How Much Is It to Dock a Boat in the UK? (5 Boat Types)
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to docking fees. In the UK, different boat types have several docking requirements that can affect the overall cost of docking. In this article, you'll get a better idea of how much you need to spend to dock certain types of boats in the United Kingdom.
In the UK, the docking cost for a sailboat ranges from £1,000 to £5,000 per year; for a rowboat, it's less than £1,000 per year; and for a dinghy, it’s less than £500 per year. A fishing boat’s docking rates range from £5,000 to £10,000 per year, while a bowrider's can range from £2,000 to £5,000 per year.
If docking is too expensive for your budget, you can try mooring instead. There are different types of moorings available in the UK, such as residential moorings, inland waterways, and towpath moorings. Let's learn more about these types of moorings and their associated costs as we dive into the details of each below.
Summary
- The cost of docking a fishing boat can range from £5,000 to £10,000 per year, even higher than sailboats. This is because they typically have larger sizes and require more specialized equipment.
- The cheapest boat to dock in the UK is a dinghy, which only costs less than £500 a year.
- For a short-term stay, you may want to opt for inland waterway mooring, which costs only £10 - £20 per night.
- Aside from the slip fee, you may also be responsible for paying VAT and other charges such as pump-out services, electricity, and water use while docked.
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Breakdown of Costs for Docking 5 Different Types of Boats
The cost of docking your boat in the UK can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the size of your boat, the type of boat, the location of the marina, and the time of the year.
Docking fees during peak seasons can be higher than during off-peak seasons. Additionally, different types of boats have different docking requirements, which can also affect the cost.
Below is a breakdown of the costs of docking 5 different types of boats in the UK:
| Boat Type | Docking Cost per Year |
|---|---|
| Sailboats | £1,000 - £5,000 |
| Rowboats | Less than £1,000 |
| Dinghy | Less than £500 |
| Fishing Boat | £5,000 - £10,000 |
| Bowrider | £2,000 - £5,000 |
Docking costs for sailboats can escalate up to £1,000 - £5,000 a year
The cost of docking a sailboat can vary significantly depending on the location of the marina. Some marinas in London or other major cities may charge higher fees than those in more rural areas.
Some marinas, on the other hand, offer discounts for long-term docking contracts, which can help reduce the overall cost of owning and maintaining a sailboat.
The average docking cost for a sailboat can range from £1,000 to £5,000 per year, depending on the size of the boat and the location of the marina. Larger sailboats will typically cost more to dock than smaller ones.
Read this article to know more about the different types of sailboats and how you can recognize them.
The docking cost for a rowboat is typically less than £1,000 per year
While the docking cost for a rowboat is generally lower than that of a sailboat, owners may still need to pay additional fees for storage or maintenance services.
Some marinas may require rowboat owners to provide their own docking equipment, such as ropes or fenders.
Rowboats are a smaller type of boat that is often used for recreational purposes. The docking cost for a rowboat is typically less than £1,000 per year. However, this cost can vary depending on the location of the marina and the size of the boat.
The cost of docking a dinghy is typically less than £500 per year
Dinghies are a small, inflatable type of boat that is often used for fishing or other recreational activities. The docking cost for a dinghy is typically less than £500 per year. However, this cost can vary depending on the location of the marina and the size of the boat.
While the cost of docking a dinghy is generally lower than that of other types of boats, owners may still need to pay additional fees for storage or maintenance services.Some marinas may also require dinghy owners to provide their own docking equipment, such as anchors or mooring lines.
Interested in purchasing a dinghy? Here's how to know what type of dinghy suits you best.
The cost of docking fishing boats can range from £5,000 to £10,000 per year
Fishing boats are a larger type of boat that is often used for commercial purposes. The docking cost for a fishing boat can range from £5,000 to £10,000 per year, depending on the size of the boat and the location of the marina.
The cost of docking a fishing boat can be quite high due to the larger size and more specialized equipment required. Some marinas may offer additional services such as fueling or cleaning for an extra fee.
The docking cost for a bowrider can range from £2,000 to £5,000 per year
Bowriders are a popular type of boat that is often used for recreational purposes. The docking cost for a bowrider can range from £2,000 to £5,000 per year, depending on the size of the boat and the location of the marina.
The cost of docking a bowrider can vary depending on the amenities offered by the marina. For example, marinas with more luxurious facilities may charge higher fees.
Some marinas may also charge additional fees for services such as electricity or water hookups.
Mooring Options in the UK and Their Associated Costs
The cost of mooring your boat depends on various factors such as location, size of the boat, and the type of mooring you choose.
Below are the different types of moorings available in the UK and their associated costs:
| Type of Mooring | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Residential Moorings | £2,000 - £10,000 per year |
| Inland Waterways - Short-term | £10 - £20 per night |
| Inland Waterways - Permanent | £2,000 - £5,000 per year |
| Towpath Moorings | £500 - £2,000 per year |
Residential moorings costs between £2,000 and £10,000 per year
Residential moorings are a popular choice for boat owners who are looking for a permanent place to moor their boats. These moorings are situated in marinas or on canals and rivers and offer all the necessary facilities such as electricity, water, and waste disposal.
The cost of a residential mooring can vary depending on the location and the size of the boat. On average, you can expect to pay between £2,000 and £10,000 per year for a residential mooring.
Mooring in inland waterways costs between £10 and £20 per night
These waterways offer a range of mooring options, including permanent moorings and short-term moorings. The cost of mooring your boat on inland waterways can vary depending on the location and the length of time you want to moor your boat.
On average, you can expect to pay between £10 and £20 per night for a short-term mooring and between £2,000 and £5,000 per year for a permanent mooring.
Towpath moorings cost around £500 to £2,000 per year
Towpath moorings are a great option for boat owners who want to moor their boats in a quiet and peaceful location. These moorings are situated along the towpath of canals and rivers and offer a range of facilities such as water and waste disposal.
The cost of a towpath mooring can vary depending on the location and the size of the boat. On average, you can expect to pay between £500 and £2,000 per year for a towpath mooring.
Planning to sail around the UK? Here are some of the most fun-sailing towns in the UK you should visit.
Additional Costs to Consider When Docking a Boat in the UK
The costs of docking a boat don't end with the slip fee. There are several additional costs to consider that can add up quickly. Here are some of the most common additional costs to keep in mind:
| Cost | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | The cost of fuel needed to power your boat | £1.30 - £1.36 per liter |
| Storage | The cost of storing your boat at a marina or boatyard | £500 - £2,000 per year |
| Maintenance | The cost of regular maintenance, such as cleaning, repairs, and winterizing | £500 - £2,000 per year |
| VAT | The Value Added Tax you may be responsible for paying | 20% of applicable costs |
| Other Charges | Other fees you may be responsible for paying, such as pump-out fees, electricity, and water | £100 - £500 per year |
Additional costs for fuel consumption
Depending on the size of your boat and how often you use it, you could be spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on fuel each year. You may need to factor in fuel costs when budgeting for your boating expenses.
Additional costs for storage and maintenance
If you don't have space to store your boat at home, you'll need to pay for storage at a marina or boatyard. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as cleaning, repairs, and winterizing, can add up quickly.
Additional costs for VAT and other charges
Some marinas charge a pump-out fee for emptying your holding tank. You may also be responsible for paying for any electricity or water you use while docked.
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