Mooring Information
Background
There are approximately 250 privately owned moorings in the harbor. Patrons own their hardware and lease the space on a quarterly basis. New moorings are placed on the outside edge of the existing mooring area. Location of moorings is based on seniority (the date mooring permit is issued). The District does not sell used moorings and encourages anyone considering buying a used mooring from a private party to check the history with the Harbor before making the purchase. Be Advised: Purchasing mooring hardware by itself does not guarantee a space in the water.
Waiting List
A $75.00 fee is required to be placed on the mooring waiting list. The fee is non-refundable, but will be applied to the cost of a new mooring when one becomes available. There is also a $20.00 annual administration fee at the beginning of each fiscal year (July) which must be paid in order to remain on the list.
Ownership
Mooring owners own their mooring hardware and lease the space on a quarterly basis. The approximate cost to build and set a new mooring is as follows:
For a vessel up to 25 feet = $2,000 to $2,500
For a vessel up to 35 feet = $2,500 to $3,000
For a vessel up to 45 feet = $3,000 to $3,900
For a vessel up to 55 feet = $3,900 to $4,500
Vessels over 55 feet may require the owner to submit plans and specifications approved by a licensed marine engineer or naval architect.
The District requires an application, a permit and a current vessel registration or documentation prior to issuing a space in the water. The quarterly space rent is as follows:
Moorings built for vessels up to 35 feet = $ 81.00
Moorings built for vessels 36 feet to 55 feet = $ 99.00
Moorings built for vessels 56 feet to 75 feet = $ 114.00
Construction
Mooring hardware consists of bottom weight (steel or anchor to specifications), and chain, shackles, and swivels to provide a five-to-one scope with the water depth. Concrete weights are not allowed. Moorings are placed according to vessel type (commercial, sail, or power), size, and seniority (date permit approved). New moorings are placed on the outside edge of the mooring area and are gradually moved in, as turnover occurs. Depending on where the mooring is located in the harbor, water depth is approximately 20 to 40 feet.
Once a mooring permit is issued, the District will build and set the mooring within 30 - 60 days. Our specifications are minimum standards and you may request additional weight and/or special rigging. Special requests regarding rigging may be discussed in advance, with the Mooring Master by appointment. Port San Luis Harbor is an open harbor and fully exposed to southerly storms, which are often severe. It is important that vessel owners have the ability to check their vessels when the weather is bad.
Maintenance
Annual mooring inspections are mandatory. The District will perform an inspection once a year at no charge. However, the owner is responsible for any repairs deemed necessary. The charges will be for material used in repairing the mooring (such as replacing worn chain), tax, and labor. The mooring owner will not be notified of what these charges will be ahead of time because each mooring is different and the extent of any repair is unknown until the mooring is pulled. We encourage owners to be present during such inspections by scheduling an appointment in advance.
Terminating your permit
Moorings at Port San Luis are not commodities that increase in value. The market for used mooring equipment is very limited, and without a permit for a space in the water the hardware has no value as an option to secure a vessel in the harbor. The District is not in the business of selling used moorings. Patrons are required to submit a 30 day written notification to cancel their permit, when they choose to give up their space. The District offers to buy back District built and maintained moorings at the following price:
Moorings built for up to 25’ vessels $250.00
Moorings built for up to 35’ vessels $450.00
Moorings built for up to 45’ vessels $650.00
Moorings built for up to 55’ vessels $850.00
Guest Moorings
Moorings for vessels up to 35’ are available by contacting the Port San Luis Water Taxi at (805) 595-7895 or via VHF radio, channel 12. The cost is $6.00 per night.
The District has a limited number of guest moorings for vessels over 35’ that are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. These moorings can accommodate vessels up to 85’ and rent for $12.00 per night. Vessels may stay for up to two weeks. The Harbor Patrol may be contacted on VHF radio, channel 16 for assistance. Patrons are requested to prepay and fill out a vessel registration card at the main office. If unable to come to shore please contact Harbor Patrol to make payment arrangements.
Anchoring
Vessels may anchor without charge in the recommended anchorage area. It is not appropriate to anchor inside the mooring area (the area with orange buoys) or on the west side of the Harford Pier. Recommended anchorage areas are between the County Wharf (Avila Pier) and the Cal Poly Pier. It is not recommended to anchor during inclement weather. If in question about anchoring or mooring, please contact the Harbor Patrol for assistance on VHF Radio, Channel 16.