How Much Does It Cost To Dry Dock a Boat Exactly? (3 Types)
Are you a boat owner looking to give your vessel some much-needed maintenance? If so, you may need to dry dock your boat, which means you will remove it from the water and place it on land for repairs, cleaning, or storage. But exactly how much does it cost to dry dock a boat? Let's dive in and break down the costs of dry docking a boat and get some tips on how to save money without sacrificing quality.
A 20-foot sailboat costs around $200 to $500 for a month of dry docking. Pontoons measuring 20 feet cost between $200 and $600 to dry dock. For medium-sized boats, costs can vary from $1,000 to $2,000, while for large boats measuring over 40 ft., such as yachts, costs can run between $3,000 and $5,000.
Remember that dry docking is not the only option to store your boat, as you can also opt for wet slip, rack, and garage storage options. Let's compare the prices and characteristics of each of these storage options versus dry dock storage as you continue reading below.
Summary
- The exact cost of dry-docking a boat depends largely on the type of boat, whether it is a sailboat, a pontoon, or a yacht. It will also depend mostly on the size of the boat.
- Other factors that influence the overall costs of dry-docking include the duration of dry-docking, the location of the marina, the materials and types of services you need, the docking fee required in your chosen marina, and other additional costs for cleaning, repair, security, and moving your boat.
- There are other storage options that you may want to consider aside from dry-docking, such as wet slips, racks, or garage storage, and dry docking is the most expensive option, it is also the safest option for your boat.
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Dry Docking Costs by Boat Type
Dry docking costs can vary depending on the type and length of the boat. Here's a table showing the costs of dry docking depending on boat type:
| Boat Type | Average Cost of Dry-Docking Services per Foot (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Sailboat | $20 - $50 |
| Yacht | $50 - $100 |
| Pontoon | $10 - $30 |
Cost of dry-docking a sailboat
Sailboats are typically smaller than yachts, so their dry docking costs are generally lower. The average cost to dry dock a sailboat is around $20 to $50 per foot of length. For example, if your sailboat is 30 feet long, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 for dry-docking services.
Cost of dry-docking a yacht
Yachts are larger than sailboats and require more maintenance, so their dry docking costs are higher. The average cost to dry dock a yacht is around $50 to $100 per foot of length. So, if your yacht is 50 feet long, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000.
Cost of dry-docking a pontoon
Pontoons are smaller than yachts and sailboats, but they still require dry docking services. The average cost to dry dock a pontoon is around $10 to $30 per foot of length. For a pontoon that is 20 feet long, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for dry-docking services.
Dry Docking Costs by Boat Length
Dry docking your sailboat is necessary for maintaining its integrity and prolonging its lifespan. Aside from the type of boat, dry-docking rates can also vary depending on the size of your boat. Here's a table showing the dry-docking costs in terms of boat length:
| Boat Size | Average Cost of Dry-Docking Services (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 feet long) | $200 - $500 |
| Medium (20 to 40 feet long) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Large (over 40 feet long) | $3,000 - $5,000 |
Cost of dry-docking a small boat
Small boats, which are typically under 20 feet long, are the least expensive to dry dock. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for dry-docking services for a small boat. However, keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the location and the specific services provided.
Cost of dry-docking a medium-sized boat
Medium boats, which are typically between 20 and 40 feet long, are more expensive to dry dock than small boats. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for dry-docking services for a medium boat. Again, prices can vary depending on the location and the specific services provided.
Cost of dry-docking a large boat
Large boats, which are typically over 40 feet long, are the most expensive to dry dock. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for dry-docking services for a large boat.
Understanding Dry Docking
Dry docking is an essential part of maintaining your sailboat's hull and keeping it in good condition for years to come. It involves taking your boat out of the water and placing it on a dry dock for repairs, maintenance, or inspections.
The cost of dry-docking your sailboat depends on several factors, including the type and length of your boat, the location of the dry dock, and the scope of the work required. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $40 per foot of length for dry docking services.
Here's a breakdown of the average costs of dry docking for different types and lengths of sailboats:
| Boat Type | Average Cost per Foot (Per Month) |
|---|---|
| Dinghy | $20 |
| Day Sailer | $25 |
| Cruiser | $30 |
| Racing Sailboat | $35 |
| Luxury Yacht | $40 |
When dry docking your sailboat, safety should always be a top priority. You may need to make sure that the dry dock is equipped with the proper equipment, like cranes, lifts, and straps, to safely lift and support your boat.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a dry dock that has experience working with sailboats and can provide references from previous customers. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your boat is in good hands.
In addition to safety, you might also want to have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done on your sailboat while it's in dry dock. This can include anything from routine maintenance, like painting the hull or replacing the zincs, to major repairs, like fixing leaks or replacing damaged parts.
To ensure that you get an accurate estimate for the cost of dry-docking your sailboat, you could provide the dry dock with as much information as possible about the work that needs to be done. This will help them provide you with a more accurate quote and avoid any surprises down the line.
Cost Factors of Dry Docking a Boat
When it comes to dry docking your boat, the cost can vary depending on several factors, not just by boat type and length. Here are some other key cost factors to consider:
The duration of dry docking will influence the cost
The longer you need to dry dock your sailboat, the more it will cost. Some marinas charge by the day, while others offer monthly rates. Generally, the longer you stay, the lower the daily rate will be. However, you may need to keep in mind that some marinas may have a minimum stay requirement.
The location of the marina will also impact the cost of dry docking
Marinas in more popular or high-demand areas may charge more than those in less popular areas. Additionally, marinas located in areas with higher costs of living may also charge more. For example, the costs of docking in the Mediterranean are higher since it is a very popular and crowded area.
The materials and types of services you need can affect the cost of dry docking
For example, if you need your boat to be pressure washed or painted, this will add to the cost. Additionally, if you need any repairs or maintenance done while your boat is in the dry dock, this will also add to the cost.
The amount of docking fee required can add up to the costs
In addition to the cost of dry docking, you may also need to pay docking fees. These fees can vary depending on the size of your boat, the duration of your stay, and the location of the marina.
Generally, docking fees for boats under 30 feet long start at around $50 per day and $500 per month.
Comparison of Costs: Dry Docking vs Other Storage Options
If you're looking for a place to store your boat, you have several options to choose from. Dry docking is one option, but there are other storage options that you may want to consider, such as the following:
Storing boat on a wet slip
A wet slip is a storage option where your boat is stored in the water. The cost of a wet slip can vary depending on the location, size of the boat, and the amenities offered by the marina.
On average, the cost of a wet slip is around $12-$15 per foot per month. So, if you have a 30-foot sailboat, you can expect to pay around $360-$450 per month for a wet slip.
Storing boat on a rack
A rack is a storage option where your boat is stored on a rack in a covered storage facility. On average, the cost of a rack is around $7-$10 per foot per month.
Storing a boat in a garage
A garage is a storage option where your boat is stored in a garage or covered storage facility. On average, the cost of a garage is around $10-$15 per foot per month.
Below is a table summarizing the costs for each storage option:
| Storage Option | Cost per foot per month |
|---|---|
| Dry Docking | $20-$50 |
| Wet Slip | $12-$15 |
| Rack | $7-$10 |
| Garage | $10-$15 |
As you can see, dry docking is the most expensive option, while rack storage is the least expensive option. However, each option has its own pros and cons, so you may need to consider your needs and budget when choosing a storage option for your sailboat.
Additional Costs to Consider
Dry docking a boat is not just about the cost of the actual dry-docking process. There are additional costs that you may need to consider when planning your budget. Here are some of the additional costs that you should keep in mind:
Additional costs for cleaning
Before you take your boat out of the water and into the dry dock, you should make sure that it is clean. If your boat is not clean, it can cause problems during the dry-docking process. You may need to pay for a professional cleaning service, or you may be able to clean your boat yourself.
Additional costs for repairs
If your boat needs repairs, you should get them done before you dry dock it. If you don't, the repairs will be more difficult and expensive to do once the boat is out of the water. You should also consider the cost of any repairs that need to be done while your boat is in the dry dock.
Additional costs for security
When your boat is in the dry dock, it is vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Try considering the cost of security measures such as cameras, alarms, and security guards.
Additional costs for a lift
You will need to pay for a lift to get your boat out of the water and into the dry dock. The cost of the lift will depend on the size and weight of your boat.
Additional costs for a trailer
If you have a trailer, you may be able to avoid the cost of a lift by using it to transport your boat to and from the dry dock. However, you should keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with using a trailer, such as the cost of a vehicle to tow the trailer.
Also, not all sailboats are trailerable. You can read this article to know the characteristics of a "trailerable sailboat".
Additional costs for mooring/berth/anchorage
While your boat is in the dry dock, you will need to find a place to store it. You may be able to store your boat on land, but you may also need to pay for a mooring, berth, or anchorage.
Additional costs to purchase a Fender
When your boat is in the dry dock, it will be resting on blocks. You may need to purchase fenders to protect your boat from damage.
Additional costs to avail of a launch service
When you are ready to take your boat out of the dry dock and back into the water, you will need a launch service. You should consider the cost of the launch service when planning your budget.
Dry Docking Locations and Their Costs
Different locations worldwide offer different dry-docking costs. Below is a table summarizing the dry docking costs in different locations around the world:
| Location | Dry-docking costs per foot of length | Popular dry-dock location |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $20 to $40 per day | Coastal areas |
| France | €30 to €80 per day | Marseille, Toulon, Antibes |
| Italy | €30 to €60 per day | Naples, Palermo, Rome |
| Greece | €20 to €60 per day | Athens, Corfu, Rhodes |
| Croatia | €20 to €60 per day | Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar |
| Monaco | €40 to €100 per day | Port de Fontvieille, Port Hercule |
How to Save on Dry Docking Costs
Dry docking can be a costly process, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to help you save on dry docking costs:
Plan ahead
Schedule your dry docking well in advance so that you can take advantage of early-bird discounts and avoid peak-season rates. You can also save money by bundling services, such as bottom painting and hull repairs, instead of doing them separately.
Consider alternative docking options
You can consider the use of an in-water dry dock system like the patented SeaPen. This system keeps your boat's hull dry while it's still in the water, reducing the need for costly maintenance. Another option is to use a boat lift, which can be less expensive than traditional dry docking.
Purchase your own dock
If you plan to keep your sailboat in the same area for an extended period, consider purchasing your own dock. This can be a cost-effective solution in the long run, as you won't have to pay transient mooring or liveaboard fees. Plus, you'll have the convenience of having your boat right at your fingertips.
Contact the marina directly
When booking your dry docking, try to contact the marina directly instead of going through a third-party booking service. This can often save you money, as the marina won't have to pay a commission to the booking service.
Park your boat off-season
If you don't plan to use your sailboat during the off-season, try storing it on land or in a covered dry stack facility. This can be significantly less expensive than keeping it in the water year-round.
Compare rates
Be sure to compare rates from different marinas and dry docking facilities. Rates can vary widely depending on the location, boat size, and duration of the dry docking. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the marina to get the best possible rate.
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