Transient Docking: A Cruiser's Planning Playbook

Transient rates are quoted in dollars-per-foot-per-night, applied to your full LOA. Standard U.S. transient rates run $2.50–$6.00/foot/night. Premium destinations (Newport, Nantucket, Block Island, Miami Beach, Cabo San Lucas adjacency) run $7–$12.

Electricity is almost always extra: $10–$25/night for 30A, $15–$40 for 50A. Many marinas also charge a small dockage fee and a Wi-Fi surcharge.

Florida winter (Dec–Apr): 2–6 months for the East Coast and Keys. New England summer (Jul–Aug): 3–9 months for the prime destinations. Pacific Northwest (Jul–Sep): 1–3 months. Great Lakes summer: 1–2 months. Gulf Coast: usually 1–2 weeks except holidays. Off-season anywhere: same-day or next-day is realistic.

Confirmed slip number or assignment policy. Quoted total cost including electricity and taxes. Cancellation policy and deposit terms. Gate code or dockmaster contact for after-hours arrival. Confirmation that the slip accommodates your LOA, beam, and draft.

Call on VHF channel 16 (or the marina's working channel — usually 9, 10, or 71) about 15 minutes out. Confirm slip assignment, approach side, and any tidal current to expect. Have fenders rigged on both sides until you know which side will be docked, and dock lines on bow, stern, and at least one spring.

A good dockmaster meets you at the slip and takes a line. A great one walks you to the office for paperwork and gives you the local weather and a dinner recommendation. If you're left to fend for yourself in a 20-knot crosswind, that's a sign about how the marina operates.

Booking without confirming controlling depth. Showing up with no cash for a cash-only fuel dock. Underestimating wind and current at slack tide. Skipping the spring line. Not asking about overnight noise or pump-out hours.