On the hook or on the dock, what do you prefer? We have spent a great deal of time cruising which means a copious amount of time spent at anchor as well as a hand full of nights in the marina. This article will explain the pros and cons of both anchoring and docking.
Anchoring vs. Docking
Pros:
FREE! What is better than that?!
Nature. At anchor, you are in the natural environment. Beautiful critters will stop by day and night to say hello.
Quite. There are no neighbors a foot away and you are generally far enough away from any other “land” noises.
Ventilation. In most cases, you will get a better breeze at anchor. This means you will be more comfortable overall. You will also not need to run a generator or be hooked up to power in order to run an A.C.
Fluid Motion. If you find a relatively protected anchorage the motion at anchor is a very fluid movement. The bow stays into the wind and a peaceful rocking will instantly relax you.
Cons:
Reliability. Instead of relying on multiple dock lines tied to a solid structure you are dependent on a single or double anchor.
Slim Pickings: While cruising it is important to pick safe anchorages. Good holding, little current, and calm water are very important if you are going to leave the boat for any length of time (even if it’s just to walk the dog). Anchorages like this are not always available.
Here is an example of an unprotected anchorage!
Dinghy Dock. It may be free to anchor the boat but some popular landing spots charge a fee to tie up the dinghy.
Using Important Reserves. Water tanks and holding tanks are only so big. If you are at anchor you can quickly empty/fill these important tanks.
Anchoring vs. Docking
Pros:
Amenities. Showers with unlimited hot water and toilets that you do not have to worry about emptying. Some marinas even have gyms, pools, and free Wifi. But don’t forget, you get what you pay for!
Easability. Wake up, hop off the boat, and take the dog for a walk. No need to take the dinghy to shore and try to find a docking space, and then lose that space when you realize you forgot your wallet 😛
Security: A dock master, manager, and other staff are frequently around the marina. This usually deters any threatening pirates looking to snag a fishing pole or two.
Friends: Marinas are a great way to meet new water-loving people.
Cons:
Price: The cheapest marine we have ever paid for was $1.50 a foot per night. The most expensive was close to $6.00 a foot per night. Some marinas double as a resort and you will notice in the price. We try to pick marinas that have clean facilities, security, and good reviews. This generally puts us in the $2-$3 a foot per night range. (There are a select few docks on the ICW that allows up to 48-hour docking for FREE, however, these docks generally do not have water, power, or amenities.)
Noise: Having multiple neighbors with very limited space can cause excess noise. If you get stuck with a nasty neighbor on the hook you just pick up and move. Not sure what you would do at the dock. Ask the dock master for a different slip? AWKWARD
Uncomfortable Rocking. Most marinas offer protected slips but sometimes you can wind up in a slip that is very exposed to boat wake and rough waters. Movement at a dock is a very jerky motion. This is because the boat is bouncing back and forth between tension on the line and the piling or cleat they are tied to.
Check out this video if you want to see our discussion on Anchoring vs. Docking in person 🙂
Thanks for reading:)
Sierra
Love to anchor shallow and in a “hole” if possible with protection from wind and waves from all side ….but this can be very hard to find sometimes. Luckily our 31′ tri draws 20″ or so if necessary. What’s Adrenaline’s draft?
Hi guys… I was wondering, considering the amount you’re on anchor, do you truly burn your anchor light all night, every night? When we anchor in known anchorages, we rarely use it and have only ever been approached once by the local marine police (no fine, just told to turn it on). But we never spent the amount of time like you do on achor so I’m just curious.
I found it interesting when you said that some docks have gyms, pools, and free Wifi. Personally, I believe that all docks should have fish cleaning tables. Thank you for helping me learn more about the amenities offered in docks and that a dock manager will always take care of your boat.