Pick your location. You will want to pick a general geographic location for your boat's home. If you are using your boat as a vacation home, you might want to choose something a little further from home. If you're a day tripper, choosing a location within an hour or two of your home is a better choice.
Decide what is important to you. How much service do you need? Some people want all of their needs met by marina staff, while others do not. Do you want to be in a marina with a restaurant or a swimming pool? Or would you rather dock in a simple place with just the basics. These decisions can help you narrow down your choices.
Find marinas that meet your needs. Harbor Guides allows you to browse marinas by map and then lists their amenities, services and contact information.
Visit the marinas you've chosen. If possible, visit on a weekend in the summer when things are in full swing. As a rule, boaters love to talk to other boaters, so you can get a lot of information at the marina. You'll also get a sense of whether you fit in or not; for example, if you have a young family, you might want to avoid a marina with an active nightlife.
