Buying a boat is a very exciting prospect despite the multitude of decisions to be made around which boat to purchase. So many types and models to consider, new or used, power or sail and size usually topping the list. But one influencing factor can be where you are going to store or moor your boat when you’re not using it. If you have visions of yourself enjoying those great days on the water, you also need to flick your mind to what happens to your boat when you’re not out on the water.
The main options are a berth at a marina, a mooring at a marina, a private mooring or be mobile, buy a trailer boat and store your boat at your home. At Jade we like our customers to be across as much information as possible pertinent to their boat purchase so we’re providing a run down on the pros and cons of each option.
Marina Berthing
Marinas are usually operated by private companies or by yacht clubs and are located on waterways across Australia. The size and range of facilities will vary from marina to marina. Facilities may include shipwrights, marine repairers, retailers, eat in and takeaway dining, ice machines and other basics. Some marinas are even more extensive and designed like retail/dining hubs.
Typically, a marina will have berths arranged in arms. The number they are permitted is usually regulated by the state government maritime department and/or local council.
Marina berths are designated by size and the price charged is determined by the size of the boat. Fees and charges are usually on say an annual basis, similar to a lease or rental agreement. Each marina will operate under its own conditions.
You have a designated berth and you can come and go as you wish. This is the ultimate ‘walk on walk off’ option when it comes to boat mooring. You arrive at your marina by car, where many will offer customer parking, you collect one of the courtesy trolleys, load your gear from the car and wheel it to your boat to load up and head off.
When repairs are required on your boat, many of the services are right there at your convenience. The sense of community and friendship around marina life is also very attractive to many boat owners. It’s all a great convenience but does come at a cost and availability. If you’re planning to moor your boat at a specific marina, it may be advisable to enquire about availability. Once Jade Boat Loans settles your purchase with the seller, you’ll be responsible for where the boat is moored.
Mooring
Moorings can be attached to marina or club operations and leased through them. Alternatively, private moorings are purchase/leased through state government maritime departments. You will need to check the process, availability and cost through your state department and make the necessary applications. Costs will vary based on a number of variants but due to the difference in facilities compared with a marina, the cost should be significantly lower.
Costs aside, consider the practicalities. If your boat is on a mooring, 50-100 metres or so from shore, you need to get to it. If the mooring is connected with a marina, some will offer a tender service to transport their customers to their boats. You can then bring the boat to the fuelling/public access section of the marina to load supplies and guests.
If you have a private mooring, it’s not quite as convenience. You will need a dinghy or inflatable to get you out to your boat. Along some shorelines you will see dinghies lined-up especially for that purpose. Most people will row out and then bring the boat to a nearby wharf to load up supplies and guests.
A mooring clearly does not offer the same level of security as a marina and depending on location, may make the boat more vulnerable to weather.
Be Mobile
Another option is selecting a trailer boat and keeping the boat at your home or in another designated place such as a storage unit. This clearly costs you nothing, or very little. Boats kept out of the water may also require less anti-fouling and hull cleaning. But then there is the issue of having to launch from a ramp every time you want to head out. That usually means having a mate accompany you to assist.
Trailer boats are extremely popular and Jade can provide great boat loan deals on trailer and boat combos. But not all types of boats are trailerable so that limits your selection.
Dry Storage
A less accessible option is dry storage. A few marinas around the country have massive warehouse-style structures and offer dry storage for boats. At the end of your boating session, a specially constructed crane lifts your boat out of the water and transports it inside to your specific storage space. These structures are quite amazing and could potentially be considered by those who also have interests in jet ski financing, seeking alternative storage for their smaller, personal watercraft alongside their boats.
There is a cost and you need to phone ahead to book for your boat to be put in the water. But the benefits of being inside out of the weather and out of the water and the security afforded can be significant.
Effect on Boat Loans
Where you moor or store your boat does not impact your boat loan. Jade Boat Loans provides quotes based on your application, credit profile and aspects of the ship, not where you will keep it. Your boat insurance may be impacted by where you intend to keep the ship.
To discuss boat finance contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, DATA, POLICIES, PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER CONTENT CONTAINED AND EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN OBTAINED THROUGH RECOGNISED REPUTABLE SOURCES, PRIMARILY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERRORS OR MISINTERPRETATION OF SAID CONTENT. THIS CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED OR PROVIDED AS THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION OR AS SPECIFIC FINANCIAL ADVICE IN REGARD TO MAKING DECISIONS BY INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. THOSE THAT CONSIDER THAT THEY NEED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE SHOULD REFER TO A FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
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