Every boat needs a home when it’s not on the water, and figuring that out before you buy your boat can save you time and money. The right home can be hard to find, and it’s an expensive thing to figure out after the purchase. Here are your choices.
Marina berths
Most boats stay at a marina. At a marina you rent a spot to tie up your boat for a year, and in return you get access to utilities and facilities like electricity, water, showers, and parking. Popular marinas have waiting lists.
Of course, there are some costs associated with owning a boat. Slips are pricey, and in popular places, there are often waiting lists. Good marinas fill up first.
Canal and river moorings
Moorings along the banks of the canals and rivers are more economical options than a marina. The Canal & River Trust runs some moorings, and so do private companies. Private moorings can provide some of the same services you can find at a marina, like water and power. The prices and services vary a lot, so it’s a good idea to check them out before you make a decision.
mooring is the official term for where and how a boat is tied up. There are different types of mooring including a swing mooring, home mooring, and cruising mooring.
Continuous cruising
You are allowed to not have a home mooring at all and cruise on the Canal & River Trust waterways. You need to move on every 14 days to a new place and do a tour of the network each year. Some people love this and find it very freeing. It is a huge amount of work and takes a lot of planning.
Swing moorings
A swing mooring is a buoy anchored to the seabed. A boat is tied to the buoy and swings round with the wind and the tide. Swing moorings are less expensive than a marina, and you are given the use of the mooring for the year, but there is no marina with electricity, water, and pump out facilities. The mooring is managed by the harbour authority or sailing club with a waiting list.
Dry stack and hard standing
Some marinas offer “dry stack” storage, where smaller motorboats are stored on a rack out of the water. This method keeps the hull clean and eliminates the need for antifouling. “Hard standing” is where a boat is kept on the ground in a boatyard, typically over the winter.
Keeping it at home
A small boat on a trailer can be kept at home, at no cost, once you purchase the trailer. Check that your house deeds or tenancy do not prohibit it, and ensure your boat is secure. You will also need a boat ramp (slipway) to put your boat in the water, and most charge a launch fee.
Whichever option you choose, ask what is included, what the notice period is, and if you need insurance to cover boat storage. Most marinas and the Canal & River Trust, require at least a third-party insurance policy.
Now that your boat has a home, see Boat Maintenance for how to keep your boat in good condition.