There are almost as many choices of summer boat berths as there are types of vessels — making a wise choice makes for a great summer. Use our checklist to assess marinas, yacht clubs, mooring fields, and boatyards, and then choose the one that’s most affordable for your budget and/or appealing for your lifestyle.

• Location Do you decide to boat on the spur of the moment or like to unwind after dinner? A nearby spot works best. However, if you consider your boat a weekend home, a lively harbor setting or a facility with amenities enhance the vacation-like experience.
• Water A site must have enough water at mean low tide from spring through fall to keep your boat afloat.
• Layout Is your boat hard to maneuver or are you new to boating? Eliminate spots wedged between other vessels, tight spaces, and/or angles that require tricky moves. Ride out to a prospective mooring to see if it’s easily accessible when the field is full; take local prevailing winds into account, too.
• Serenity Is the harbor generally calm? If the spot regularly rocks, consider the ease of getting on and off the boat with equipment, gear, and guests.
• Assistance Are dockhands around to help from early until late?
• Accessibility Facilities with bulkheads or ladders aren’t suitable for those with limited mobility, small children, and dogs. Check out the dock’s ramp at low tide — is it so steep it’s hard to navigate with a stroller, cane, or a full cart of gear?
• Power and water Is the dockside power supply adequate for everything you enjoy using while hanging out? Is fresh water available?
• Travel lift Is there one on the premises capable of hauling your boat?
• DIY May you work on your own boat on the premises and/or bring in an outside professional?
• In-house mechanic Is the resident mechanic certified on your vessel and engines? What’s the average turnaround on a summer repair?
• Pumping How close is the nearest pumpout site?
• Fueling Where’s the nearest fuel dock?
• Moorings Does the cost of the mooring include access to land amenities? Is launch service additional? What’s the average wait time for launch service on summer weekends, what hours are launches in operation, and how far into fall do launches run?
• Parking Is there enough parking for boaters and guests? Is there a convenient place to unload gear? Does the parking lot flood during rainy spells or when the tide rises?
• Security Protection is important for those who sleep aboard as well as well as those who don’t remove valuable equipment between trips.
• Pluses (or Minuses) Does the facility have a ships’ store, laundry, showers, and/or ice available? If you’re joining a yacht club, is there a dress code? Are year-round amenities and activities included or is there an additional food and drink minimum? Does the club have reciprocal privileges at destinations you plan to visit?
• Neighbors What’s the average age of members or other boat owners? If you’re seeking peace and quiet, you’ll likely look at different locations than if you’d welcome companionship. The same goes for what happens when the sun goes down — do dock dwellers get rowdy or does the place seem deserted?
• Dogs Are they permitted? Are there restrictions?
• Emergency preparedness Does the facility have fire fighting and life-saving equipment? Is there a published storm evacuation plan?
• Cold storage Is on-site winter storage available, or must you move the boat elsewhere in the fall? If available, does your season end on the facility’s schedule or when you decide?
• Splash Is spring launch on a first-in, last-out autumn timetable or may you arrange a launch date that fits your schedule?
• Affordability Can you afford the overall cost of your vessel’s berth? Boating should be recreational, not a source of stress.

What’s in that marina contract?

Marina Contract 101

Before bringing your boat to its new home, the boatyard or marina will require a signed contract with clauses regarding risk shifting, subrogation, limited liability, and exculpation, among other things. For example, while reputable businesses may cover your costs if carelessness on its part causes a problem, customers are required to sign contracts clearly establishing zones of responsibility. Therefore, a clause (or four) that transfers all liability to the vessel owner is enforceable as you agreed to the terms when you signed.

Take the time to read the contract. If you don’t know what terms such as subrogation and exculpation mean, how can you understand the extent of the financial responsibility (if any) you’ll have if there’s damage to your boat, or a guest is injured? Ask questions, do research, or consult with an attorney. Though the majority of boatyards and marinas won’t allow wholesale changes to their standard contracts, some will clarify a point or two and might set a monetary limit on certain obligations or additional expenses if you ask.

Know what you’re signing before you sign. Once you do, be sure to provide the contract to your insurance agent and ask, “Am I covered for every eventuality?” If not, increase your coverage and avoid costly surprises.