How long is a boat?

From Marine Business.

We’re responsible for looking after around 200 boats across our two marinas and ensuring they aren’t damaged is a priority. Our upgraded marinas are designed to meet the Australian Standard 3962 where possible, with adequate beam for almost all vessels. A safe haven is the main reason boaties choose a marina berth over other options.

Yesterday I had a conversation with a boat owner who was interested in taking up a berth at one of our marinas, and this highlighted a common misunderstanding that warrants discussion. The conversation went a bit like this:

Him: I’m after a berth for a 37-foot boat

Me: No problem, what’s the length overall?

The discussion about hull dimensions (generally referred to as ‘parameters’) that followed was not uncommon, not just for those of us at Batemans Bay Marina or Port Macquarie Marina. This is really about shedding light on the issue for Australia’s 347 marinas and their customers because, when it comes to marina mooring fees, many boat owners wonder why they pay for more than just the official registered length of their boat. Surely a 24-foot boat means a 24-foot berth? A 30-foot boat means a 30-foot berth?

Read the full story, to understand all the pitfalls, at Marine Business.

About the author
Daimon Martin is the general manager at Batemans Bay Marina and Port Macquarie Marina in NSW. He can be contacted on info@batemansbaymarina.com.au, or visit batemansbaymarina.com.au and portmacquariemarina.com.au.

 

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