If you’re new to boating, you might find yourself feeling a little confused when the guys down at the marina start tossing around all of those boating terms. And while you should learn most of them sooner or later, there’s really nothing wrong with expediting the process.
Two common terms that newbie boaters tend to interchange are ‘slip’ and ‘dock’. When you hear them being used, you might think they pertain to the same thing. But there are slight differences to their meaning that could giveaway your neophyte status if you use them wrong. So here’s the difference between boat slip vs boat dock.
What is a Boat Slip?
As its name suggests, a boat slip is a space where you can park your pontoon. They can be part of a dock, which means a dock could have anywhere from one, two, ten, to a hundred slips, depending on its size. So in general, a boat slip is to a boat dock what a parking space is to a parking lot.
Appearance
A boat slip look kind of like a rectangle that’s missing one of its shorter sides. This angular U-shape essentially holds your boat in place, with the open end serving the purpose of your entry and exit point.
Parking
When you park your boat in a slip, you basically seal it off on three sides. That means there’s only one way in and out of a boat slip. With part of the slip closing off three sides of your boat, you also have more mooring points which can be ideal versus a dock that doesn’t provide as many options.
Benefits
The benefit of a boat slip for marinas is that they let more pontoons park, so the marina can economize their space and accommodate more boaters. They also provide a safer place for boats since they limit how much they can drift, effectively preventing them from bumping into one another.
What is a Boat Dock?
Now that you’ve got an idea what a boat slip is, it’s time we get into the concept of a boat dock. A dock is essentially a long strip of straight dock structure - no individualized parking spaces. But that doesn’t mean you can’t park at a dock.
Parking
If anything, parking your boat at a dock can be easier because you don’t have to worry about maneuvering it into an exact space. All you need to do is to bring your boat parallel to the dock and moor it in place. This also leaves three open sides which means that you can exit more than one way when you decide it’s time to go.
Downside
The downside with a boat dock is that since there are no designated areas for each individual boat, some pontoons might park in a way that doesn’t economize the entire space. That also means that drift can cause pontoons to bump into one another while docked. Other than that, the boat dock also doesn’t have quite as many mooring points as a boat slip.
Differences Between Boat Docks and Boat Slips
In essence, both a dock and a slip provide a place for you to park your boat. But the differences in their design mean that they all have unique benefits and drawbacks versus one another.
Accessibility
The question of accessibility is two-fold, so we’re going to have to look into the intricacies before we come to a conclusion. First off - are you considering accessibility to the water? In that case, then you might want to park your boat at the dock.
Docks don’t seal your boat off at three different sides, and actually leave three sides free to access the water. That means that if you were looking for a way to enjoy the waves without worrying about access to your boat, the dock obviously wins out.
Then again, others consider accessibility from their boat to dry land. In that case, the boat slip would be the obvious answer. These parking spaces provide easy access to the dock by giving you three different sides to get off your boat, which can be especially helpful if you’ve got a lot of stuff you want to take out of your boat.
Ease of Parking
Let’s face it - parking your boat into a slip isn’t the easiest task there is. In fact, some people even have to look up guides on parking in a slip, and may even require some practice to get it done properly. That said, if you’re a newbie boat owner and you’re not confident in your ability to maneuver into such an exact space, then a slip might not be for you.
The dock on the other hand is basically a free space. There are no individual spaces, you don’t need to worry about fitting into such a small space, and you can tie your boat up pretty much anywhere there’s room. Of course, the downside is that you have to take into account that other boats may park alongside yours, which is why you have to practice some common courtesy and economize your parking.
Safety
Hands down, the boat slip has to be the safest place to park a boat, and for good reasons. The distinct spaces mean that there’s no way for your boat to drift and bump into the vessel next door. There are also lots of different points to moor your boat, letting you secure your vessel with more confidence and certainty.
Keep in mind though that slips and docks aren’t usually recommended as safe parking spaces for extreme weather events like hurricanes, snow storms, and the cold of winter. That said, if you were looking for a safe place to keep your boat during harsh weather conditions, it would be best to try dry docking.
Tips for Choosing a Boat Dock
If you’ve got the extra budget, then you might be able to have a boat dock installed at home. There are lots of different considerations you need to take into account though before you go through with the process since boat docks aren’t a one-size-fits-all.
Local Rules and Regulations
Every locality has different rules and laws in place that keep track of private boat docks. Make sure you check with your local authorities to find out what rules you might have to consider before you get building.
Main Use
How many boats do you have? Are you planning to install a boat lift? Do you think you might want to upgrade with a bunch of slips later on? Would you ever want to entertain guests on your dock? Picture out how you want to use your new fixture before you make any final decisions.
Environmental Conditions
Are you on a lake or a river? Does the water rise during a storm? What kind of bottom are you looking at? All of these factors play a role in the kind of dock you should build.
Maintenance
A dock will require routine care and maintenance to make sure it’s up to code. If you’re not a maintenance kind of guy, then you should invest in materials and a structural design that can withstand the test of time with limited care.
Tips on Choosing a Boat Slip
If you’re planning to park your boat at a local marina, then it helps to understand that there might be slight differences between each one. So if you’re hoping to rent out a slip for your boat, then you might want to consider these factors:
Location
An accessible marina should be your first consideration. You won’t want to drive out too far just to see your boat, especially if there’s going to be a storm or anything like that. A nearby marina should always be your first pick.
Security
How polished is their security? While you’re away, you’re going to want to make sure that your boat is in good hands. Most marinas invest in their security by installing cameras and having guards roaming the area.
Size and Space
There technically isn’t a standard when it comes to the size of a boat slip. Some marinas can have bigger spaces, and others have smaller ones. Depending on the size of your boat, you may want to look into the space provisions at your local marina.
Tides and Currents
What are the usual weather conditions at that specific marina? Some areas are particularly prone to rising tides, strong winds, and storm surges that could put your marina at risk of damage.
Marina Services
Some docks make sure that their clients are well serviced by offering a range of equipment, gear, accessories, repair services, and other essentials right within walking distance so you can get any necessary maintenance done while you’re there.
Finally, Some Clarity
A boat slip vs boat dock might seem like the same thing, but there are a bunch of differences that make them distinct from one another. Fortunately, this guide should help clear that confusion and help you fully understand just what each one is for and which one is right for your boat parking needs.
