Looking to moor small sailboat in Toronto, ON, but marina fees are equal to boat cost. Know anywhere cheap?

Question

The boat would probably be around 26 ft in length, and I don't own a car, so want to keep it in the water, so I can just walk down and sail away. The problem is if I buy a boat, then I have to pay for it again each year in fees. Does anyone know of a cheap marina that can be used for less than, say, $1000 per year?

Answer 1

that is the going rate for any boat $1,000.00 a season and thats at a City owned Marina. good luck

Answer 2

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news... but here is the truth... I wish someone had told me these "facts" when I bought my first boat that was so big I could not trailer it... but, I had to learn the hard way.

And, I am sorry... but: if you have not yet bought the boat, and you are balking at $1,000... you better think again.

I had two boats on Lake Ontario for over 20 years... (one each on both sides of the Lake ie: US & Canada... )  Neither, is any better then the other....  My oldest son still has one at Island Marina, Toronto.

A 26 footer is going to cost you a lot more than $1,000 a year...  Probably closer to $5,000.  It will cost you $2,000 for just the summer season at a slip (or dock) .  Plus, in order to get one of these slips, you will have to sign an annual contract... First off, you will have a minimum $100 deposit. Then (depending on how you are getting your boat to the Marina - you will pay another ($4.00) a foot to have the mast put up or taken down, another $4.00 a foot to have it put up again.  If your boat does not have a cradle, you will have to buy one ($500) and then, you will pay another $100 to have your boat put in it (for winter storage) and another $100 to have them take it out (for summer season). You will pay (approx.) $800.00 for winter storage, $150.00 to have your boat put in the water, another $150.00 to have it taken out in winter, - so you are now up to $4,040.00 and you haven't yet paid for any maintenance...  or Engine Winterizing or Summerizing, Water System Winterizing or Summerizing, Mast Stepping, Fuel Filter Changes, Engine Oil Changes, Drive Oil Changes, Shrinkwrap or Shrinkwrap Removal, Bottom Painting, etc. etc.

Sorry man... I know this is not what you want to hear... but I have been there and done that.  The only thing this experience will open wider than your eyes... is your wallet. I don't know of a single marina that will even let you take down or put up your own mast (liability to other boats - they say)... In fact, I don't know of any marina that will let you bring in your own mechanic... or maintenance person of any kind... (they make you use theirs).

But the good news is... aside from all the above... Man, I wish you the best... because it is a wonderful life!

Happy & Safe Boating.