Marina Tips
A Marina is a port within a sheltered harbour where boats and yachts are kept in the water and where services geared to the needs of recreational boating are found.
They often have re-fuelling, washing and repair facilities, small stores and restaurants catering to the needs of the boaters, and Ship chandlers. Slipways are used to get a trailered boat into the water. Many marinas offer a boat hoist well, a type of travelling crane, instead of a more space-wasteful slipway, operated by service center personnel. Many marinas offer some out of water storage, which is useful out of season and important in latitudes susceptible to freezing waters. Marinas may include ground facilities such as parking lots for vehicles and boat trailers.
Anchoring and Mooring
Be sure to enter an anchorage or mooring area at a slow speed. This is like moving into a new neighborhood. You want your neighbors to like you. Again, you don't want to create a wake that would upset someone's dinner or drink.
Marina Manners
When you stop for fuel, keep in mind that other boats may be waiting to get to the fuel dock. Do not leave your boat to pick up groceries or hang out in the bait shop. Tie up securely, follow proper fueling procedures, pay the bill and move away to another docking area or guest slip if you need to do other business ashore.
Tips For On Board Guests
Whenever you invite guests aboard for the day, a weekend or an extended cruise, you should explain to them in advance what is expected of them, especially if they are not experienced boaters. If they are expected to perform duties onboard make sure they know this (and how to do it) before you give the order to swab the deck or handle lines. If you have special "rules" regarding behavior on your boat (smoking, drinking, etc.), let them know before they arrive.
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