How do I compare two marinas properly?

Short answer

Compare the immovable things first: depth and berth fit, haul-out capability on site, trade depth, and the written liveaboard rule. Those four decide whether a marina works for your boat over years. Price, restaurants and appearance are real but secondary, and they are the things most easily changed by the marina and most easily oversold in photographs. Put the two candidates side by side on the hard facts, and only use the soft ones to break a tie.

By Gabriel Machuret · Updated 2026-10-02

How to Compare Two Marinas Properly: practical steps

Line up the physical fitBerth length and width, controlling depth at low tide, and fairway access. If one marina fails here, the comparison is over.
Compare haul-out on site versus nearbyA lift on site versus a 40-minute delivery every antifoul is a material cost and time difference over a decade of ownership.
Count the tradesWho actually works on site. Ask both marinas for their tenant or contractor list.
Put the two liveaboard rules next to each otherEven if you do not plan to live aboard, the rule tells you how each marina treats long-stay berth-holders.
Normalise the priceConvert both to dollars per metre per year, then add metered power, liveaboard surcharges and hardstand rates so you are comparing the same thing.
Weigh reputation last, and adjust itRaw star ratings are unreliable at low volume. Look at review counts, not just averages.

Questions to ask the marina

What is the all-in annual cost for my vessel, including power and any surcharges?
What work can be done on site, and what has to leave?
How many berth-holders have been here more than five years?