5 Reasons to Join a Marina in the Okanagan

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Words by Steve Fennell

Joining a marina in the Okanagan has many benefits for local and transient boaters as they are a gateway to enjoying boating to the fullest extent. Walk to your designated slip, unpacked supplies, fire up the engine(s), untie the lines, and off you go. It’s that simple and can be enjoyed all season at a moment's notice. But there are other justifiable reasons to join a marina as well, and here are a few points to consider if you’re looking to try something new to enhance your boating experiences this season.

1. They are Safe and Reliable

Managers or owners of reputable, larger marinas in busy areas like the Okanagan take it upon themselves to ensure the utmost security among the marina grounds. This could range from security gates with electronic access control systems and CCTV cameras to security personnel that routinely monitor the slips and grounds after night falls.

Additionally, if your boat is equipped with an onboard security/monitoring system, and an alert is sent to your smartphone, a quick phone call to the marina for a follow up is about as quick and easy as it gets to remedy any concerns.

While no on-water structure is 100 percent resistant to inclement conditions, many marinas are intentionally located, designed, and/or upgraded with break walls or other structures to limit the amount of exposure to rough water or other conditions, thus providing one other element of reliability for your vessel.

2. They Offer Enlightening Social Spaces

Being in one location where everyone shares a common bond makes for a happy social atmosphere. Meeting others you wouldn’t normally meet, chatting among the slips, or dropping by a fellow boater’s slip for happy hour is one of the joys of joining a marina, especially during a relaxing vacation.

This social aspect can also lead to further insight into the boating lifestyle. Other boaters are a wealth of information and hearing about new experiences, destinations, and getting unbiased advice on tech issues are all common within a marina’s atmosphere.

3. Experience Local Culture

Joining a marina when living out of town provides the chance to not only get away from work and your local area, but you can enjoy the local culture. Discovering or revisiting local eateries, checking out unique artisan shops, or stocking up on a favourite vintage of wine from your preferred winery is always fun. Marinas are a great place to spend a few weeks on a boat during a holiday – on and off the water.

4. There’s Maintenance, Services, and More 

Breaking down due to mechanical issues or damage before, after, and especially during a boating trip is well, impractical. In these cases, the convenience of a marina is priceless, particularly if it has on-site, certified marine technicians and service bays. If there’s an issue with the engine, a marine technician (whether they are from the marina itself or a rep from the engine manufacturer) may be able to resolve the issue (s) right in the boat at the slip. Even if major surgery is required for the engine or other components, they will simply haul your boat out and repair the damage on-site. When more specialty work is required, marinas are always a great starting point for advice and local recommendations.

Additionally, many of the established marinas in the Okanagan are a one-stop shop for dumping waste tanks, stocking up on water, and in some cases filling up with fuel (either at the marina or close by).

5. Knowledgeable Staff

Many established marinas make it common practice to assist and encourage you to enjoy time on the water. They are familiar with the local lakes and can offer insight on destinations, fishing locations as well as technical issues, upgrades, boat handling, and even information on aftermarket systems. Plus, the management and staff are experienced boaters themselves and are another great resource to learn more about boating.

In many cases, it simply makes sense to join a marina if you own a boat of more than 30 - 35 feet as towing and launching can be time-consuming. If you don’t prefer your boat to sit in the water all season or you have limited use at times, dry storage is an option to inquire about. Your boat can be launched at a moment's notice when you’re ready to go out, and then hauled back in when you return (it offers some cost savings as well). Either way, it’s always worth reaching out to a marina to see what your options are and understand why so many boaters dock their boat at a marina every season.