A wise choice of a summer boat berth is vital to getting the most use and enjoyment out of your vessel. Our checklist lets you evaluate marinas, yacht clubs, mooring fields, and boatyards so you can then choose the one that’s most affordable and/or appealing.

• Location Do you decide to boat spontaneously or unwind aboard 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 enhances the vacation-like experience.
• Water Does the site 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.
• Serenity Is the harbor generally calm? If not, 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 the dock’s ramp at low tide — is it so steep it’s hard to navigate with a stroller, cane, or full cart?
• Power and water Is the power supply adequate for everything you use while dockside? Is fresh water available?
• Travel lift Is there one on the premises capable of hauling your boat?
• DIY May you do work on your own boat 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 a launch on summer weekends, what hours do they operate, and how far into autumn 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?
• Security Safety is an important consideration for those who sleep aboard as well as those who don’t remove valuable equipment.
• Pluses (or Minuses) Does the facility have a ships’ store, laundry, showers, and/or ice? 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. What’s it like 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 firefighting and life-saving equipment? Is there a torm evacuation plan?
• Cold storage Is on-site winter storage available, or must you move the boat? 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 choose a convenient launch date?
• Affordability Can you afford the overall cost of your vessel’s berth? Boating should be recreational, not a source of stress.