Here are some pointers and things to think about while choosing a marina for your boat:
1. Protection from the wind, waves, and boat traffic
While being near to the open ocean is advantageous for getting out of the port fast, be sure you select a marina with enough wind and wave cover. When your slip is overly exposed to ocean conditions, docking becomes difficult, and remaining aboard your boat becomes less pleasant.
If you want to start the day with friends and beverages on board your boat, choose a marina with calm water so you and your guests may enjoy the day without being tossed about too much. Furthermore, if your boat is constantly being pushed about by wind and surge, it puts additional pressure on your equipment and may cause damage and chafing to lines, fenders, and the side of your boat much quicker than in a quiet port.
If possible, talk to other boats in the vicinity about the prevailing winds and the strength of the surge and waves.
A protected marina position also means being out of the path of boat traffic. It might be difficult to leave your slip on the weekend or during a holiday with a continual stream of boats behind you. If at all feasible, choose a marina that is not in the main canal.
2. Currents and Tides
Some marina slips may not be appropriate for all sizes and kinds of boats depending on water levels. When the tide goes out, vessels in certain ports will be lying on the bottom. While this may be OK for a small vessel, it may cause harm to a larger one, not to mention the fact that you won't be able to take your boat out.
You'll also want to be sure there aren't any tide-dependent limitations on using your boat from that marina. Some port crossings travel beneath bridges or across shallow regions that become inaccessible when the tide is too high or low. This not only puts you and your boat in danger if you forget about the tidal limitations, but it also restricts when you may leave and return to your slip. Inquire with the marina personnel about any passage restrictions in the area.
Furthermore, the speed of the stream caused by a falling or arriving tide differs from port to harbor. Make sure your possible marina area doesn't have too much current, especially if you're a new boater, since it may make landing and departure more difficult.
3. Available slip size and space
Slips often have a maximum vessel size restriction. Check that your boat is within the required size limit, and remember that excess space is always a bonus – if you have extra dock length, you may use it to tie up your dinghy or as a meeting area for friends.
You'll also want to make sure your slip is wide enough to accommodate fenders and protect your boat from rubbing against the dock if the wind and waves are blowing. Furthermore, having a little additional wiggle space aids in the smoothness of your landings.
Take a look at the channel leading up to your slide as well. Do you have enough wiggle space if you need it? Is it near other boats? Play it safe and avoid slips that will be difficult to enter and exit in less-than-ideal circumstances, based on the size of your vessel and your degree of comfort.
4. Harbor and Marina Location
Do you like going out to sea to fish and search for whales and dolphins? Or do you want to spend your day floating around the port with nice people and delicious food?
Whatever you like doing on your boat, it's critical to ensure that the harbor and marina are near enough to the activity. Is there a good selection of restaurants and pubs on the harbor? Will you have to go many kilometers in the water to reach the location where you want to anchor? While these factors may not be a concern for a short visit, they may make or break your overall satisfaction.
A marina twenty minutes closer to the coast may be much more costly in certain big ports - because it counts, particularly if you use your boat often. Paying for more convenience might be the difference between wanting to use your boat all of the time and not getting out very often.
Check Lake Havasu Marina for the better option.
5. Access to Land and Parking
A pleasant sailing experience requires easy access from land. When you have a large number of visitors, water toys, and food to load, you want a quick and simple ride to your boat, as well as enough parking for guests. Some marinas feature allocated parking places for you and your visitors, which saves you time and money on weekends and holidays.
If your marina is gated, ensure that it is open early and late enough so that it does not interfere with your boating plans or access to your boat.