FIRST THINGS FIRST

Put Your Name Down for a Mooring…And Maybe Your Grandkids Will Get lucky.

“Twenty-five years?!” That was my reaction when I heard about the mooring waitlist in Duxbury, MA, when I was down there filming a Vineyard Vixen for BoatFools Sailing. That’s not a waitlist—that’s a generational investment. Somewhere in Duxbury, a baby has just been signed up for a mooring they’ll inherit when they retire...

Securing a mooring or slip in a desirable harbor is like trying to get a courtside seat at Wimbledon—unless you’re royalty or willing to pay absurd amounts, you’re probably out of luck. But don’t despair! Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do about it.

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Why Is It So Hard to Get a Mooring?

Short answer: Everyone wants one, and nobody’s giving them up.
Longer answer: Harbors only have so much space, and demand is off the charts (ha), especially in prime sailing spots.

Mooring Waitlist Reality Check:

• Salem, MA: All mooring permits? Waitlisted.

• Camden, ME: Expect to wait ~7 years.

• Duxbury, MA: Hope your grandkids enjoy it—wait time is 25 years.

• Misc. Yacht Clubs: Some have wait lists stretching 50 years. Might as well sign up your unborn child now.

• Florida: We don’t even know where to begin. What a mess. New legislation is threatening to make life very difficult for Florida boaters. We HIGHLY recommend you read THIS ARTICLE and take action if you live in state. The Florida recreational boating industry has an annual economic impact of $31 BILLION. These new rules and regs will put this is jeopardy. In short: stay informed on what’s happening. The linked article explains it all.

With housing prices through the roof, many would-be boat buyers are skipping the second home and opting for a floating escape instead. The problem? There’s nowhere to put the damn thing. So, before you go buying your dream machine, you’ve got to do some research, otherwise your recently acquired sailboat (or powerboat) will rot in the boatyard (expensive), or in your backyard (divorce papers coming your way!).

This poor boat owner has been waiting 20 years for a mooring…Not much left of his boat, or his marriage… :)

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Can’t You Just Rent a Mooring?

Not so fast, my fellow BoatFools. In many places, renting out a mooring for profit is illegal—even if you own it. Towns typically issue mooring permits for personal use, not for Airbnb-style boat mooring extended stays. Here are 4 KEY things to know: