The mooring buoy advantage: you buy it once and it’s yours forever!
There are many pros and cons when considering the possibility of using a mooring buoy as your primary form of boat storage. The main alternative is to rent a boat slip at a marina. When contemplating this decision, keep the following points in mind:
The cost of a mooring buoy, in the long run, is significantly cheaper
- The estimated costs of the investments are outlined below:
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- Mooring system: CAD$2,500-$4,000 initial investment + ~$50 every 2-3 years + ~$300 every 5 years.
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- Boat Slip: CAD$5,000-$12,000 per year.
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- If we take the cheapest mooring installation and cheapest boat slip, it will take just over six months to completely offset the cost of installing a mooring buoy. With the lifespan of a mooring system being roughly 15-30 years, mooring systems save significant amounts of money.
The risks of using a mooring system can be greater than using a slip
If not properly installed or maintained, mooring buoys can become risky and prone to breakage or dragging along the ocean bottom.
Remember, mooring.ca’s primary purpose is to encourage responsible boat ownership, so if you are not ready to maintain or install a mooring ball safely, it is best to call a professional.
A mooring system requires maintenance
Mooring buoys require the attention and care that is not always needed when the boat is moored at a marina. Each mooring ball needs to be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in good working condition.
To maintain the tackle, it is important to check every chain for rust and marine deterioration. Every shackle must be examined in the same fashion. All fibre lines should be kept free of sand and should be replaced if frayed parts are visible.
Permits are not needed for private mooring buoys, so they can be installed (almost) anywhere
Many boat owners believe that you need to have special permits in order to install a mooring buoys, which is not true. In most cases, as long as the regulations are followed, anyone can install, maintain, and legally own a mooring ball.
Mooring buoys also do not necessarily need to be situated close to a marina. When you follow the regulations, you may be able to put the mooring ball in front of your house.
A mooring system is an investment whereas renting a slip is not
When you purchase a mooring buoy, you invest in a mooring setup that can be sold or used by other people if needed. This gives you the flexibility to own the piece of property that your boat is attached to. Boat slips do not allow for the value to be held by the renter.