Just as there are different kinds of vessels, there are choices when it comes to summer boat berths. Affordability, accommodations, and appeal vary between marinas, yacht clubs, mooring fields, and boatyards, so our checklist will help zero in on the best summer home for both you and your boat.

• 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 will 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. Take a ride to a prospective mooring to see if it’s easily accessible when the field is full. Take into account the local prevailing winds.
• Serenity Is the harbor generally calm? If the spot is routinely rocking, consider the ease of guests getting on and off the boat and everyone’s comfort.
• Durability How did the facility and the boats in its care weather recent storms?
• Assistance Are dockhands around to help?
• 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 boat and engines? What’s the average turnaround on a summer repair?
• Pumping How close is the nearest pumpout site?
• Fueling How close is the nearest fuel dock?
• Moorings Does the cost of the mooring include access to the facility’s 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 when the tide rises or it rains?
• Security This 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 with those in 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 there 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 arrange a launch date that fits your schedule?
• Affordability Last but never least, are you able to afford the overall cost of your vessel’s berth? Boating should be recreational, not another source of stress.

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. If you don’t know what these terms mean, how can you understand the extent of the facilities financial responsibility (if any) if there’s damage to your boat or a guest is injured?

A reputable business may cover costs if careless on its part causes a problem, but boatyards and marinas require customers to sign contracts so they can clearly establish 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, question the clauses, negotiate where you can, and understand what you’re signing. 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.