Re: marina/dock space
All depends on the use of the boat. If you use it on occasional weekends, you'll get better pricing on a personally owned home slip. However, if you use it all the time, or have a small boat party sometimes, the owners may not want you hanging out behind their home. There's also the power consumption (the do have minimum 30A servi e, right?), there's the fresh water hookup (they do have water, right?), and the parking for when you come use your boat. What if you're on it for 3-4 days? Do they want your vehicle in their yard for that length of time? What about safety of the vessel? Is it your personal insurance or their homeowners insurance to cover it? If you don't know them, can you trust them or their kids to stay off of your boat? From what I have seen, if you wanted to rent a home slip for a week or two, then it's normally not a problem. If it's long term, go to a marina.
As far as marinas in your area, go down and talk to them. Ask the other boaters how they like it there. What are the fees for power and slip? Is it covered? Is covered even available? Is there fuel there? What's the price? Is there a haul out service available? Mechanics? A ships store? Restaurants? Fixed of floating docks? Water depth in the basin? Are there a lot of livaboards (they are always nice to keep an eye on your boat), storm protection?
Do a little homework and see what amenities you want and what can you live without. There are 3 marinas in my local area on I'll only stay at 1 of them. It's about 15 minutes farther than the rest, but a better one by far.
