Read your slip agreement
Annual slip contracts often require notice before you leave, and some charge the full season whether or not the boat is there. Check the notice period and whether the marina refunds unused months.
If your contract renews automatically, send notice as soon as you decide to donate.
Timing the pickup
A boat in a slip is usually picked up at the marina's ramp or hauled out with its travel lift. We schedule around the marina's calendar and your notice date so you are not paying for extra months.
For a mooring, we arrange for the boat to be brought to a dock or ramp. The mooring itself is not part of the donation.
Fees owed up to the transfer
Slip fees and marina bills owed up to the transfer date stay with the owner. After the boat leaves, it is our responsibility. We confirm the balance with you before pickup so there are no surprises.
What a slip really costs
Slip fees are only part of the bill. Many marinas add electricity, liveaboard or storage surcharges, and required insurance. Over a year, a boat that rarely leaves the dock can cost several thousand dollars just to keep.
Waitlisted slips
In busy harbors, a slip can be hard to get back once you give it up. If you plan to buy another boat soon, ask the marina whether you can keep the slip for the next boat before you give notice.
Liveaboard boats
If someone lives aboard, plan the move-out date first. We schedule pickup after the boat is empty and the marina has been told.
Questions
Can the boat stay in the slip until it sells?
Usually not. Once the donation is complete we move the boat, so you can end the slip agreement.
Does the marina need to approve the donation?
Most marinas just need to know who is collecting the boat and when. Some require a signed release, which we help with.
What if I have prepaid the season?
Ask the marina whether it refunds or credits unused months. That is between you and the marina, but we can time the pickup to help.
Can I transfer my slip to the next owner?
That depends on your marina. Most do not allow slip transfers with a boat sale or donation.
What if the marina is closed for the season?
We coordinate with the marina office for access or schedule when it reopens.