Given the number of moorings in Italy, one might think there is no reason to look for alternatives to a berth. According to the latest “La Nautica in Cifre” report by Confindustria Nautica and the Edison Foundation, there are just under 169,000 berths in our country: the region with the most moorings is Sardinia (at 22,899), followed closely by our own Liguria (which has 21,290 berths).
The same study highlights that most moorings are located within multi-purpose facilities, with only 27.4% of berths hosted by marinas, i.e., actual tourist ports, facilities dedicated exclusively to pleasure craft. In fact, there are currently only 92 tourist ports in Italy: in other cases, they are either multi-purpose ports, which dedicate areas to industrial and commercial functions, or seasonal structures, such as removable docks.
In this scenario, given the widespread national passion for boating and the great appeal of our seas, a shortage of berths is actually a recurring issue, with many boaters struggling to find the desired mooring for their vessel. It is therefore not surprising that the search for alternatives to a berth in a marina is quite common, while efforts continue at various levels to promote the further development of tourist ports as a whole. But how should one proceed in the meantime to find a mooring? Let’s look at the main alternatives to a berth.
How to secure a berth in your desired marina
Even before looking for alternatives to a berth in a tourist port, the advice is to take action by expressing your interest in mooring at a specific marina. Of course, there are many marinas in Italy that, due to a strategic location or perhaps thanks to excellent services, are naturally full and therefore constantly have to turn down mooring requests.
However, this does not mean it is not worth expressing interest to join the waiting list of the desired tourist port. It is worth noting that, even with long waiting lists, sometimes you don’t have to wait too long, as the sizes of the various moorings vary. Some join the list for a berth in the dock dedicated to small craft, while others need more space for their sailboat, and some are waiting for a berth for a superyacht.
In short, it is always worth providing your contact details to your preferred marina, chosen based on proximity to home, strategic location along the coast, or the services offered.
Alternatives to a berth: 3 paths to take
As mentioned, one should not be discouraged by the scarcity of available moorings. When the desired tourist port is unavailable, the first option to consider is obviously mooring in a nearby marina, provided it meets your needs at least in part. If even this path is not feasible, there are generally only these three alternatives to a berth:
The trailerable boat option
For a large portion of boaters with smaller vessels, this can be one of the most obvious alternatives to a berth in a marina. We all know the rule: it is possible to transport a hull with a maximum width of 255 centimeters on wheels, and therefore on a specific boat trailer. While maximum length is not an issue—we are talking about 18.75 meters for both car and trailer—another limit to keep in mind is the maximum weight for those with only a Category B license, which is a total of 3,500 kilograms.
Well, even without a more permissive driver’s license, it becomes possible to transport 18, 20, or 22-foot hulls on a trailer, while staying well within the limits mentioned above. The advantages of a trailerable boat—whether it be a RIB, a gozzo, or a sailboat—are certainly many. Thanks to the trailer, you can keep the boat anywhere, from the backyard to a plot of land in the countryside, from the garage to a caravan and motorhome storage facility; furthermore, it becomes possible to freely choose your next nautical destination, moving from one coast of the peninsula to the other with reasonable ease. Additionally, the convenience of slipways for launching and hauling should be considered.
However, there are also several cons, starting with the far from negligible one of the maximum dimensions of the boat that can be trailered. But that’s not all: there is the uniquely Italian paradox of the rarity of slipways, which are very few, and often not freely accessible or poorly maintained. Then there is the lack of the obvious convenience of simply being able to moor the boat in port after an excursion and find it there the next time.
The dry port option
Among the alternatives to a berth in a marina is the dry port. In our country, these facilities are often used solely for winter boat storage, but it should be noted that some structures offer the possibility of permanently parking the boat even during the warm seasons, while also providing launching and hauling services.
The cost of a space in such a facility is typically lower than standard marina rates, but obviously some conveniences are lost: it is necessary to book the launching and hauling of the boat in advance, and it is advisable to respect the given times, not to mention the queues during peak periods.
This alternative to a berth in port does not, therefore, excel in terms of freedom, nor does it offer the services and typical experience of a marina; however, while waiting for a mooring in the water, this can be a good option.
Mooring at a buoy
Finally, the third alternative to a berth in a marina is mooring at a buoy. The advantages are clear: it will be easier to find a spot here than in a tourist port, and mooring costs will be lower. On the other hand, you will not have all the services available on the dock, and you will obviously have to arrange to reach the boat, either with your own tender or by using the transfers provided by the facility (thus returning to the reduction of freedom, schedules, and so on).
Your berth in the center of Genoa
There are, therefore, alternatives to a berth in port, with both advantages and disadvantages. However, those seeking stability, security, and excellent services will undoubtedly prefer a mooring in a marina like ours, right in the city center and with the utmost care for boats and boaters. Are you looking for a berth in Genoa? Contact us, and we will provide you with all the information on availability and waiting lists!