Marina conditions

[Simpo Two]

Pondering a boat, pondering a marina to keep it in. Happy to pay for a year in advance and even happy to give three month's notice - but compulsory brokerage?

marina website said:

XXX mooring fees are per year payment in advance with no refunds. three months notice prior to your mooring agreement terminating in writing is required should you not wish to renew.

No vessel moored at XXX shall be advertised or offered for sale privately without prior termination of the mooring contract and removal of the said vessel from the premises.

Brokerage

XXX offers a brokerage facility at the following fees.
8% on the first £2,000
5% on the £2,000 -£10,000
4% on the remainder

Can they actually stop me selling my own boat? Shouldn't the brokerage service be optional or this this standard practice? How am I supposed to 'remove the said vessel from the said premises' without getting tied up in an other marina contract?

From speaking to several sellers of boats, most brokers do little to earn their fee.

[Simpo Two]

This is more a 'one man and his dog' marina (ie a hole in the ground) than a spangly outfit with silver-plated Tequila dispensers. The owner is very familar with the marque so I'm perfectly happy to use his services, in fact an on-site spanner-fellow is a significant benefit.

[Simpo Two]

Excellent, thanks Maser. We'll regard the T&Cs as a 'starting point' then

[Simpo Two]

maser_spyder said:

But hardly an incentive to move in, knowing you won't be able to move out unless they sell your boat for you.

Yep, sounds like a 'restrictive practice' to me but I wanted to know what the industry norm was.

I'd be perfectly happy to sell it on eBay. Don't need to pay a broker £500. A few will take you out for a spin, most will show you the boat, but some just give you the owner's phone number! In these internet days I think a little more effort is required. And of course a broker offers no warranty or any extra value.

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 27th July 22:48

[Simpo Two]

maser_spyder said:

What's the boat?

Nothing by your standards I'm sure, a humble yet classic Freeman for inland use. Just proving a bit tricky finding one in good condition with the extras I want but no DIY bodges. Call it a coward's version of the 'wilderness experience'!