Finding The Right Marinas For Your Coastal Boating Excursion

Spending time on the open water is a dream come true for many boat owners. If you are hoping to use your boat to travel up and down your favorite coastline, finding places to dock for the night should be a top priority. Locating marinas that offer the type of moorage services you need to retain the comforts of home while traveling in your boat can be beneficial.

Here are three things to be looking for as you evaluate moorage services in preparation for an upcoming sailing trip.

1. A marina that offers nightly rates.

Many marinas cater specifically to boat owners that are looking for long-term docking locations. If a marina only offers annual, semi-annual, or monthly rates, it will be impossible for you to dock your small boat for the night as you are passing through the area.

Before you embark on your next sailing trip, be sure that you take the time to contact several marinas along your route to find the facilities that will accommodate single-night stays.

2. Car service into nearby towns.

When you travel along the coastline in your boat, you may want to visit some of the port towns that are located along your route. Gaining access to these towns can be challenging when you don't have a vehicle, so it can be beneficial to dock your boat in a marina that offers car service as part of its moorage services package.

Having a shuttle available to drive you into town and back ensures that you will be able to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife in port towns along the coastline without worrying about making arrangements for your own car service.

3. Access to electricity and waste pump-out services.

Docking your boat for the night gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the amenities that a marina can provide as part of its moorage services package.

Be sure to ask the marina what type of electrical access is provided, and stay at a marina that can provide the type of electricity your boat needs to power its on-board accessories in order to conserve battery life. You should also look for a marina that offers pump-out services for your waste to ensure your sewage tanks don't become too full.

Access to the right moorage services will help make your next boating trip a success. Be sure that you are looking for marinas that offer nightly rates, transportation into port towns, and access to amenities in order to make your coastal trip more convenient.