Which marina is ideal for your vessel? Indeed, looking at our country as a whole, one might say that there’s an abundance of choices: along the 7,700 kilometers of Italian coastline, there are 537 tourist ports and marinas, offering a total of over 156,000 berths (these numbers were collected by Enit). It’s not surprising, therefore, to sometimes find oneself in difficulty when choosing one’s reference marina, where the boat will spend most of its time. What are the factors to consider in finding the perfect tourist port for your boat? Here’s a guide summarizing all the key factors.
How to choose the marina for your boat: our advice
How to choose the ideal marina for your vessel? Indeed, looking at our country as a whole, one might say that there’s an abundance of choices: along the 7,700 kilometers of Italian coastline, there are 537 tourist ports and marinas, offering a total of over 156,000 berths (these numbers were collected by Enit). It’s not surprising, therefore, to sometimes find oneself in difficulty when choosing one’s reference marina, where the boat will spend most of its time. What are the factors to consider in finding the perfect tourist port for your boat? Here’s a guide summarizing all the key factors.
The characteristics of the moorings: obviously, the first thing to consider when choosing a marina for your boat is the set of characteristics of the moorings, starting with the dimensions. As is known, there are berths for small boats as well as berths dedicated to large yachts; in addition to length and width, draft should also be considered to avoid scraping the bottom.
The geographical location of the port: when selecting your reference marina, it’s essential to carefully evaluate its geographical position, seeking the perfect compromise between your needs. The ideal marina should be sufficiently close to home, allowing frequent use of the boat without having to face long journeys, but also convenient for reaching your preferred destinations by boat.
The protection of the moorings: once the ideal geographical location for mooring your boat has been identified, it’s also important to evaluate how well it’s protected from adverse weather conditions and storms. There are ports in fantastic locations, perfect for immediate access to the open sea, which, however, are dangerously exposed to waves and wind: our tourist port in Genoa, for example, is protected by the large outer breakwater, which safeguards against storms.
Parking: here’s an element that boaters often don’t think about when choosing the ideal marina for their boat. In case of a shortage of car parking spaces near the moorings, especially during high season, it could be very stressful to prepare the boat for an outing or a cruise: it’s better to ensure you have a dedicated parking space near the port.
Reputation: it certainly doesn’t hurt to check the “reputation” of the tourist port, knowing that in the boating community there will always be someone happy to share their experiences at that particular marina. There are plenty of ways to seek out others’ experiences: from simple chats on the dock to online reviews, to actual threads on forums dedicated to recreational boating.
The location of the marina: when talking about the position of the marina, one shouldn’t stop at the pure geographical location along the coast. It’s important to evaluate the location as a whole: is the port a cathedral in the desert, far from everything and everyone? Or is it well-served? Our marina in Genoa is, for example, right in the historic center, surrounded by all services and just a few steps away from the attractions of Genoa’s UNESCO site.
Ease of movement: one must not neglect the space available for maneuvering, based on the size of your boat, its maneuverability, and your own capabilities. It’s better to be able to enter and exit the berth without stress!
Maintenance services: of course, the desire would be to never need them, and therefore to have a boat always in perfect order, functioning and safe in every aspect. The reality, however, is different. As we know, boats are subject to wear and tear, practically in every part. An engine that acts up, a winch that jams, a tank that leaks, a tubular that doesn’t hold pressure. There are potentially many reasons to turn to boat maintenance professionals: the reference marina should therefore offer an expert maintenance service, to always have specialists to turn to in case of need.
Other available services: maintenance is only one of the many services that could be sought in the reference marina for your vessel. The list could obviously be endless, knowing full well that not everyone is looking for the same things. Among the must-haves, there should at least be electrical and water pedestals on the dock, pontoon cleaning service and waste collection, toilets, shower cabins, as well as at least a refreshment point, not to mention, of course, the fire-fighting service, essential for port safety. Tourist ports that also offer Wi-Fi, restaurants, supermarkets, and equipment storage should be preferred.
The staff: a tourist port is not just made of structures. In a marina, its team also plays a crucial role, with the awareness that a tourist port with a good team can always offer a quality service: from the mooring attendants to the port managers, every figure is essential to give boaters the best experience.
The community: it has been said that the people who make up its staff are very important in a port. But they’re not the only ones: it should not be entirely overlooked that a community forms around a tourist port, that is, a collective of boaters who choose to moor their boat in those specific berths. Who will be your boat neighbors? And why not great neighbors with whom you’ll love spending time together?
The marina rules: every marina has its rules, and in choosing the perfect berth, it’s good to inquire about them, to be sure not to get trapped in rule systems that are too rigid for your tastes.
The costs of the marina: finally, of course, to choose the ideal marina, it’s necessary to evaluate the costs, and therefore the berth rates. As we know, the right price for mooring in the tourist port is defined by various factors, and therefore by the location, the services offered, and so on: it’s all about finding the perfect compromise between needs and available budget!
