Dec 17, 20246 min read

Our top tips: What questions to ask a marina when looking for a berth for your boat

If you’re new to boating or perhaps moving and you have a boat that lives on the water, unless you have a pontoon outside your house, you’ll need to find a good marina for your boat. The marina you choose to berth your boat at can make a tremendous difference to how enjoyable your boating lifestyle is, and asking the right questions when comparing marinas to choose from, can make it easier to decide which one might be the right one for you and your boat, don't just go on price, there is so much more to it.

When enquiring about a berth at a marina, you’ll want to get a complete picture of what’s offered, the costs, and the practical details that will impact your experience. Here are some key questions to ask:

Marina in Sydney — Empire Marina Bobbin Head is the most awarded marina in in Sydney

🛥️ Availability and Location

Is there a berth available for your boat size and type? Remember to have on hand your boat’s brand, model, LOA (length overall) and beam (width) this will help the marina to know if they have space for you.
What waterways does the marina provide access to and are these the sort of waterways you wish to boat on – eg a marina with access to quiet bays is very different to one that simply gives access to the ocean – depending on what sort of boating you wish to do will determine which one suits you best.
If you are new to boating you might like to ask to see if they have a berth with easier access, generous fairway.

🛥️ 2. Costs and Contracts

What is the monthly/annual fee for the berth?
Are there any additional costs, such as utilities, security, or parking fees?
Is there a deposit or joining fee?
What is the contract length, and are there options for short-term or long-term rental?
What is the policy on cancellations and refunds?

Does the marina have dockmasters to catch a line when you return?

🛥️ 3. Services and Amenities

What facilities are included (e.g., electricity, water, Wi-Fi)?
Are there showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities?
Is there onsite ice, fuel, pump-out services, and waste disposal? No fuel onsite, for example, can cost you a great deal of money over time.
If there a cafe onsite?
Are there maintenance services available onsite? Again having to travel to these or have contractors travel to your boat can cost you a lot more and a marina with a straddle carrier can lift your boat that is taking on water out before she is lost where as one that does not….
Do they have dockmasters to catch a line for you when you are boating on your own or need help on a windy day?

🛥️ 4. Security and Safety

What kind of security measures are in place (e.g., gated access, CCTV, night patrols)?
Is the marina staffed during the day with experienced team members?
Is the marina in a protected location? Marinas with a long fetch (wind exposure) and passing water traffic (ferries etc) will rock your boat around a lot more which over time can cost you damage and continuous lines and fenders replacement.
If not, are there measures for extreme weather, such as tie-downs or storm readiness? Have you checked with your insurer that they will insure your boat at this marina year round? (some will have you move from storm prevalent areas some times of the year, so you need to take this into account in your schedule for the year)
Does the marina offer any assistance with emergencies or accidents? (Be mindful than marinas with no staff on site won’t be able to assist)

🛥️ 5. Accessibility and Restrictions

Are there restrictions on boat type, size, or maximum draft allowed?
What are the access hours, and are there any issues with you accessing your boat after hours? Are you allowed to stay on your boat overnight? (Some marinas are restricted by local regulations on this and it’s great to have the option to do so if you can so you can arrive late at the marina and start your boating early the next day)
Is there easy access to open water, or are there tidal restrictions? Are the pontoons floating or fixed? (If they floating they move with the tide thus allowing you easy access to your boat at all times. Fixed may mean a big height difference between your boat and the pontoon thus making loading people and items a lot harder.)

🛥️ 6. Environment and Maintenance

How is the water quality and overall cleanliness of the marina? In Australia some marinas will have water affected from run off from the bush around it – don’t assume a film on the top of the water is bad – it’s often just oils from the trees.
Does the marina have “Clean Marina” and “Fish friendly marina” accreditation?
Clean Marina Accredication Looks Like This
Are there maintenance schedules that ensure the pontoons and facilities are maintained well (eg look for broken cleats, dirty pontoons etc to see how well they are look after)

Who owns the marina can make a big difference to the care taken and passion towards making your boating lifestyle the best it can be. Privately owned marinas are often owned by those that love boating - which means they know what you want and what you need and are not just focused on the bottom line.

Our parties at the marina for clients, tenants and team members are always well attended and enjoyed!

🛥️ 7. Community and Events

Is there a community or social events calendar for marina clients?
Are there any rules or restrictions regarding noise, pets, or visitors?
How does the marina communicate with their clients – eg socials, newsletters, sms important messages etc

At Empire Marina Bobbin Head. we have such great events it's often why our clients choose us and choose to stay with us.

🛥️ These questions will help you assess whether the marina fits your needs and offers the right combination of convenience, amenities, and security for your boat, but best of all whether you think it will suit the way you like to go boating.

Remember price isn’t everything. You might get a better deal at one marina than another but if that marina doesn’t provide the level of services, facilities, staff and security you expect it may be a costly compromise on your boating lifestyle. Marinas in Sydney in particular, differ tremendously in price and level of service and making a careful and considered assessment is worth taking the time. We recommend visiting the location before making a decision and we also recommend looking beyond Sydney Harbour – Bobbin Head, Pittwater and Lake Macquarie are all amazing boating locations and avoid the cruise ships, ferries and commercial shipping dodgems you may have to negotiate there. For first time boaters especially – that can make a world of difference to how much you enjoy your boating.

We hope this helps you find the right marina for you and your boat.

At Empire Marinas we are not just a marina at which you berth your boat. We genuinely care about your boating lifestyle and wish to make it the best it can be. From advice like this, to community events allowing clients on the marina to become friends, we are not just a marina, we are a group of real people that really love boating.

At Empire Marina Bobbin Head and Empire Marina Lake Macquarie we have full hardstand facilities on site because we know it saves our clients money but also time too in taking care for their boats. Did we mention we won the Best Boatyard Award in Australia under 20 boats category at Empire Marina Bobbin Head in 2023? We also have a highly experienced team that know everything there is to know about boats so if you don't - they can help, which can not only save you money, but stress too.