With all the choices boaters have, it may be difficult for them to pick the perfect Louisiana marina for their precious vehicle. While they all advertise excellent services, not all of them deliver. It is an excellent reason to spend a little time investigating and checking out the various services that are offered by all the local marinas.
Do your homework before making a decision. Switching marinas can be more costly than you think. Part of this is the fact that, a Louisiana marina generally requests a minimum term commitment. Breaking your contract may hurt your pocket book.
When checking out your local marina options, think about these 7 issues:
- Location – Most boaters want a Louisiana marina close to home. They rather spend the time on their boat then going back and forth to the docks. Driving long distances every time you want to go on a pleasure ride or fishing can cost you a lot on fuel. At the current gas prices, that is an expense you can live without.
- Mooring options – Verify what your mooring options are. Most marinas will not allow you to live on your boat. Finding marinas that allow residential moorings are few and far between. Always read the mooring terms a Louisiana marina will incorporate in their contract. If you cannot agree to all of them, move on to next harbor.
- Mooring charges – Ensure that you understand a marina’s mooring policies and fee structure. Inquire about taxes and extra cost that may occur. Is everything included in your bill, or can you be charged extra for some services? For instance, what is being charged for electricity to your boat and sewage disposal? Clarify everything before signing on the dotted line.
- Services – Find a Louisiana marina that also offers extra conveniences, such as a fueling station, fish cleaning and bait. Although it is far more thrilling to have your own experiences of putting your catch on the scale and capturing the moment by taking photographs, if that is not what you like to do, you should have other options.
- Security - Check the crime rate in and around your local marinas. Which places are the most secure?
- Noise – Most people use their boat to get away from everyday stresses, people and noise. Find a Louisiana marina that can offer peace and tranquility.
- Amenities – After a day on the water you may be very hungry. Make sure that a restaurant with hospitable service and home Cajun cooking is nearby. Enjoying a delicious seafood platter or a juicy steak is the perfect way to finish the weekend.