A marina is a dock or basin for yachts and small boats located either along the banks of rivers connecting to larger bodies of bodies or on coastal harbors as a stand-alone facility or within a bigger port complex. Marinas generally have refueling, washing and repair facilities as well as stores restaurants for the guests.

Boats can be moored with the cooperation of the people on the pier and on the vessel. Mooring lines are usually made of synthetic materials such as nylon, Dyneema, Kevlar, or Manila rope. This secures the boat on a single location and prevents it from floating farther.

Boats are moored on buoys or on fixed walkways in the marina. When storing boats on water, buoys are cheaper to rent but they are less convenient compared to being able to walk from land to boat. Boats that are moored on buoys need shuttles to transport people from land to boat. The alternative is a tender such as an inflatable boat.

There are over 300 marinas and mooring facilities in Australia. A great number of these are represented by Marina Industries Association of Australia. It is a nonprofit organisation and lead by the country's leading industry professionals. Many of these marinas provide a variety of facilities and services for the convenience of boat owners and other guests.

Advantages of marina boat storage

• Marinas provide a safe and secured place for boat storage to prevent boat damage that include rack storing where the boat will be kept in a covered building and open yard facilities where boats on trailers can be placed. Most marinas are gated so no one can access your boat from the outside. Security guards often roam the area.
• Marinas offer a lot of services and facilities to guests such as stores and restaurants where they can enjoy moments with family and friends. Most marinas have bathrooms, telephone and electricity connections, and internet and television.
• Marinas provide regular maintenance and repair facilities to fix problems on your boat especially when you do not have the time to do it. Marinas may offer winter storage, winterization services, and other types of boat repairs.

Advantages of indoor boat storage

• Storing the boat indoors will keep it in better condition longer than it would if placed outside. Storing the boat indoors will protect it from wear and tear such as fading, cracking, and dirt. The motor boat will stay cleaner and will not require extra hawsers, bumpers or anchors when leaving it at a dock while you are away.
• Storing the boat in an indoor facility will mean that the boat will not likely disappear the next time you check on it. There is no need to worry about vandalism and theft or damage caused by other boats. A secure facility will have an alarm system that will inform you of any trouble that might occur.
• Weather is a compelling reason to store your motor boat indoors. A storm or a hurricane won't be able to break loose the boat from its mooring or be damaged by flying debris.