Marinas are quietly banning older boats

In this video report by Practical Sailor, editor Tim Labute reports how marinas are quietly banning older boats:

Across California and other high-demand coastal areas, boat owners are reporting increasing difficulty getting slips for vessels over 20–30 years old. While there’s no official law restricting boat age, many marinas are enforcing stricter requirements like mandatory insurance, marine surveys, and condition standards that disproportionately impact older sailboats and powerboats.

In this video, we break down what’s really happening in the marina industry, why older boats are being rejected, and how rising costs, liability concerns, and changing marina business models are reshaping boating as we know it.

We also explore a practical workaround for boat owners who don’t want to play the “new boat” game, including how to find affordable marinas, what types of harbors still welcome older boats, and why smaller coastal towns may be the key to staying on the water long-term.

Whether you live aboard, cruise full-time, or are considering buying an older sailboat, this video will help you understand marina rules, boat age restrictions, and how to navigate the changing landscape of boating without breaking the bank.