The marina must confirm the dimensions and approach of an actual berth for your whole boat, not just quote a published maximum length.
Measure the occupied space
Record length overall with any bowsprit, platform, tender, davits or fixed overhang that occupies the pen. Give the operator both the hull length and the space you expect to occupy; those can differ.
Beam should include permanent projections that affect alongside clearance. On a catamaran, ask about side clearance and fairway manoeuvring before assuming that a berth suitable by length is suitable by width.
- What is the maximum occupied length and beam for the proposed pen?
- Are overhangs or alongside fenders permitted at that berth?
- Is there enough room to manoeuvre your boat in the adjacent fairway?
Separate berth depth from route depth
Your draft matters at the pen, along the approach and at any sill or channel on the route. A published depth or vessel limit does not prove that every point on your arrival route suits your boat.
Air draft is a separate constraint. Ask about bridges, overhead wires and any route-specific restrictions, then use current official navigation information when planning a passage.
- What depth information applies to this exact berth and approach?
- Are there tidal windows or fixed overhead restrictions?
- Who provides current arrival instructions and local notices?
Send one complete vessel brief
An efficient enquiry gives the operator boat type, length overall, beam, draft, air draft, displacement where relevant, and the stay you want. Include a contact number and ask for written confirmation of the berth offered.
Compare the answer to your real use: occasional visits, a year-round home base or maintenance access. The same boat can need different facilities for each purpose.
- Which exact berth is being offered for these dimensions?
- Does the confirmation cover my normal tender or overhang arrangement?
- What should I re-check before arrival?
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
FAQs about this choice.
Is maximum vessel length enough to decide whether my boat fits?
No. The actual berth, beam clearance, draft, approach and turning room matter too. Ask the operator to assess your complete vessel brief for a named berth.
Should I include my swim platform and davits in length overall?
Tell the marina about any fixed overhang or equipment that uses berth space, even if your registration length excludes it.
Does a recorded draft figure guarantee access?
No. A recorded number may not describe every part of the route or current conditions. Confirm the exact approach with the operator and current official navigation sources.
For more common questions, visit the marina berth FAQ.