Berthing is the largest single item in most owners' annual costs. The contract, however, is usually signed unread. The differences between marinas are not only in price but in what is included, where the risk sits, and what happens when you leave.
1. What Sets the Price
- Length, usually per metre, sometimes by area (length × beam). The difference grows on beamy boats.
- Term, daily, monthly, seasonal, annual. An annual contract is markedly cheaper than the daily rate.
- Season, summer and winter tariffs differ; wintering is generally cheaper.
- Position, within the same marina, an inner berth and one near the entrance can be priced differently.
- Catamarans and multihulls, usually a multiplier, sometimes charged as two boats.
2. Ten Clauses to Read
| Clause | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What is included | Water, electricity, showers, parking, wifi, waste reception, included or billed separately? Is electricity metered or a flat charge? |
| Lift-out and hardstanding | Included in the berthing fee? For how many days, and how is the rest charged? |
| Price increases | On an annual contract, what is the increase tied to? A vague clause produces a surprise next year. |
| Liability and insurance | What damage is the marina responsible for, and what not? Is a minimum cover limit required? |
| Outside contractors | Can you bring your own people, with what permission and fee? If you are planning a refit this clause is decisive. |
| Work rules | Which work may be carried out aboard, which is prohibited (blasting, spraying, welding), and at what hours? |
| Living aboard | Permitted, chargeable, or time-limited? |
| Transfer on sale | Does the contract pass to a new owner, or is there a refund? |
| Termination and refunds | If you leave early, is the remaining term refunded, and at what proportion? |
| Lien over the vessel | The marina's rights over the boat where an account is unpaid, the clause most often skipped and the heaviest in consequence. |
The two clauses that matter most: limitation of liability and the lien. Most marinas limit their responsibility for damage substantially, meaning your insurance is your business. In return, an unpaid account creates rights over the boat. The two are read together.
3. Buying and Selling
- Selling: obtain written confirmation that berthing and hardstanding accounts are clear before transfer. Unpaid debts cause trouble with the boat.
- Buying: ask for that confirmation, and ask whether the existing contract can be transferred to you. In some marinas it can, saving a wait on the list.
- Mid-season transfer: who owns the remaining term should be written into the sale agreement.
4. Practical Checks When Choosing a Berth
- Wind and swell direction: berths near the entrance move more in bad weather. Over a long stay that accelerates wear on lines and fenders.
- Depth: your draft against the depth at that berth, worth checking, particularly in shallow water.
- Finger pontoon or lazy line: it decides how easy boarding and handovers are.
- Electrical capacity: does it carry your air-conditioning and charger load?
- Access to lifting: on site or nearby, and how far ahead must a slot be booked?
- Security and cameras: particularly if you will be away for long periods.
5. If You Will Be Away for Months
- Periodic checks by marina staff or a care company, especially after a gale
- Regular inspection of lines and fenders
- Bilge pump and alarm left working (mandatory if she is afloat)
- Battery charging left under control
- An emergency contact and key arrangement in writing
From a survey point of view: on boats left berthed for long periods the items recorded most often are anode consumption, the effects of stray current, line chafe and the state of the bilge. A short annual condition check keeps all four from growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The limitation of liability and the lien. Most marinas limit responsibility for damage substantially, while an unpaid account creates rights over the boat. The two are read together.
It varies; ask whether electricity is metered or a flat charge. If you run air-conditioning the difference becomes significant over a year.
In some marinas it requires permission and a fee; in others it is not allowed. If you are planning a refit, this clause should drive your choice of marina.
In some marinas it can. For a buyer that avoids a wait on the list, worth raising during the sale.
Unpaid berthing and hardstanding accounts cause trouble at transfer. As a buyer ask for written clearance; as a seller settle before transfer.
Periodic checks, inspection of lines and fenders, a working bilge pump and alarm, controlled battery charging, and an emergency contact and key arrangement in writing.
Related Pages
Marina Fees in Turkey 2026Annual berthing calculatorMarina Guide23 marinas comparedWinterisation GuideStanding ashore and supportYacht InsuranceCover while berthedSelling Your BoatClearing accounts before transferPurchase Agreement GuideTransfer day checklistRegulations, Documents and EnvironmentWaste and environmental rules
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💬 WhatsApp 📝 Written quote 📞 +90 501 5 SURVEYLast reviewed: September 2026. Maritime regulations and charges change; confirm with the relevant authority or your agent before acting. If you spot something out of date on this page, tell us.