If you’ve spent any time on the water in Seattle, you already know how special it is. From lazy afternoons on Lake Union to weekend adventures up the Puget Sound, this city is made for boating. The challenge? Actually finding a spot to keep your boat. Moorage in Seattle is a hot commodity, and slips can be harder to track down than a sunny day in November.
Here’s a boater’s guide to navigating the search.
Seattle’s waters are split into three main playgrounds:
Lake Union – Right in the city center, surrounded by houseboats, restaurants, and the buzz of downtown. Slips here are walkable to everything, but they’re also in high demand.
Lake Washington – More laid-back and residential, with moorage tucked into scenic neighborhoods and harder to come by, but many slips are privately owned and can be purchased for more security. Perfect if you like quieter weekends on the water.
Puget Sound / Shilshole Bay – The big leagues. Saltwater, sailboats, and the gateway to the San Juan Islands. If adventure calls, this is your launch point.
Between these, you’ll find a mix of public marinas (like Shilshole Bay and Bell Harbor), private marinas with varying amenities, and even the occasional residential dock for rent.
Everyone wants to be on the water between May and September. That also means slips are most scarce then. Your best bet? Start looking in the fall or winter. Many marinas open their lists or reshuffle slips as the busy season winds down.
If you’re just getting started, you don’t always need a long-term slip right away. A few alternatives:
Transient Moorage – Not only perfect for weekend getaways but often times available for medium term lease during the winter.
Dry Stack Storage – A great option for smaller boats. The marina hauls your boat in and out for you.
Before you commit to any slip, make sure you ask:
What’s the cost, and how is it billed?
Are utilities included?
What kind of security and access is in place?
Are liveaboards allowed?
How long is the waitlist if you eventually want a bigger slip?
Here’s the thing—finding moorage in Seattle isn’t just about scouring marina websites. Relationships matter. At Oaksmith Yachts, we’ve built strong connections with marinas across the city. Whether you’re looking for your first boat or upgrading to something bigger, we can help line up not just the right boat but also a slip to match. Having someone in your corner who knows the local landscape makes the process way less stressful.
Finding moorage in Seattle takes a mix of patience, timing, and a little strategy. But once you land that slip, you’ll be set to enjoy some of the best boating waters in the world—right outside your slip. And trust us, it’s worth the hunt.