Finding a marina that suits your needs can involve a long search. If you’re looking for more than a place to store your boat, here are several questions to point you in the right direction. You might deal with troublesome tradeoffs with plenty of factors to consider. A list of questions can reduce the time it takes to decide.
How will you use the marina?
Before choosing a marina near the River Great Ouse, consider how you’ll use it. Do you see yourself using it as a weekend floating getaway? Or do you plan to live there for weeks or months during the year? Will it be a semi-permanent housing arrangement? Or are you thinking of moving there permanently? Your answer will affect the marina you choose. That’s because not all marinas offer extra amenities to make it easier for you to live on a boat. So, your needs will change, based on whether you’ll live there for only a weekend or a year.
Where is the marina located?
You’ve probably already heard that location matters when selecting a marina near the River Great Ouse. If you only want a weekend getaway place, where is the best spot? Is the environment ideal? Does it give you the chance to relax? For instance, some marinas are located in quiet bays and areas, perfect for weekend and monthly retreats. The tranquillity of living near the water, the peacefulness of the sky, and the freedom to live where you want—all those can be excellent factors to help you pick a marina. Some also look at the marina’s accessibility.
Is the area safe and secure?
Before docking at a marina near the River Great Ouse, check the security. What protective measures do they have? Examine the historical data for weather patterns in the last few years to see if the marina is heavily affected during hurricane season. Also, how safe is a docked boat in the marina when considering the regular boat traffic in the area? Is it a private marina? Does it have a gate and around-the-clock security? Are there security cameras that monitor activities on the property?
How is the staff at the marina?
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a permanent residence, consider the people who work at the marina. Are they hospital and friendly? Do they answer your questions patiently? Do they have years of knowledge and experience to help you resolve technical issues or concerns? Do they pay attention to details? Are they trustworthy? If you plan on spending considerable time in the marina, finding one with excellent staff is a dream come true. The high-level customer service alone is worth it. With a professional team of experts to provide advice and help, you can settle into your new home without a hitch.
Is there a community in the marina?
Some marinas have tight-knit communities. Check that detail out if you want to be part of a community of people who share your love of the water, boat-living, and a free lifestyle. Some love to stay for weeks or months on a boat while occasionally seeing their neighbours, participating in local events, and making friends. Some want to permanently move to a marina while they live on a boat. They love the lifestyle, the compact living, and the beauty that of living close to nature.
What are the conditions like?
Consider the traffic. Is it easy to get to the marina? Is the area around it congested with traffic? Is the water deep enough to get your boat into the slip? Are slips accessible, allowing for safe docking? What about the wind and current in the area? Investigate the marina, too. Is the area well-maintained? Do you see yourself living there for years? Do you like your potential neighbours in case you make the move? What about the location? Can you use a PO box if you need an address?
What’s your boat like?
Do you have a sailboat with an extra-roomy cabin? Your boat might be too big to get in and out easily between the rows of slips. What about the channel? Are there lighted buoys to guide the way? Can you safely dock in the dark? If you want to get out to the bay as quickly as possible, choose a marina that isn’t miles up the river.
Did you visit the marina?
It’s always better to choose a marina after a visit. You can check the walkways and determine if they’re in excellent condition. Does the plank wobble? Are there safety ladders? What about boat ramps? What’s their condition? Maintenance issues can indicate security lapses. After all, if the people behind the marina are careless with their maintenance, they might be the same with their security, too. This is also the best time to check out the other tenants and see what boats and people live in the community.