For boat owners
Guides for California boat owners
What California boat owners need to know about hiring service providers, hull cleaning rules, maintenance and what work typically costs. Written plainly, with sources.
Photo: David McElwee on Pexels
Guides
- GuideBuying a boat in CaliforniaSurvey, DMV title transfer, use tax and the 12-month rule, property tax, and a first-year maintenance plan for a used boat kept in a slip.
- GuideCalifornia boating rules for 2026: a checklistBoater Card and its exemptions, DMV registration and the odd-year renewal, the new mussel fee, safety gear by length, and no-discharge zones.
- GuideHow often to clean your hull in CaliforniaCleaning intervals by bottom paint type, the 90-day and 30-day copper guidance, the three copper-impaired harbors, and what it means for cost.
- GuideHow to hire a marine contractor in CaliforniaCheck insurance and marina rules, ask about certifications and references, read the quote, spot red flags, and know what to do when work goes wrong.
- GuideShore power safety and electric shock drowningWhy you never swim near docks with shore power, what to do if someone is shocked, and the ELCI, GFCI and cord checks that protect your slip.
- GuideStorms, king tides and long absences: prepping a boat in a slipThis season's king tide dates, storm prep from the state boating agency, why boats sink at the dock, and how to leave a boat for weeks.
- GuideThe cost of keeping a boat in CaliforniaEvery recurring cost of a slip-kept boat: berth rent, insurance, registration, property tax, cleaning by paint type, haul-outs and engine service.
- GuideYour first two years of boat ownership in California: maintenance and costs, new vs usedQuarter-by-quarter maintenance for a slip-kept California boat in years one and two, and what new and used boats cost, from published rates.
- GuideZincs, haul-outs and bottom paint: how oftenWhen to replace anodes, how long each bottom paint lasts, and how paint choice sets your haul-out cycle, with a published California boatyard rate.
Harbors, costs and services
- PageAlamitos Bay Marina, Long BeachAlamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull…
- PageAnacapa Isle Marina, OxnardAnacapa Isle Marina in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageBalboa Yacht Basin, Newport BeachBalboa Yacht Basin in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageBayshore Marina, Newport BeachBayshore Marina in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dat…
- PageBerkeley Marina, BerkeleyBerkeley Marina in Berkeley: the vendor and owner rules Berkeley Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- DataBoat detailing, wash and wax cost in California: published ratesPublished detailing prices from 14 businesses in Southern California and the Bay Area: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataBoat detailing, wash and wax cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished detailing prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataBoat detailing, wash and wax cost in Southern California: published ratesPublished detailing prices from Southern California businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataBottom paint cost in California: published ratesPublished bottom painting prices from 3 yards in the Bay Area and the Delta: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataBottom paint cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished bottom painting prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideBottom paint in CaliforniaAntifouling bottom paint in California: copper limits, how long copper and non-copper coatings last, and what goes into a bottom job quote.
- PageBrickyard Cove Marina, RichmondBrickyard Cove Marina in Richmond: the vendor and owner rules Brickyard Cove Marina (Point Richmond) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with source…
- PageBurton Chace Park Marina, Marina del ReyBurton Chace Park Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- DataCalifornia marina vendor requirementsPermits, fees, insurance minimums, additional-insured wording and hull-cleaning rules at 24 California harbors and marinas, each with its source and date.
- PageCalifornia Yacht Club Marina, Marina del ReyCalifornia Yacht Club Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideCanvas and upholstery in CaliforniaMarine canvas and upholstery in California: covers, biminis and cushions, how sales tax applies to fabrication, and what to tell a canvas shop.
- PageChannel Islands Harbor, OxnardChannel Islands Harbor in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageChula Vista Marina, Chula VistaChula Vista Marina in Chula Vista: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageClipper Yacht Harbor, SausalitoClipper Yacht Harbor in Sausalito: the vendor and owner rules Clipper Yacht Harbor (Sausalito) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageDana Point Harbor Marina, Dana PointDana Point Harbor Marina in Dana Point: the vendor and owner rules Dana Point Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageDana West Marina, Dana PointDana West Marina in Dana Point: the vendor and owner rules Dana Point Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageDel Rey Yacht Club Marina, Marina del ReyDel Rey Yacht Club Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideDetailing in CaliforniaBoat washing, waxing and detailing in California: what's included, marina rules on soaps and runoff, and the factors that set the price.
- PageDriscoll's Whaler's Cove Marina, San DiegoDriscoll's Whaler's Cove Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with…
- PageFisherman's Village Marina, Marina del ReyFisherman's Village Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageGlorietta Bay Marina, CoronadoGlorietta Bay Marina in Coronado: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageGrand Marina, AlamedaGrand Marina in Alameda: the vendor and owner rules Grand Marina (Alameda) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageHarbor Island Marina, San DiegoHarbor Island Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- DataHaul-out cost in California: published ratesPublished haul-out prices from 7 yards in Central California, the Bay Area and the Delta: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataHaul-out cost in Central California: published ratesPublished haul-out prices from Central California businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataHaul-out cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished haul-out prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideHaul-out in CaliforniaHauling a boat out in California: why and how often it happens, what yards charge for separately, and rules for outside contractors in boatyards.
- DataHull cleaning cost in California: published ratesPublished hull cleaning prices from 13 businesses in Southern California, Central California and the Bay Area: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataHull cleaning cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished hull cleaning prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataHull cleaning cost in Southern California: published ratesPublished hull cleaning prices from Southern California businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideHull cleaning in CaliforniaWhat in-water hull cleaning involves in California, suggested intervals for copper and non-copper paints, permits divers need, and what drives the price.
- PageKona Kai Marina, San DiegoKona Kai Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and date…
- PageLido Marina Village, Newport BeachLido Marina Village in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageLong Beach Marina, Long BeachLong Beach Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cl…
- PageMarina del Rey, Marina del ReyMarina del Rey in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- DataMarine electrical cost in California: published ratesPublished marine electrical work prices from 3 businesses in Southern California and the Bay Area: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- GuideMarine electrical in CaliforniaMarine electrical work in California: shore power safety and electric shock drowning, ELCI and GFCI protection, and the credentials owners can check.
- DataMarine mechanic cost in California: published ratesPublished marine mechanic labor prices from 7 businesses in 3 California regions: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataMarine mechanic cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished marine mechanic labor prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideMarine refrigeration and air conditioning in CaliforniaBoat refrigeration and air conditioning service in California: EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work, ABYC credentials, and what to tell a tech.
- PageMarriott Marquis Marina, San DiegoMarriott Marquis Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources…
- GuideMobile marine mechanic in CaliforniaMobile marine engine service in California: outboard service intervals, what affects the bill, waste rules for mobile techs, and how to vet a mechanic.
- PageMonterey Harbor Marina, MontereyMonterey Harbor Marina in Monterey: the vendor and owner rules Monterey Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageMonterey Municipal Marina, MontereyMonterey Municipal Marina in Monterey: the vendor and owner rules Monterey Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageMoss Landing Harbor, Moss LandingMoss Landing Harbor in Moss Landing: the vendor and owner rules Moss Landing Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageNewport Harbor, Newport BeachNewport Harbor in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and date…
- PageOyster Point Marina, South San FranciscoOyster Point Marina in South San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules Pillar Point Harbor & Oyster Point Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning),…
- PagePeninsula Yacht Anchorage, OxnardPeninsula Yacht Anchorage in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PagePier 39 Marina, San FranciscoPier 39 Marina in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules PIER 39 Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PagePillar Point Harbor, Half Moon BayPillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay: the vendor and owner rules Pillar Point Harbor & Oyster Point Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with…
- PagePoint Loma Marina, San DiegoPoint Loma Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and da…
- DataPump-out cost in California: published ratesPublished pump-out prices from 12 businesses in 5 California regions: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataPump-out cost in Delta & Rivers: published ratesPublished pump-out prices from Delta & Rivers businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataPump-out cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished pump-out prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- DataPump-out cost in Southern California: published ratesPublished pump-out prices from Southern California businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuidePump-out in CaliforniaHolding tank pump-out in California: mobile boat-to-boat service versus stations, discharge rules, the $5 cap at grant-funded stations, and hauler permits.
- PageRainbow Harbor Marina, Long BeachRainbow Harbor Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hul…
- DataRigging cost in California: published ratesPublished rigging work prices from 3 businesses in Southern California and the Bay Area: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataRigging cost in San Francisco Bay Area: published ratesPublished rigging work prices from San Francisco Bay Area businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideRigging in CaliforniaSailboat rigging service in California: standing and running rigging inspections, what drives the cost, and what marinas and insurers expect of riggers.
- PageSacramento Marina, SacramentoSacramento Marina in Sacramento: the vendor and owner rules Sacramento Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSan Diego Yacht Club Marina, San DiegoSan Diego Yacht Club Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sour…
- PageSan Francisco Marina, San FranciscoSan Francisco Marina in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules San Francisco Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSanta Barbara Harbor Marina, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Harbor Marina in Santa Barbara: the vendor and owner rules Santa Barbara Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and d…
- PageSanta Barbara Yacht Club Marina, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Yacht Club Marina in Santa Barbara: the vendor and owner rules Santa Barbara Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources a…
- PageSanta Cruz Harbor Marina, Santa CruzSanta Cruz Harbor Marina in Santa Cruz: the vendor and owner rules Santa Cruz Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSeaforth Marina, San DiegoSeaforth Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules Seaforth Marina (Mission Bay) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageShelter Island Marina, San DiegoShelter Island Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources an…
- PageShoreline Marina, Long BeachShoreline Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cle…
- PageSouth Beach Harbor, San FranciscoSouth Beach Harbor in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules South Beach Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSouthwestern Yacht Club Marina, San DiegoSouthwestern Yacht Club Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with s…
- PageSunroad Resort Marina, San DiegoSunroad Resort Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources an…
- PageVentura Harbor Marina, VenturaVentura Harbor Marina in Ventura: the vendor and owner rules Ventura Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageVentura Isle Marina, VenturaVentura Isle Marina in Ventura: the vendor and owner rules Ventura Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageVintage Marina, OxnardVintage Marina in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageWestpoint Harbor, Redwood CityWestpoint Harbor in Redwood City: the vendor and owner rules Westpoint Harbor (Redwood City) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and da…
- DataZinc (anode) replacement cost in California: published ratesPublished zinc replacement prices from 8 businesses in 3 California regions: ranges and what drives the cost, cited and dated.
- DataZinc (anode) replacement cost in Southern California: published ratesPublished zinc replacement prices from Southern California businesses' own websites, with the businesses cited, dates, and what's included.
- GuideZincs and anodes in CaliforniaZinc and anode replacement in California: when to replace them, how divers usually handle it, how they're billed, and what fast zinc loss can mean.
Free tools for owners
- FormBoat maintenance logA printable maintenance log with California fields: bottom paint and date, zinc checks, mussel sticker and Boater Card holders. Export to CSV.
- ToolBoat maintenance schedule builderA 12-month California maintenance calendar for your boat: hull cleaning, engine service, haul-out, storms and king tides. Print it or export .ics.
- ToolBoat ownership cost calculator (California)Add up slip, insurance, DMV registration, the mussel fee sticker, property tax, cleaning, haul-outs and engine service for an annual and monthly total.
- ToolBoat service cost estimator (California)Enter your boat's length, type and region to see the range California businesses publish for hull cleaning, detailing, haul-out and more.
- ToolBoat service quote comparisonCompare 2–4 boat service quotes on the same basis: total and $/ft for your boat, what each leaves out, and the questions to ask before you hire.
- ToolCalifornia boat compliance check: what do I need?Boater Card, DMV registration, the new mussel fee sticker, required safety gear for your length and sewage rules, each with its source and check date.
- FormCalifornia boat maintenance calendarA printable month-by-month calendar for a California boat: storm season, king tides, DMV renewal, property tax lien date and haul-outs by paint.
- ToolFirst two years boat cost estimatorYear 1 and year 2 cost ranges for a new or used California boat: published cleaning, zinc and haul-out rates plus your slip, insurance and quotes.
- ToolHull cleaning interval calculatorFrom your bottom paint and paint date: a suggested first cleaning under California's 90-day guidance, a suggested interval and six planning dates.
- FormService request briefDescribe your boat, slip, engine, bottom paint and the job once. Print a one-page brief or copy it as text to send to any provider.
- FormStorm and absence checklist for boats in slipsA printable checklist for storms, king tides and long absences: lines, chafe, bilge, shore power, hatches, and who checks the boat while you're away.