Older / Smaller Boats 'Not Welcome?'

[cantxsailor]

I have been looking for a new slip for my boat since the City of Baytown TX has not seen fit to rebuild our old home since hurricane Ike last year.

There seems to be a new twist to this endeavour beyond price and availability.

Several of the marinas I've contacted have told me that boats under 27ft and/or older than 1985 are not really welcome and have to have the approval of the dock master before they can be slipped.

Perhaps I have been living in a cave somewhere and missed the shift in the universe but I have to ask "Is this the new norm"?

I have been seeing new rules like no livaboards less than 40ft.
As long as I'm not abusing the marina or its rules and am paying my fees and keeping the boat in good condition what is up with these new restrictions. Perhaps a whole new level of classism?.

I have noticed a shift to larger slips being newly built but this is the first time I've even heard of this kind of thing as to smaller boats........m