Slip swapping

Charlesoceanone

Well-Known Member
Dec 14, 2014
455
Harbor Shores Marina, St Joseph, Michigan
Boat Info
2013 58 Sedan Bridge
2021 Walker Bay LTE 11
Engines
Man 900
This may have been covered or maybe not even possible but does anyone trade slips in different towns on Lake Michigan for short periods of time? I’m sure there may be leases agreement issues but there must be some private ownership slips that this could be possible. It would sure make sense if someone in Milwaukee for example wants to come to St Joseph MI and I want to go to Milwaukee. With the abilities we have to communicate with each other on this forum I sure would think it could be possible. What am I missing that would not let this work? Just a thought for the winter layup blues.
 
I would think that would be popular. You're lucky to have so many ports on the Great Lakes and so many places to swap into.

At our marina I can let someone use my slip when I'm gone and can rent it to him to cover my costs but cannot make a profit on the slip.
 
If you're a member at a Safe Harbor marina they have a deal where you get a certain number of nights each year to use at any of their marinas "free". On Lake Michigan I'm only aware of two marinas they own, however.

It would be interesting to see a slip swapping system of some kind. Though the logistics of scheduling and weather would be quite dynamic :)
 
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We would wonder about the capabilities of the skippers and their abilities to pull into our slips without damaging them. Most public slips have damaged pilings from the various mishaps that are so entertaining to watch during happy hour. Different story if you own the slips. The costs of marine contractors are so high that it would not be worth having complete strangers using your slips. There is also the issue of loud parties and their effect on neighbors. Would not want to deal with the problems that would cause.
 
I've never owned a slip but in the few I have been a seasonal resident on Lakes Michigan and Huron, subletting the slip was not permitted and the lease specified the marina had the option to rent the slip in my absence.
 
View attachment 77568 We would wonder about the capabilities of the skippers and their abilities to pull into our slips without damaging them. Most public slips have damaged pilings from the various mishaps that are so entertaining to watch during happy hour. Different story if you own the slips. The costs of marine contractors are so high that it would not be worth having complete strangers using your slips. There is also the issue of loud parties and their effect on neighbors. Would not want to deal with the problems that would cause.
I agree this concept would not be entered into blindly. I know a few boaters I wouldn’t loan a moped to but I would think that we would be able to have some sort of liability agreement.
 
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I agree this concept would not be entered into blindly. I know a few boaters I wouldn’t loan a moped to but I would think that we would be able to have some sort of liability agreement.
Think of the hassle factor even if you had some agreement. We let people use our slip, but know their skills level. We don't require an agreement.
 
Transient slips aren't all that much and in Michigan easily booked online via their DNR. Good idea in theory but sounds like a lot of hassle.
 
I've been seeing contracts at marinas get more and more one-sided. If you have a slip where they would allow this, it would be a great idea.

Most marina contracts I've read say you can't sub-lease; you provide the specific vessel documentation that will be in the slip; and if you depart, they can rent it while you're gone.
 
I've been seeing contracts at marinas get more and more one-sided. If you have a slip where they would allow this, it would be a great idea.

Most marina contracts I've read say you can't sub-lease; you provide the specific vessel documentation that will be in the slip; and if you depart, they can rent it while you're gone.

And many of the owned slips have HOA regs that do not allow temporary use of slips by others...

MM
 
Slip swapping sounds like a great idea. It gives a boater a chance to explore or experience new destinations.
I own my dock property on the south shore of Long Island. The north shore is a whole different animal. I’d love to swap slips with someone with a similar situation up there for a season, or at least a part of a season.
 

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