Power vs Sail: Getting a Slip vs. Anchoring

By SAIL Editors

November 1, 2024

Wendy: You asked a while ago about which I preferred—staying at a marina or anchoring out? Just back from another blissful weekend on the hook, I can assure you it’s a no brainer. Just peace and quiet out there. No navigating yet another app to pay an extortionist transient slip fee for the privilege of being tied up 6 feet from somebody who wants to watch—and maybe try—Olympic breakdancing all night in the cockpit while consuming horse troughs of weak beer.

Dan: I feel personally attacked, I told you about my breakdancing habit in confidence and now millions of readers know about it. And now I see you’re a beer snob as well. I would have thought you would prefer a slip so you can judge and extoll the virtues of India Pale Ale to everyone who passes by.

You probably need two strong triple IPAs to fall asleep out on the hook in the summer heat. I’ll give you two reasons why a slip is superior to anchoring: Air. Conditioning.

Wendy: You know what air conditioning is also called? Breeze. Which your boat naturally swings to, no matter how light, to cool your cabin for free, as long as you’re not trussed up like a pork roast in a slip. Not to mention you can jump off the boat for a refreshing swim without worrying about being electrocuted thanks to all those boats latched on to the electrical teat.

Dan: Speaking of pork roast, that reminds me of reason No. 125 a slip is superior to staying on the hook: Cooking. I enjoy few things more than tossing a ball for my son and dog (usually not at the same time) while operating a marina grill. Cold beer in hand, some burgers sizzling, it’s a great time to strike up a conversation with your fellow boater and make new friends. All the while, you’re out there trying to light some damp charcoal while pretending warm IPAs are actually enjoyable with only the “breeze” to keep you company. It all sounds very…lonely.

Wendy: When grilling we use an advanced technique on board, called propane, and while it is true that our current grill seems to have two speeds (off and nuclear), we manage to eat fine without weeping in our splendid isolation. And, after said repast, reason No. 446 for anchoring—spotting the constellations and shooting stars with the kids on deck. Oh wait, in a marina you have…light landscaping.

Dan: I guess if I was sweating like cooked bacon (which I can pull from my freezer and make with electricity) belowdecks I would need to spend my night on deck enjoying the “breeze” and looking at the Big Dipper. While clouds block your view of the Milky Way I’m going to throw a movie on for the kids then mix up some frozen rum drinks for me and my friends. Friends are these kind of people that you interact and shares stories and laughs with. You’re not winning this round, Wendy!

Wendy: Define “win.” The way I see it, you’ve just spent hundreds of dollars to spend a weekend sardined into a glorified condo complex with units that float. It’s OK though. You do you. More room for us out here, far from the crowd.

Dan: Well, if you feel like stretching your legs, row on over for egg sandwiches, a cup of ice, and some cool air. We won’t judge you if you eat in total silence, I know talking to others can scare you anchor dwellers!