Read the dockage agreement

A dockage agreement is the written contract for your berth. Ask for a copy before you pay a deposit. This lesson helps you read it and ask questions. It is not legal advice.

Find these terms

For each item, mark it clear, unclear or missing.

• The parties, the berth and the dates. Does the agreement name a berth, or does the marina assign one later?
• The term, and how it renews or ends.
• The rate, what it covers and what it leaves out.
• How and when the marina may change the rate, and how much notice it gives.
• Deposits, late fees and refunds.
• Who may end the agreement, for which reasons and with what notice.
• What happens if you sell the boat or replace it with a different one.
• The insurance that the marina requires.
• The marina rules and regulations. Does the agreement include them by reference? Ask for a copy.
• The wording on liability, damage and indemnity.
• What the agreement says about storms.

Put promises in writing

A manager may promise something by phone. Ask to add it to the agreement or to an attached page. Keep a copy with the signed agreement.

Know your limits

Terms on liability and indemnity have legal effects. A lawyer can explain them. For a long-term or high-cost agreement, ask a lawyer to review it before you sign.

Sources

• No law or standard is cited in this lesson. It is a reading checklist.
• Yacht Marina Guide, notice to confirm access, services and berth availability with the operator