So, you've bought a boat and you're looking for a marina where you can enjoy sunsets from your deck, maybe work remotely, or stay aboard from time to time to get away from it all. Perhaps you already have a boat but want a change of scenery. Here are some tips that we've considered over the years when evaluating where our boats should be and our experiences with marinas.

Choosing a marina is an important decision. Considerations include amenities and facilities, costs, distance from home or office, and proximity to restaurants and services.

Here is a checklist that you can use when evaluating what's important to you and what the marina offers. Go down the list, confirm your requirements, and then use it to select a marina that you can interview as a prospective location. You want your home-away-from-home to be comfortable when you're winding down dockside with friends and family.

CHECKLIST

___ Proximity to home. A nice location is important, but if it takes you several hours in traffic to get there you may find the drive stressful and may become reluctant to visit the boat as often as you want.

___ Where do you want to take your boat? If you prefer a protected body of water that allows you to go boating even when the weather churns up the open seas, consider the marina's location. Ask the marina personnel and other boaters what the weather situation is at the location specific to your boating plans.

___ Costs and leasing requirements for your boat are important questions. What are rates, lease obligations, payment options, and any additional charges for power and water.

___ Are water and electricity maintained properly throughout the year?

___ What is your initial impression of the facilities? Are they maintained, clean, organized?

___ Is the marina close to, or part of, a service operation? Good if you need maintenance. Not so good if workers and vehicles are coming and going near you all the time.

___ Are parking and access easy for you and your guests?

___ Is the location secure from outside visitors or crime? Look at the area as you approach the marina to get a sense of what is nearby.

___ Are staff willing to assist when you need help, such as arriving and tying up or departing?

___ Does the marina provide reports of bad weather and check the lines and boats on a regular basis?

___ Are outside vendors such as maintenance personnel and divers allowed on site? If so, what are the requirements? If not, why not?

___ Can you work on your own boat?

___ What are the insurance requirements? And will your insurance company abide by them? In some instances, marinas or yacht clubs ask to be named as an insured entity. However, some insurance companies will not do that due to the consideration of how that may impact your policy.

___ Is wifi available? If so, and you need it, check the signal strength and speed at the location where your boat will be tied up.

___ If you have a dinghy, can it be stored on the property?

___ Will the marina accept deliveries of packages and hold them for you?

___ Are there clean restrooms and showers?

Download a printable version of the checklist, here.

Start with determining what's important to you, get your questions in order, and then set up an appointment and visit the marina to get an idea whether it's right for you. You can use Waterway Guide's map-based marina display to see the facilities in the area you want to consider, and the marina comparison tool in Explorer to begin your research.

Finally, our friends at Oasis Marinas are offering UP TO 20% OFF annual slip leasing at participating marinas.

And always consider well-managed and contemporary marinas as a good option when it comes to entrusting your boat to facilities and personnel when you're not aboard. Peace of mind that your investment is in good hands is your objective when choosing a marina. Choose wisely.