Why have a boat slip? The answer is easy to understand when you see the cost savings.
When to get a Boat Slip
Keeping my boat in a slip, ready to be dropped into the water, was an incredible convenience I enjoyed. It was worth having, seeing how much I was fishing at the time (10-15 days a month).
Today, I no longer keep my boat in a slip (I have a smaller boat that fits in my garage), but if I were to ever get a slip again, I'd have to make sense of the numbers first.
Wear and Tear
A boat slip prevents wear and tear on your boat, trailer and truck.
The roads in Louisiana are an abomination, ready to deal out damage points to all three. If you don't have to trailer over them, then you don't have to suffer their nonsense.
The trailer would be stored safely, the boat comfortably hanging above the water and your truck wouldn't take the potholes so badly because there is no weight on the ball hitch.
Speaking of the Devil...
Yesterday I spent time replacing old hardware attaching my rear bumper to the truck's frame.
Trailering over incredibly crappy, potholed roads stretched and broke old hardware, causing the bumper to bounce up and down on the remaining hardware.
I noticed this and replaced the old hardware.
The problem is alleviated for the time being, until I can get the crack welded or acquire a new bumper.
If I had a boat slip I wouldn't be dealing with this nonsense.
Launch Fees
I remember the hoist and backdown at Breton Sound Marina (now Hopedale Marina). Some anglers used the backdown, which cost $10 and others used the hoist, $20.
If you're fishing 10+ times a month, those costs quickly add up.
Convenience
The convenience of pulling up to my slip, dropping the boat down and leaving was awesome. No waiting on people to back down. No lines. No hassle.
Oh yeah, I loved having my own place to clean fish! It's nice to clean my fish without being bugged about where I went.
It's up to you to decide how much that is worth. As for me, I'm not swimming in Scrooge McDuck's money pond, so the numbers have to make sense before I pull the trigger on another slip.
Speaking of numbers...
Quick math reveals the savings:
$10 for a launch fee
$10 wear & tear on your boat, trailer, and truck (you know it's way more than that)
$10 in fuel savings from not hauling a boat (a conservative number)
If you fish 5 to 10 times a month, you are looking at diverting the aforementioned cost into a boat slip, anywhere from $150 to $300 a month.
Boat Slip Amenities
These are the things I look for in a boat slip:
Are there cleaning tables for my catch?
Is there trash pickup?
Running water to clean everything off?
Electricity and overhead lights?
Plus's include:
ice machine
Is it sprayed for bugs? (I hate spiders in my console...stay out, you rascals)
pressure washer
screened cleaning tables (no gnats!)
or a large, mounted fan to keep bugs off while cleaning fish/boat
What does a boat slip cost?
In my experience, I've seen them go for anywhere from $150 to $300 a month. It really depends on the owner, the renter and what amenities are available.
Some slips are just that, a slip. Others have a walk-in cabin, or are built like a garage, complete with a closing door for security.
Rates can be negotiated, but expect to pay in advance for the long-term.
My Boat Slip
My slip cost me $250/month, due every six months.
It had running water, electricity, cleaning tables and was sprayed for bugs. Best of all, it was just down the bayou from Campo's Marina, the kings of dockside service in Louisiana.
Conclusion
It's up to you what you want. Everyone has different needs and circumstances.
At the bare minimum you should know when it makes sense to get a boat slip and what to look for. It might save you a lot of time and money!
I hear ya loud and clear, and do the same thing.
I want my boat on the trailer at my house, not hanging in a boat slip. This way I have the flexibility to launch at different places: Eden Isles, Rigolets, Chef’s Pass, Hopedale, many other places all over Louisiana and Mississippi. Also, I work on my boat a lot to keep her maintained, so I want her in my driveway near my tools and oils, filters, etc.