Boat Slips and Boat Storage
When thinking about buying a new boat, it’s also critical to decide where you’re going to berth or moor it when you’re not riding the waves. There are a lot of options out there, and each state (and the Federal government) has its own rules and regulations regarding boat slips and storage, so you need to do your research before you make a decision. Dewitt Marine in Bellaire, Michigan, has put together this brief guide to help you understand the basics about boat slips and storage. When you’re ready to shop for a new boat, or if you need parts or accessories for your current boat, please come visit our dealership. We’re happy to serve customers in northern Michigan, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids.
Definitions
A boat slip is defined as the water area between sections of a pier where a boat is berthed or moored. It’s also where passengers can embark or disembark. Boat slips can often be found at marinas, which have larger docks that have moorings and supplies for boats and yachts. A marina isn’t the same thing as a port; ports handle large passenger and cargo ships. Marinas may have refueling, repair, and cleaning facilities, as well as restaurants, stores, and parking lots for cars and boat trailers. Many marinas are run by private clubs, which may have their own dues, rules and regulations, and membership requirements, along with certain amenities as an incentive to join.
Considerations
When choosing a slip for your boat, you should think about a few important things. First, and probably most important, is to figure out which waterway you want to travel on with your boat—and which section of that waterway is the most desirable. If you’re boating on the Great Lakes, then you should consider where on your preferred lake you want to set as your base. Consider what’s nearby, how easy it is to get to, the terrain and view, and if you’re fishing, look at what kinds of fish are abundant in different parts of the lake. You also need to consider things about the water: pollutants, temperature (especially temperature changes), water depth and other hazards.
Freshwater boat enthusiasts in particular need to check for two specific hazards: blisters and changes in temperature. Blisters occur when the boat is waterborne for a long time, which can allow the gel coating to absorb water. This problem can be alleviated with a coat of epoxy. If you boat in an area that tends to freeze or have large variations in temperature—and we all know that Lake Michigan certainly gets close to freezing solid in the winter—then you need to be sure you protect the hull, engine, and electronics and keep your boat full of antifreeze.
Wherever you want to do your boating, you should think about access to resources and services like refueling points, food, water, and recreational activities. The last thing you want is to be out there on your boat, having a nice day, and realize you’re miles away from fuel and about to run dry.
We hope this brief guide has helped you understand what you need to think about when considering safe storage and mooring for your boat. It’s a complex question, and it’s critical that you do as much research as possible. Doing your homework in advance will really help you make a good decision when you finally do decide to buy that first boat. And we’re here to help! Come see us at Dewitt Marine, where we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions on boat storage, boat maintenance, or anything else boat-related that you might want to know. We look forward to seeing you!