From the dockmaster's desk
If you called five marinas about monthly vs annual slip contract, you'd get five different answers — not because anyone is hiding the truth, but because every harbor runs on its own contracts, depths, and storm policies. This page is the version we wish every dockmaster had time to give a first-time caller.
Monthly contracts give you flexibility; annual contracts give you a meaningfully lower per-foot rate and a guaranteed slip in tight markets. The right choice depends on how long you'll stay in one harbor.
Annual rates typically run 15–30% below the monthly equivalent. Annual contracts also lock in shore-power rates, parking access, and waitlist priority for slip upgrades.
Monthly is the right call for snowbirds, Loopers, and anyone testing a region before committing — but expect to pay a premium and be the first to lose your slip if the marina oversells.
Annual wins when
- • Boat stays year-round
- • Marina has a waitlist
- • You want parking + storage
- • Slip upgrades are competitive
- • Tax write-off (charter)
Monthly wins when
- • Testing a new region
- • Snowbird transit
- • Boat for sale
- • Job relocation possible
- • Loop or extended cruise