Best Manhattan Boat Docking Options And Locations

Manhattan, New York, is home to many marinas that offer docking and storage facilities for boats. These marinas provide a range of services and amenities to make sailing more enjoyable, and some also double up as spots for small parties. Marinas in Manhattan include the Pier 25 Marina, World's Fair Marina, Marine Max, Captains Cove Marina, North Shore Marina, and the 79th Street Boat Basin.

Marinas in Manhattan

There are several marinas in Manhattan, New York, where you can dock and moor your boat. Here is some information on a few of them:

Pier 25 Marina

Located on the south side of Hudson River Park's Pier 25, this marina offers floating docks for boaters with vessels up to 40 feet in length for pick-ups and drop-offs between 6 am and midnight. The rate is $50 per touch of the dock, with 10 minutes of dock time permitted per visit. They also offer short-term and long-term moorings, with rates starting at $125 for up to six hours and $175 for overnight use. Monthly and seasonal moorings are also available, with rates starting at $1,640 for 30 days and $5,760 for the season (May 1 through October 31).

World's Fair Marina

This marina is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, off the Grand Central Parkway in Flushing Bay. While Pier 1 is currently closed due to reconstruction, limited transient dockage is available for smaller recreational vessels. Contact the Dockmasters office at (718) 478-0480 or VHF Ch71 for more information.

79th Street Boat Basin

This historic marina, located on the banks of the Hudson River, has been a fixture in Manhattan since 1937. It offers summer dockage to the public, with rates starting at $108 a foot for the summer season and $88 a foot for the remaining six months. A typical 30-foot boat would cost $5,880 in annual dock fees, or about $490 a month.

Liberty Harbor Marina

While not specifically mentioned as being in Manhattan, this marina offers NYC slip rentals and is thus a convenient option for boaters looking to dock their vessels. They offer a range of services and amenities, including security, restrooms, showers, and fuel services.

In addition to the above-mentioned marinas, there are also several yacht clubs and squadrons located in Paerdegat Basin Park, as well as the Sheepshead Bay Piers, that may offer docking options. It is always a good idea to contact the marinas directly for the most up-to-date information on availability, rates, and services offered.

Costs of docking

The cost of docking a boat in Manhattan varies depending on several factors, including the type and size of the boat, the chosen marina, and the time of year.

Firstly, the type of boat you own will influence the docking costs. For instance, docking a sailboat, pontoon, fishing boat, speedboat, or motorboat typically costs between $800 and $1,800 per year. In contrast, docking a catamaran can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per year, while docking a yacht can increase costs by $5,000 to $15,000 annually.

The chosen marina in Manhattan will also impact the price. For example, the Chelsea Piers Marina and North Cove Marina are two popular choices in Manhattan, offering docking for various boat sizes. The Chelsea Piers Marina has 65 slips and 25 megayacht berths, while the North Cove Marina provides 180 slips for boats up to 250 feet long. These marinas may have different pricing structures, and it's worth contacting them directly for specific quotes.

Additionally, the time of year can affect docking costs. Peak boating season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, tends to be more expensive, while the off-season, from October to April, offers lower rates.

It's worth noting that docking alternatives like mooring, anchoring, or dry-docking can be more affordable options. Anchoring is usually free but requires careful adherence to regulations, while dry-docking protects your boat from the elements at a lower cost than traditional docking.

When considering the costs of docking in Manhattan, it's important to factor in additional expenses such as electricity, which may be charged at a monthly rate, and key deposits, which are typically refundable upon returning the key.

Lastly, some marinas offer membership programmes that provide access to exclusive benefits and services, such as discounted rentals and on-site mechanics. Joining such a programme could impact your overall docking costs, potentially making it more economical.

Rules and regulations

Docking a boat in Manhattan requires adhering to specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Here are the key rules and regulations you should know about:

Permits and Licensing:

DockNYC manages berthing availability and simplifies the permitting and licensing process for vessels in New York City. They offer a range of berthing options and can guide vessel owners through the necessary procedures.

Vessel Requirements:

• Vessels must meet certain standards to be permitted for docking. This includes having current vessel hull and liability insurance, as well as New York State vessel registration or documentation from the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Vessels must also be properly maintained and seaworthy, with all necessary safety equipment on board.
• For commercial vessels, additional requirements include obtaining a Commercial Permit and providing evidence of insurance coverage for liability and property damage.

Docking Procedures:

• Docking is available for both short-term and long-term periods, with specific rates and rules for each marina.
• Vessels must be securely tied to the dock with sufficient fenders and dock lines, ensuring they can withstand various wind and weather conditions.
• In the event of an emergency or construction work, vessels may be temporarily relocated, and vessel owners are typically given prior notice.

Conduct and Clean Boating:

• To maintain a safe and pleasant environment, certain behaviours are prohibited, such as urinating or defecating into the water or along the docks.
• No open flames or barbecue grills are allowed on vessels, docks, or walkways.
• Garbage must be properly disposed of in designated receptacles, and oil, spirits, debris, and other pollutants must not be discharged into the water or on the docks.
• Noise restrictions are in place to prevent inconvenience or harm to others, with restrictions on outdoor use of sound devices after 10:00 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

Maintenance and Use of Docks:

• Personal property must not be stored on piers, docks, or walkways, except in designated dock boxes with the permission of the Dockmaster.
• Any modifications to vessels, such as structural changes or painting, require prior approval from the Dockmaster, and all maintenance must comply with environmental regulations.

Safety:

• All vessels must have on board the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard, including fire extinguishers and smoke alarms for vessels longer than 25 feet.
• Vessels must also comply with lighting and personal flotation device requirements, especially when operating after dark or with children under 12 years of age on board.
• In certain areas, such as the Harlem River, vessels must operate at safe speeds to avoid creating a wake.

These rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safe and efficient docking of boats in Manhattan. It is important for vessel owners and operators to familiarise themselves with these regulations and comply with all requirements to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Types of boats

Marinas in Manhattan, New York, offer docking services for a variety of boats, from private yachts and sailboats to fishing boats and pleasure crafts.

• Yachts: Yachts are a common sight in Manhattan's marinas, with many private vessel owners opting to dock their yachts in the city. Yachts can range from small, sleek vessels to large, luxurious boats with ample living space and amenities.
• Sailboats: Sailboats are also popular in Manhattan, with some marinas catering specifically to sailboats and offering services tailored to their needs.
• Fishing boats: Manhattan is home to several fishing boats, with some marinas providing access to party fishing boats that offer a unique fishing experience.
• Pleasure crafts: Many boats docked in Manhattan are used for pleasure and recreation, including excursions and charter outings. These boats can vary in size and style, from small speedboats to larger vessels for hosting events.
• Seaplanes: Seaplanes also require docking facilities, and Manhattan's Skyport Marina at the foot of East 23rd Street on the East River serves as the city's only seaplane base.

When docking in Manhattan, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat to ensure the chosen marina can accommodate your vessel securely and safely.

Marina facilities

Marina members can enjoy exclusive parties, discounted slip rentals, and access to on-site mechanics. Additionally, restrooms and showers are standard across all marinas, while good marinas may offer extra facilities like internet access, telephone, service stores, fuel services, spas, bars, and restaurants.

For boat maintenance and repairs, marinas usually have stores that stock small parts and common utilities. Some marinas, however, restrict the use of outside staff or equipment for repairs, so it's important to understand their rules before finalising a rental.

Another option is the 79th Street Boat Basin, which has been a unique community just off the shore of Manhattan since 1937. This facility offers summer dockage to the public, and vessels can be docked seasonally or year-round, with rates depending on the length of the boat. However, vessels docked seasonally or year-round must have current vessel hull and liability insurance, as well as New York State vessel registration or documentation from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Other marina facilities in Manhattan include the World's Fair Marina, Diamond Point Yacht Club, Hudson River Yacht Club, and several yacht clubs and squadrons in Paerdegat Basin Park.

Frequently asked questions