Myrtle Beach Boat Slips For Sale

Buying a Boat Slip in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for boaters. There are miles of ocean, waterway and river coastline and a variety of marinas to choose from. If you’re considering buying a boat slip in Myrtle Beach, there are a few things you need to know.

Cost of Boat Slips in Myrtle Beach

The cost of a boat slip in Myrtle Beach varies depending on the size of the slip, the marina, and the amenities offered. Slips can range in price from $30,000 to over $100,000.

Monthly Fees

In addition to the cost of the slip, you’ll also need to factor in the monthly fees charged by the marina. These fees can cover a variety of expenses, such as water, electricity, trash removal, shore-side showers and laundry, pump out stations and security. Monthly fees can range from $100 to over $500 per month.

Deep Water Access

Close proximity to open ocean access from the Intracoastal Waterway can make your slip more desirable and increase it’s value. Marina’s located near Little River Inlet and Winyah Bay are very popular with area boaters who need quick access to the ocean. Marinas and slips in Murrells Inlet, like Marlin Quay, offer easy ocean access from a protected harbor but no nearby access to the Waterway..

Types of Slips

In Myrtle Beach, there are four types of boat slips: deeded slips, membership slips, restricted ownership, and leased slips.

Deeded Slips

Deeded slips are owned by the individual who purchased them. You get a recorded deed, just like you would if you bought a lot or parcel of land.

Although deeded slips are typically more expensive than leased slips, they offer more benefits. Deeded slip owners have more control over their slip. Deeded slips also appreciate in value over time, allowing you to build equity.

Generally, deeded slips in marinas with low fees, like Wacca Wache and Dock Holiday’s, sell fast and for higher prices. These two marinas also allow year round live-board, which further increases their value.

Marinas like Mariners Pointe and Coquina Harbour provide deeded slips but limit the time an owner can stay aboard to a few days or a couple of weeks.

Owners can lease or rent their deeded slips privately or through a third party service or management company. However, high monthly marina fees will adversely affect your rental cash flow.

Membership & Restricted Ownership Slips

Lightkeepers Marina and Myrtle Beach Yacht Club are “membership” marinas. You buy a membership which includes a slip and access to all the amenities, but you do not get an individual deed.  You can lease your slip or sell your membership with few restrictions.

There are also a few marinas, like Friendfield Marina in Georgetown, and Harbor Oaks Marina in Socastee, that are part of a condominium complex or subdivision where you have to own or be a partial owner of a lot, home or condo in order to buy a slip. Ownership of a slip in these neighborhoods is restricted to owners of other property within the neighborhood.

Leased Slips

Leased slips may be less expensive than deeded slips, but they offer less flexibility. Leased slips do not appreciate in value over time.

Depending on the marina, the slip length, the rental duration, amenities, etc. slips can rent from $10 to $30 per foot per month. The average is probably between $15 to $20 per foot per month.

Marina’s like Grande Dunes, Barefoot, Osprey, Cricket Cove, and Hague are “lease only” entities. You cannot buy a slip there. You can only lease one from the marina owner or management company. They typically do not allow sub-leasing.

LOA

LOA stands for Length Over All. It is the measure of your vessels length including any stern platforms, bow sprits, bow or anchor pulpits etc. Most marinas are very strict about LOA (vessel length). Generally your boat’s LOA cannot exceed the slip’s defined length. You cannot dock a 36′ boat in a 30′ slip even if there is room for the boat, maneuvering etc. Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis.

If your buying a slip and need an LOA exception you should get it in writing and make your offer contingent on approval.

Which Type of Slip is Right for You?

The best type of slip for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want more control and you plan to keep your boat for a long time, a deeded slip may be the right choice for you. If you’re on a budget or you’re not sure how long you’ll be keeping your boat, a leased slip may be a better option.

Selling Your Boat Slip?

When it comes to selling your boat slip in Myrtle Beach, the help of a top Realtor® who specializes in waterfront properties can be invaluable. Mike Childs, Owner and Broker of Childs Real Estate LLC and leader of the Myrtle Beach Homes and Lifestyles sales team, is a skilled and experienced Realtor® who brings a wealth of expertise, local market knowledge, and industry connections to the table.

Our websites bring inquires from boat owners every week looking for a slip like yours. Many boating enthusiasts are on our watch list, just waiting for the perfect slip in the perfect location to hit the market.

Connect with Mike to leverage his expertise and years of experience to help you navigate the complexities of selling a boat slip in Myrtle Beach.