Peter Bennett wrote in message rnews.com...
On Sun, 11 Jul 2004 21:41:49 -0400, Dallas Kincaid
wrote:

I'm a new owner of a 28' maxum cruiser. Obviously I'm not looking to
live on the boat, but I'm wondering what the procedure is for
weekends/overnight cruises when I would like to spend the night in
another city. Is there an easy place to get a listing of marinas that
offer overnight facilities? Is this something I need to coordinate
beforehand, or can I just call the same day (or hour!)

This may depend somewhat on the area you are in, but I think most
marinas that cater to transient boaters will take reservations.

Here in the Pacific NorthWet, I find I can generally get a berth just
by calling on VHF as I approach the marina (but I don't like to plan
ahead, so making reservations a day or two in advance won't work for
me...) (I also tend to use Yacht Club outstations, and the "government
docks" we have here in BC - neither of which take reservations)

I just always go and when I am close to where I want to go I call the
harbormaster at the marina on Channel 16. Sometimes I have tied up
with another 3 boats to the same dock but they will always accomodated
"over nighters" or tell me where I can find this.

In order to save some money, most of the time the harbor master will
let me tie up for a couple of hours to go ahve dinner or something, at
the dock with no charge. Then I come back to the boat and anchor out.
I ask the ahrbor master for a good anchoring spot. I have always
gotten good advice.
Most harbor masters are friendly helpful people

Rolf