Which Comes First, Boat or Slip?

[denverd0n]

Wasn't sure which forum to put this in. Hope this one is okay.

Anyway, got the okay from the admiral and getting ready to pull the trigger on buying my first sailboat big enough that I won't be able to keep it on a trailer. My question is, do you rent the slip first (and risk having it sit empty for a few months), or buy the boat first (and risk not having a place to keep it)?

If it matters, I live in the Tampa Bay area, am looking for a boat around 35' or so, and will NOT be living aboard, but would like to be able to spend the occasional weekend on-board at the dock.

Thanks!

[imagine2frolic]

I would go down, and check out the marinas themselves. What kind of approach to the marina. What kind of action the water has in, and approaching the marina. What kind of facilities, such as showers, stores close by, etc. etc. All of this while looking for the boat. You can never have enough knowledge. BEST WISHES in both of them coming together for you.........i2f

[gonesail]

depends on where you live. but yes I would ask around for available slips and fees .. especially in Tampa area. I heard there was a 5 year wait for dockage at Dunedin city dock. the boat you buy may have an assumable slip.

[Hyprdrv]

We had the same issue with our cat. Since there isn't a whole bunch of options we found a very cat friendly marina here in the Chesapeake Bay area and put a deposit down contingent on the completion of the purchase of the boat. worked out fine and the piece of mind was great. Last thing you want is a boat with no place to keep it or a slip without a boat!

Steve in Solomons

[Pblais]

My question is, do you rent the slip first (and risk having it sit empty for a few months), or buy the boat first (and risk not having a place to keep it)?

Renting the slip first risks not fitting in the slip, you not closing the deal on the boat, or delays imposed by the sellers or your own real life issues. It can happen to anyone with relatives when least expected.

You may not have a choice where you keep a boat though closest to your home is always the best idea. It's pretty hard to close a boat very fast. Just the process of setting up a surveyor, getting the report back, closing with the money and getting an insurance policy will take time.

You want to be able to spend more than the occasional weekend on the boat at the dock. You'll have boat work to do too prbaly takes at least 4 weekends for tjust the basics. There isn;'t an upper limit as far as I can tell. Try to be close so you can sail some days just because you can see the weather looks great and it just is something you want to do on the spur of the moment. Those can be the best day sails ever.

If the boat is some place when you buy it you have some time to move it. If you need to get on a wait list make sure the deposit is refundable.

All the best of luck getting your boat.

[David M]

It really depends on the supply and demand for slips in your area.

[rdempsey]

Originally Posted by David M

It really depends on the supply and demand for slips in your area.

This is the main thing you need to look at.
All the marinas in my area had long waiting lists, but I found one just across the border that said "No problem, just bring in the boat and we'll get you a slip."

[Charlie]

Another option is making the purchase of the boat contingent on finding a slip within XXX miles of where you live. I bet the broker will jump thru rings of fire to find you a slip to close the deal. LOL

[ksmith]

Don't know about all of Tampa Bay. However right now I can think of three here on the east side. Lands End at Apollo Beach, Shell Point at Ruskin and Regetta Point at Palmeto.