Best search method for a boat slip?

[theerwagen]

What's the best way to find a boat slip in a good location for the best rate?
Say one is targeting keeping a boat in Annapolis, 35 feet, monohull.
Is there some nice search engine or method that works well in various locations? or is there a typical resource or best place to start in any particular area?
How can one compare berthing costs from port to port in a particular area or region?
If there is a good thread on this, please feel free to direct me to it!
thanks

[JoppaToNinevah]

I'm not sure it's the best method but you may want to try downloading an app -- for instance, I've seen one called "DockHop" that searches for marinas based on location. I'm sure there are other like apps as well.


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[JoppaToNinevah]

Here's another app . . .


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[Moody46CC]

Active Captain will provide up-to-date information on marinas, but the reviews are usually written by boaters in a transient status. It is nonetheless helpful, and it will probably give you the web site for each marina. You can then drill down to each and compare amenities, location, price, etc.

I'm sure you know that in the Bay area, the closer to Annapolis, the higher the price for anything.

[denverd0n]

I would add that here in the Tampa Bay area there are a lot of homes on the water, with a dock out back, that is not being used. These can sometimes be found on craigslist. There they are typically listed for rent at rates about 2/3rds-3/4ths the going rates for a marina slip. I also know one person who just went around waterfront neighborhoods, asking about renting dock space. He ended up finding a suitable dock for his boat, and is paying about 1/2 the going marina rate.

Good luck.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by theerwagen

What's the best way to find a boat slip in a good location for the best rate?
Say one is targeting keeping a boat in Annapolis, 35 feet, monohull.
Is there some nice search engine or method that works well in various locations? or is there a typical resource or best place to start in any particular area?
How can one compare berthing costs from port to port in a particular area or region?

You can also poll folks here -- after reviewing info in those other resources folks have mentioned -- for opinions and local knowledge.

For instance, ActiveCaptain may suggest 10 or 12 viable options. Folks here might be able to comment on pros/cons for many of those.

And then learning/negotiating rates is usually a matter of direct contact with the actual target marinas.

The one thing that first step doesn't cover well is about all the private docks that could be useful and usually less expensive. That's more of a Craiglist or local sailing mag or even word-of-mouth kinda thing.

If Annapolis is more than a random example, likely resources would probably be Spinsheet, and Bay Weekly. In any case, you would certainly find lots of option in this area.

-Chris

[FamilyVan]

I found my current slip (good price- beautiful location) from a tip from a helpful C.F. member on a thread very similar to this one.

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[l2ridehd]

I downloaded active captain on my ipad. Anything I tried to do, it said I first must register. Any time I tried to login (No register option, only a login option) it said it did not recognize my e-mail address. Catch 22 and a very useless app which I deleted.

[Paul54]

I know this sounds ridiculous, but turn your iPad 90 degrees when logging in. Display must be in Portrait mode during login on iPad. Serious bug in Active Captain.

[RichandHelen]

I don't think you can do this with an app. You may rule out some yards re. price, draft, electrical hookups, liveaboard etc. But you need to VISIT the yards to pick a permanent slip. It's going to be your full or part-time home. Walk the dock. Talk to current residents. They will be outspoken about the pros and cons of the marina. Make it a point to meet the staff. Do you get a good vibe? Clean place? How's the neighborhood? Having the right shopping around - particularly food and BOATING SUPPLIES is a wonderful thing. Storm protection is a biggie, too.

Rich

[SeaWings 38]

Found my slip which is at an absolutely wonderful bed and breakfast on craigslist. Just kept looking in the area on craigslist every day. Found a few others but for one reason or another they weren't right. Just keep serching

[Stu Jackson]

In answer to the OP's original question, there is no magic bullet. Like a lot of other things in life, you have to do your own homework. No one ever did mine for me.

Good luck. Actually, the hunting part can be quite fun.

[Cap Erict3]

Depends on where u r.

http://www.docksearch.com



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Looking for another pretty place to work on the boat.

[TomLewis]

Another link for surfing marinas:

Atlantic Cruising Club's Guides to Marinas

[hsi88]

In the Annapolis area? If you have money, join a yacht club. They have pools, rules and lots of activities. I used a spread sheet and the Internet to find the marina I am in today. Money, WIFI, boat ramp were the things I searched on. Finding the cost always includes a phone call. Nobody posts what the slips go for. I ended up at White Rocks Marina. Does not rate very well on Active Captain. But its inexpensive, has a boat ramp, easy access to the Chesapeake, is between Baltimore and Annapolis, has WIFI, nice bathrooms, has a boat yard (mainly for storage and DIY maintenance), and is located right behind Mikes Crab House (north). They have outside live music all summer long and its nice to sit on the boat and listen to music. If you want quiet at 10:00 PM. Not a good place to keep a boat. If you want lots of services, go somewhere else. But for a DIY'er like me, its perfect.