With Locked Gates, How Does One, "Walk the Docks"?

[ty.gregory]

I hear this advice again and again: If you want to buy a used boat, first you should "Walk the docks!" Every marina dock I know of has locks on there gates. Please, someone explain this to me: Is there a secret knock or a magic password I don't know about? Are bolt cutters part of the process? Cemtex? C-4? Or do you just meander along whistleing sea chanties behind someone going though said gate on said dock?

[Target9000]

The best key to a locked door is a friendship.

Talk to the harbormaster or marina manager. Talk to the security people there. Talk to the sailors that come and go. See if there are skippers that race and need crew that sail out of there. Ask to see the message board if there is one. Etc etc. Its about finding the people that use the place.

[atoll]

timing is everything,carrying two big sail bags,as some one else is entering normally does the trick.

plus look the part,docksiders,polo shirt with yachting logo and o'neills on forehead.............

[Jim Cate]

We've usually had good luck getting into locked marinas by being honest! Just stopping a marina resident, saying that you would like to have a look around and see if anyone is looking for crew, etc will often get you in.

Not looking seedy or carrying "burglar tools" might help, too!

Good luck,

Jim

[sww914]

Great question.
Asking nicely seems to work.

[John A]

A couple of things to note:
Marina's Insurance doesn't cover unauthorized people getting injured.

The Harbormaster informed me that I was libel for anyone I let in at the gate.

Note to dock walkers.: Please ask permission to climb all over my boat, its my home and I might be down below.

[ty.gregory]

"Excuse me! I said, excuse me, Mister! Can I please crawl all over your boat?"

I'll give it a go... but, are you sure there's not just a secret handshake or something?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by ty.gregory

"Excuse me! I said, excuse me, Mister! Can I please crawl all over your boat?"

I'll give it a go... but, are you sure there's not just a secret handshake or something?

you could allways borrow a dinghy and paddle around the marina looking at boats

[David_Old_Jersey]

Yeah, shoulder surfing works (follow someone in! or if it is a keypad read the code!) - but can be a bit awkward if challenged. put a story in the bag just in case, maybe find out about a boat or 2 for sale and say you are just after a quick peek before getting involved with the broker. Not looking like you are about to rob anything would also help (pull your trousers up and put them on facing frontwards - same for the baseball cap!).

Or you could find a boat for sale with a Broker and get him to let you in (and either read the combination for later use or after the viewing (don't have to be 100%interested in the boat!) just have a wander around whilst inside....even if the Broker says you have to leave, what is he going to do? Carry you back?...if he gets the Marina involved apologise and just leave.

Or if you can get chatting to someone shoreside (a bar / cafe / marina office) about boats for sale could well be let in by them if they think you are not a problem.

If at first you don't succeed - try and try again!

[foolishsailor]

Ive never had a problem getting on a dock. Tell the truth, if you are there to look at boats especially a specific boat then say so. If there is a yacht club or yacht broker attached to the marina then during a non busy time go in and tell someone that you want to look at boats...

[simonmd]

It's all very well to blag or follow someone in but don't forget, how to get OUT! Many gates require key, card or code for both directions, don't get yourself stuck!

Here in Europe, many marinas have the gates open during daylight hours, only closing them in the evening for security.

[Laffangurl]

Maybe ignorance is bliss? I have been to a couple of different marinas lately that were locked, it just didnt occur to me to have to sneak in lol. There was a boat I wanted to see closer, waited for someone to come by, smiled and said what a beautiful boat...conversation begun, lets go see that boat!

[Lake-Effect]

Boating isn't just about purchasing a floating RV; the community and the lifestyle are important components for many if not most of us.

Ideally, by the time someone is ready for the first boat, they've taken some lessons, gone out several times with old or new friends, maybe joined a club as an associate or social member. At some point in this important preliminary period, they will be shown the secret handshake... if they are deemed worthy, and if their initiation cheque clears (PM me for amount and where to send it)

[mrohr]

If you see someone departing time your stroll to arrive as they open the gate , say:"hi "

and thanks as you pass thru.Works every time and no deception involved.
Now if you find a boat that you fancy and owner is about, strike up a conversation by asking about and admiring same.You have just made a friend for life,and will probably get an invite aboard.

[callmecrazy]

The best "in" I found, was to start looking at boats for sale. Doesn't matter what kind of boat, how much, etc... just pretend you're interested in anything and everything for sale. Not only will you get on the docks, in boatyards, and everywhere else, but you'll get a good idea of all the different types of boats and things you like/dislike. It's good practice for when you start seeing the boats you might actually buy And it could easily turn into a daysail with a friendly owner.