboards for a lower fee or for free. 

You may also have to look for seasonal or temporary slips that may be available during off-peak times or in less popular locations.

Be persuasive

You may have to convince the marina management or the slip owner to let you live on your boat in their slip. 

You may have to show them that you are a responsible, reliable, and respectful boater who will follow the rules and regulations and pay the fees on time. 

You may also have to show them that you have a well-maintained, clean, and attractive boat that will enhance the appearance and value of the marina.

You may also have to offer some incentives or benefits, such as referrals, testimonials, discounts, etc.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about choosing a liveaboard marina:

We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to choose a liveaboard marina. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

Happy sailing! ⛵