“Boat parking space”, “boat slip,” “mooring points,” and “boat docks” may be new terms to you if you’ve just recently purchased a boat (or if you’re in the market for a new boat but are still shopping around).
New to the boating world? Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “What exactly is a boat slip, and when should you use one?”
This guide will provide everything you need to know about this type of wet boat storage (and how exactly a boat slip differs from a boat dock).
What is a Boat Slip?
A boat slip is a kind of U-shaped, single-space parking for a boat. Its U-shaped build provides protection on three sides of the boat rather than a single side.
As with other kinds of boat storage, it can be used to park a boat for a short- or long-term duration.
Benefits of Using a Boat Slip
There are many benefits to choosing a boat slip to store your boat, including;
- Protection: A boat slip will offer a greater degree of protection, as all three sides of the slip can shield your boat from other boats (that could potentially collide with yours), along with other water-borne debris that could inflict damage.
- Saving Space: With a boat slip, you won’t have to park your boat in your garage or driveway–freeing up plenty of storage space at home.
- Accessibility: A boat slip provides ease of access for mooring vessels on its multiple sides.
How Much Does a Boat Slip Cost?
The cost of a boat slip usually depends on the size of your boat and how long you plan on renting the slip (i.e., short- or long-term rentals).
Additionally, the price of the slip will vary according to the length (in feet) of the slip, as well as whether it is rented per hour, month, or year.
Pro tip: Note that you will, generally, save more money renting on a per-year basis, as the per-hour rate can quickly add up.
Public docks will usually offer cheaper rates than private marinas–though they may not offer the same security and amenities that high-security marinas with jet skiing, kayaks, and RV parking do.
Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option before simply picking the cheapest. You want to ensure that your boat is safe when you aren’t using it.
Boat Slips vs. Boat Docks
While boat slips and boat docks are often thought to be the same thing, there are a few differences, which we’ll explore below.
Boat docks
A dock refers to the actual structure, usually made of wood or metal, where boats are moored. A boat dock can have slips built into it.
The main difference between a boat dock and a boat slip is that the dock is a long structure that juts out into the water and is accessible all around its perimeter.
If you store your boat at a dock without built-in slips, this greater accessibility will translate to a greater vulnerability to hazards.
Boat slips
Given its U-shaped structure, a boat stored in a slip is protected on three sides, while a boat stored at a dock is more exposed to potential hazards.
Boat slips are easy to park into, even for beginners. Because you can tie your boat to the different sides of the slip, your boat will have greater stability.
Pros and Cons of Boat Slips
Before deciding to use a boat slip, it’s important to understand that there are advantages and drawbacks. Typically, boat owners prefer boat slips, but this really depends on what you are looking for in your parking space. Let’s explore a few of these below.
Advantages of Boat Slip Storage
Here are a few great reasons to store your boat in a slip:
- They’re easy to pull into and out of. Because there is only one way in and out, they’re simple to navigate.
- Slips have more mooring points. This means your boat will stay securely in place while you’re not using it, protecting it from damage.
- They offer protection. Because they’re closed off on three sides, and your boat is more secure, there will be fewer opportunities for it to get damaged.
- Boats in slips are easier to board. It’s easier to get onto a boat that’s firmly secured in a slip, especially for people who aren’t used to boarding boats.
- You can park multiple boats. Your dock can have multiple slips, which means you can park all your boats there if you happen to own more than one.
Disadvantages of Boat Slip Storage
However, boat slips also have a few drawbacks, listed below.
- If you plan to entertain on your boat, a boat dock has more room for guests to board (and deboard) the watercraft. A slip, on the other hand, may pose logistical problems if you plan to host a large group on your new boat.
- When you store your boat in a boat slip instead of dry boat storage, your boat is vulnerable to sun, salt, barnacles, and wind exposure. This can cause additional wear and tear.
When deciding on boat storage, think about how often you’ll be storing your boat, how much time it will spend on storage, and what your needs. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the boat slip that’s right for you.
How to Choose the Right Boat Slip
If you think that renting a slip is right for your boat, compare a few facilities if possible, and ask yourself a few crucial questions. Weigh the pros and cons and always account for factors like cost, security, amenities, and convenience.
To ensure you make the right choice, you should also ask yourself the following questions:
- What kind of storage are you looking for?
- How many boats are you looking to have moored?
- Does it have 24-hour access so you can check on your boat whenever you want?
- Is it close to where you live?
- What safety and protective conditions are present at the marina or dock?
Answering these questions, as well as considering technical points such as boat dock height, water depth, and access difficulty, should put you on the right path to selecting the optimal boat storage type.
For example, the type of boat storage that’s ideal for usage on private lakes will differ from the boat storage type that’s ideal for high-traffic areas like Chesapeake Bay.
How to Find Boat Slip Rentals
Before you choose a marina or dock to rent a slip, get a good feel for:
- How secure the facility is
- How knowledgeable the owners are
- What amenities and resources the marina offers
After all, if you’re leaving your boat there for an extended time, you want to make sure it’s safe! A crowded marina may increase your risk of collisions, so be sure to evaluate your boat slip rental location before signing on.
Alternative Storage Options for Boats
The reality is, however, that the safest option for boat storage will always be dry, indoor storage. This is the best option for those looking for long-term boat storage.
While you might consider storing your boat on a boat dock or slip during peak boating season, it’s advised that you opt for indoor boat storage for the rest of the season, namely the winter months, when you aren’t using it frequently.
Peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor, offer all of the storage options discussed here, including indoor (dry stack boat storage, garage storage), outdoor (storage on an unpaved lot), wet (boat slip or boat dock), and dry boat storage options (see indoor options).
No matter what storage type you decide on, carefully vet your storage provider of choice.
