Gone are the days when a marina was just a place to berth your boat. These days a Melbourne marina can provide the perfect spot for vacations, quick weekend getaways, and even a permanent dwelling on the water. When choosing a marina there are certain things that a boater should look out for as your choice can make a big impact on your overall boating experience. Here are seven of them.
1.Cost
There’s no fixed berthing price in Melbourne. Mooring rates often depend on the location of the marina, the size, the facilities available and the quality of services rendered. Marinas with state-of-the-art facilities charge higher rates because they make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
So, if the cost of berthing at a marina is cheap, there’s a possibility that you will not be getting quality service.
2.Accessibility And Space
The location of a Melbourne marina determines how accessible it is for boaters. Marinas that are accessible in all tides and not so far away from the city are the best places to berth your boat. It is also important for the marina to have adequate parking space with convenient loading and unloading bays and trolleys. Nothing is more frustrating than returning from a boat ride and driving around to get parking space for your boat.
3.Condition Of The Facility
Nothing beats a marina that is clean, adequately maintained and free of pollution. Marinas with old docks and broken electrical connections are unsafe for boaters. A good marina should boast of good electrical fittings,
safety equipment, tidy surroundings, clean water, and unpolluted air.
4.Amenities
The amenities available at a marina determine your overall boating experience. When essentials like laundry, freshwater, bathrooms, WIFI, lounge, and restaurants are available within the marina facility, you can be sure that you will have a great time there. You can also find a marina that provides pest areas, playgrounds, and rental services to enhance customer satisfaction. A facility that has a social atmosphere is a great choice for any boater.
5.Security
A good marina must provide adequate security for boaters. You cannot enjoy your vacation or getaway in an unsafe environment. The availability of security cameras and a patrol team often gives guests a sense of security.
6.Emergency Response Procedure
The Melbourne marina you choose must be prepared to tackle any emergency that may arise within the facility. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a storm or flood, a fuel spill or a fire emergency, there should be an efficient response procedure in place. A comprehensive first aid kit, fire extinguishers, spill response kits, fire hose reels and hydrants are some of the emergency tools that a marina should have on site. The staff must also be trained on how to give emergency first aid.
7.Maintenance, Fuel, and Pump-out
Access to maintenance, fuel and pump out makes boating easy. Boats can develop mechanical problems at any time. For that reason, you need to choose a marina that offers repair and maintenance services. If the maintenance facility is not on site, then it shouldn’t be too far from the marina.
Additionally, boaters should be able to get fuel and pump out around the marina.
Boating is fun when you berth at a Melbourne marina that caters to your needs at any time you call on them.
Remember that convenience is everything. So, if you are not getting value for your money, then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.