Marina/mooring options in the Monterey area?

[Ryban]

After years of cruising and just being able to anchor in some nook and cranny, I'm now at the mercy of slip availability and am really struggling to understand the demand.

My partner got a job in Monterey and we need to move our 32' boat up there sometime this spring. We won't be living full-time on the boat. We talked to the Monterey marina yesterday, and they told us there's a 20 year waiting list. I guess we didn't do our homework, as this is clearly documented elsewhere, like here: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ca-250185.html

Monterey is not a big place, so it blows my mind that there is such an absurd waiting list. Are people in the bay area just parking their boats here, or is the city of Monterey just full of boat owners?

In any case, we're looking at Moss Landing now, but we're open to other suggestions as well -- if there are any. I know there are moorings behind the breakwater at Monterey, but I suspect these are in high demand as well. And I hear Santa Cruz has a similar waiting list.

Bay Area marinas would be too far for us, as we are re-fitting the boat for a trip across the Pacific, and there's not a chance in the world we'd be productive with a 2+ hour commute.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Ryban

Are people in the bay area just parking their boats here, or is the city of Monterey just full of boat owners?

What difference does it make?

[Ryban]

Technically none, but maybe in the same way people buying up houses in cities they don't live, making it more difficult/expensive to live in those places when your employment requires, it's unfortunate.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Ryban

Technically none, but maybe in the same way people buying up houses in cities they don't live, making it more difficult/expensive to live in those places when your employment requires, it's unfortunate.

Well like you said, maybe you should’ve done your homework before making plans. Every other slip/mooring holder in Monterey has every bit as much right to keep their boats there as anybody else, including you.

[Ryban]

I understand. It wouldn't have changed our decision to accept this job, so let's move on from it and focus on options that might be available for someone in my situation.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Ryban

I understand. It wouldn't have changed our decision to accept this job, so let's move on from it and focus on options that might be available for someone in my situation.

You have few options. And I think when you investigate Moss Landing, you will find a similar situation there. That said, I have heard anecdotally that sometimes the harbormaster there will find a slip for a short term stay. I think a lot depends upon your attitude when you ask for one.

[sail sfbay]

If it was my sailboat and I lived in Monterey I would put in in Alameda......113 miles and about 1.5 hours at normal highway speed up US-101 and I-880 that stretch is relatively uncrowded. The one benefit is there are lots of specialty boat contractors in the the east bay if you need them.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by sail sfbay

If it was my sailboat and I lived in Monterey I would put in in Alameda......yep 2 hours or less travel time up 101 but its an easy uncrowded drive.

101 and 80 are “easy and uncrowded”? [emoji38]

[sail sfbay]

Travel that stretch up and down all the time.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by sail sfbay

Travel that stretch up and down all the time.

What- at midnight? [emoji38]

[Dougtiff]

Try paying for "temporary or in transit ", costs more, but it can lead to permanent, move back and forth between Santa Cruz, Monterey and moss moss Landing.

[Dougtiff]

And you have 2 marina's in Monterey, the city and private, i believe one gets 2 weeks and it's live aboard, so thats 8 week's before returning to # 1 place.

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by sail sfbay

If it was my sailboat and I lived in Monterey I would put in in Alameda......113 miles and about 1.5 hours at normal highway speed up US-101 and I-880 that stretch is relatively uncrowded. The one benefit is there are lots of specialty boat contractors in the the east bay if you need them.

This is the best and maybe only option. You could try Half Moon Bay, it might be slightly shorter and more pleasant drive. In either case you'll spend weekends on the boat and find lots of things to research and plan during your time at home during the week. You'll soon get used to the average length (by Bay Area standards) commute to the boat on Friday evening.

[gamayun]

It sounds like you'd be "transient liveaboards." They might have room for that kind of set up. Also, see if you can walk the docks and chat up people. Maybe see if you can find out who's planning to leave for 6 months or so. Harbor Masters frown on sublets but they might make an exception especially if you keep a tidy boat and are in need of temporary accomodations for work. I don't know what to tell you about 20-year waiting lists. Maybe lower your standards, too. A friend said it took him about 10 years to get a slip in San Francisco. I'm happy with my slips in Oakland. Your mileage (and tolerances) may vary....

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by waterman46

This is the best and maybe only option. You could try Half Moon Bay, it might be slightly shorter and more pleasant drive. In either case you'll spend weekends on the boat and find lots of things to research and plan during your time at home during the week. You'll soon get used to the average length (by Bay Area standards) commute to the boat on Friday evening.

It's been a while since I have been up there but that is what I was thinking too, if Moss Landing doesn't work out. I'd rather drive to Half Moon Bay than Alameda. No offense Alameda, but I grew up in the bay area. You'll get less fog in Alameda though and sailing on the bay is often a little more pleasant.