Being able to find a great marina can be a challenge sometimes, whether it's for boat slip rentals or just for a quick fill up for gas and groceries, it's of the most vital component for a pleasant boating experience. There are plenty of marinas out there to choose from which can make your decision difficult. If your trying to choose a marina for boat dockage or just a boat rental for the day there is plenty to think about. Learning the best way to choose a marina that fits your needs can save you a bit of time.

Here are a few points for you consideration:

What are you going to need from the marina? Just looking for a home for your boat? Your needs could be minimal. If you planning on staying a while or are going to be planning a big trip it will be essential that you plan ahead and have a marina the offers all the services you need.

Here's a quick list of services to consider:
1. Are pump services available?
2. Is there marine fuel available?
3. Are there repair technicians available?
4. Is there a ship's store with essential boating supplies?
5. Are there restrooms and showers for guest use?
6. Is there overnight boat dockage at the marina?

How about resort style marinas? Here's a few thing to look for:
1. Is there a main club house with restaurant?
2. Are there outside lounge areas for relaxing and enjoying a meal or drinks?
3. Are there available on-site laundry facilities?
4. Are there recreational activities available such as a pool, outdoor sports courts or exercise room?
5. Are there cleaning crews available to clean your boat for you?

Now this is just a short list of things to consider but should get you started in the right direction. Next time your out at Lake Conroe check out Waterpoint Marina the have all the amenities you could ever need. They also offer: boat rental, jet ski rental and slip rentals both short term and long term.

What type of boat dock is best for your boat?

First a few things to think consider before you go out and choose a boat dock. What type of boats or watercraft do you own? Are you planning to buy anymore? Does the water experience much fluctuation in water levels? Say from a drought or from one season to the next. Are there big waves the dock will have to endure? Here are the major types of docks: floating, stationary, portable and slip docks. Most of the time there are combinations of dock types that will work all needs.

Stationary and standings docks are best for salt water and places that experience repeated wave abuse. The waves can pass through the standing legs and most of the time the docks are built with wooden pilings that will not easily corrode.

Floating docks are great for deep water such as lakes and marinas. These also work well where the water levels are continually fluctuating or if the bottom is soft. This type dock should stay in the water. The typical "U" shape of floating docks stand up well to heavy waves or boat wakes from boats coming and going from a marina. Floating docks also come in "T" and "L" shapes and can be anchored in numerous ways.

These floating docks also have many types of floatation device that are used to keep them on top of the water. Make sure these are resistant to gas, saltwater and oil. If you're looking for a floating dock at a marina then most of the time you don't have to worry about all of the options but rather trust the pros and just park you boat at the dock and enjoy your slip.

This last type of boat dock is a wheeled boating dock that is ideal for a location that goes through freeze thaw cycles. This type of dock can be wheeled away when the weather changes and the water is about to freeze. There is a bit of a caveat though. The conditions need to be near perfect to use. A gradual slope to wheel it into the water and a firm lake bottom with minimal elevation. These can be handy but may be tough to find a spot perfect for one.

Armed with this advice you can go and make the right choice for your conditions. There are many options available. You can choose docks with slips that are convent for parking right at your dock/location. Most of the time these have nice decks so the suer can enjoy their time at the waterfront. Ever see a dock with a sundeck on top? These are nice for those who plan on entertaining, cooking and general fun. There are limitless combinations these are just a few so get out there and start enjoying your boat dock, sun and water.

 Need a boat slip rental? Check out our boat slip rental page here: http://waterpointmarina.com/slip-rentals.html

Looking for a place to dock your boat? Well then, look no farther my friend. Having a boat slip to dock your boat is a must. Having a slip at a marina offers convenience, security, services, amenities and a social atmosphere to enjoy. Renting a marina boat slip can be a very effective solution for many boat owners. Lets expand on the reasons to dock your boat at a marina slip shall we.

If your a busy boater or just live around the corner the convenience of having your own slip at a marina is a necessity. The ability to get everything in one place is priceless — boat, gas, food, drinks — no need to run all over the place and it's easy to meet friends and family at a huge landmark like a marina.

Now when it comes to security renting a slip at a marina is the only way to go. You can sleep soundly knowing your boat is safe and secure. Marinas tend to be gated and have security cameras. Security guards can be found patrolling the grounds at some marinas and keeping an eye on the boats in their slips.

Having your boat close to basic boating supplies is another reason to look into docking your boat at a marina. Ever get to your boat only find you need a minor repair? We all have … and it sucks. However if your boat was docked at a marina you could just grab what you need and be on your way.

Ever get off the lake and feel the need for a shower? If you rented a slip at a marina most have bathrooms, showers, fresh water, telephones, TV, internet connection, game room, just about anything you need to make your day at the lake more comfortable.

Marinas can provide opportunities for entertainment and socializing with friends too. Slip holders tend to gather for happy hours, BBQ, and just hang out and wind down after a day on the lake. Waterpoint Marina on Lake Conroe has a shopping center right next door. Offering many different restaurants, shopping a boardwalk, and more. There is also a Friday night concert during the summer.

Boat slip rental rates will vary but there are many options depending on the size of the slip you will need and the length of your stay. Marinas usually offer a daily, weekly or monthly slip rental payment schedule. Will so many significant advantages to docking your boat in a marina slip and many different payment options there is no reason to delay putting your boat in a marina boat slip.

Can't decide on weather or not to buy a boat or grab a boat rental? At the very least it's a good idea to rent a few different boats to take out on the water it may also be a good idea to rent a boat just to see if it's a good fit for you and your family before you actually think of buying a boat. Most recreational boaters don't need to purchase their own boat. Boats are just more accessible now then ever before. Just about every marina will rent you a boat. All you have to do is ask.

The day to day maintenance and monthly storage payments of a boat can be a little overwhelming. Especially when you take into account how much a boat depreciates as soon as it's put on a trailer and driven off the lot. If your just looking to get out on the water and go boating a couple of times  a year, then renting is the way to go. With a boat rental you have the luxury of not having to clean and detail the boat every time you take it out on the lake.

Still not sure which way you want to go? Just think how much a new boat cost. A new 24-foot boat goes for $40,000-$60,000. Then you need a trailer and a place to store it too. That stuff is not exactly free. About $1,000-$2,500 for insurance. Routine maintenance in the range of $6,000-$8,000 a year. The there is storage fees too. All of that starts to add up pretty quickly.

So if you are just a recreational boater it may be better to rent a boat. You can take out more than one kind of boat too. One day may be a really fast and fun boat, another could be a ski/wakeboard boat. Say you have a bunch of family in town you could rent a pontoon boat that's big enough for everyone. If you own a boat you usually just have one. Not to many options there.

Rent a boat with us on Lake Conroe … visit the site at www.waterpointmarina.com

Boating safety is important anytime you are on a boat and should never be overlooked. Accidents happen when boating but most can be prevented. Here are few tips to keep your next boating outing as safe as possible. Whether you are renting a boat or have your own follow these tips.

The first thing you should avoid while boating but many don’t think about it is to avoid drinking alcohol. The impaired judgement and slowed reaction times may just be the cause of your next accident. The best think to do is be responsible and don’t mess around with alcohol while driving a boat.

One of the most common safety tips that people choose to ignore while out boating on the lake is not wearing their life jacket. This could be the difference between life and death. What would you do if you where to be knocked out or something? You can’t swim when your unconscious. Make sure you don’t forget about the little ones, make sure they have their life vest on at all times when out on the water or on jet skis or boats.

If the weather is bad or is forecast to be questionable don’t go out on a boat or jet ski. Make sure to pay attention to the weather. Watch out for wind, rain clouds, fronts moving in, dark skies, lightning or any other sign that bad weather could be moving in. If you see any signs it’s time to take the boat or jet ski back to the marina. The last thing you need is to be stuck out in bad weather and in uncomfortable conditions especially if you are not a seasoned boater.

Make sure your boat is in good condition before heading out from the dock. If you rent a boat or jet ski they should be in good working order but make sure you ask the attendant to go over the boat or jet ski you rented for any flaws or repairs that may be needed. Make sure you have a first aid kit on board and you are well stocked on food and beverages as well. When you get dehydrated or hungry bad decisions can be made.

Make sure someone knows where you are heading before heading out on the water. Someone should know when you headed out and when you returned. This could make all the difference if someone is looking for you. The last tip we will leave you with today is is  B E S A F E -

KNOW YOUR...

Boat

Equipment

Safety devices and PFDs

Alcohol limits

First aid and emergency procedures

Environment (area and weather)