Boat Slip and Dock Buying Guide - Deeded vs Leased, By Owner

By-owner guide · Updated June 2026 · Educational only

Buying or renting a boat slip by owner means dealing directly with the slip's owner — no broker and none of the 5–15% commission a marina-booking service charges. This guide covers buy vs. rent, deeded vs. leased, sizing and the safe way to buy a slip from an owner.

Buy vs. rent vs. deeded vs. leased

A deeded slip is real estate — it has its own title and deed, conveys when sold and can appreciate. A leased (wet) slip is rented space; a dockominium is a deeded slip inside a condo-style marina. Renting suits seasonal or short-term needs; buying a deeded slip suits a home port you want to own.

Sizing a slip to your boat

Match length overall (LOA), beam, draft (water depth) and shore power (30A / 50A / 100A). Always allow extra over your boat's spec for fenders and dock lines.

Regional cost — live comps

Slip prices vary hugely by region. Browse live by-owner comps in our boat slips directory to see real asking prices near you.

Liveaboard rules and title transfer

If you plan to live aboard, confirm the marina allows it (many cap liveaboards). For a deeded slip, the sale transfers title much like any real estate — a deeded-slip purchase should be documented in writing.

Renting from an owner safely

Get the terms in writing (price, period, what's included, marina rules). Never wire a deposit before you've verified the slip and the owner. See our safety guide.