Publication date: 18/06/2026
Svinninge Marina in Åkersbergå and Gåshaga Marina on Lidingö are both part of Port Adhoc, a European marina network with facilities in Sweden, France, the Netherlands and Germany. We’ve welcomed boat owners with all levels of experience and all types of boats, and we have a clear picture of what really matters when it comes to choosing where to berth your boat.
Looking for your first berth in Stockholm? Read our article on how to find the right home port.
What’s the difference between a boat club and a marina?
The basic distinction is simple: at a boat club, you’re a member of an association. At a marina, you’re a customer. It sounds like a small difference, but in practice it affects almost everything: how you launch, when you can use your boat, what you’re expected to contribute, and what services you have access to.
Boat club: How it works in practice
Work duties: Most boat clubs require you to put in a certain number of hours per year on shared tasks such as pontoon repairs and clean-up days. If you don’t fulfil your work obligation, you’re charged a fee instead.
Watch shifts: Many clubs also have a watch-keeping requirement, meaning you take a turn guarding the harbour overnight once or more per season. It’s part of the shared responsibility.
Communal launch days: Hauling out and launching typically happen on set weekends when the whole club works together. It can be a nice tradition, but it requires you to be available on those specific days.
The association’s calendar rules: Decisions on fees, rules and dates are made at annual general meetings and by the board. You have voting rights as a member, but you still largely adapt to the association’s schedule.
Lower cost: One of the clearest advantages of a boat club is often the price. Because much of the maintenance is handled by members, fees can be kept lower.
Marina: How it works in practice
No work duties: At a marina, you’re a customer. You pay for your berth and don’t need to contribute working hours or watch shifts. Your time is your own.
You choose when you launch: Launching and hauling out are booked at a time that suits you, without having to fit in with communal days. If you want to extend the season at either end, that’s no problem.
On-site services: At a well-equipped marina, service providers are within walking distance — engine workshops, riggers, boat care and marine electronics — without having to transport your boat anywhere.
Professional handling: Launching and hauling out are carried out by trained staff with the right equipment. At Svinninge Marina and Gåshaga Marina, this is done using tractors and hydraulic trolleys.
Flexible contracts: A marina doesn’t tie you in the same way as a boat club. You choose the arrangement that suits your season: either a full-season contract from 1 April to 31 October, or the Summerdeal contract, where you pick any three months of your choice. Perfect if you’re not sure how much you’ll use your boat, or simply don’t need a berth for the whole season.
Which suits you?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It depends on how you use your boat and what you value.
👉 Choose a boat club if you have plenty of time, value community spirit, and enjoy being part of an association where you contribute both money and labour.
👉 Choose a marina if you want the freedom to make your own decisions entirely, access to professional services when you need them, and a season that starts and ends on your terms.
At Svinninge Marina, you can also work on your boat yourself if you wish, with access to all the service companies on site. That gives you the best of both worlds — the freedom of a marina and the hands-on involvement of a boat club, but without the obligations.
Frequently asked questions
👉 Does a marina always cost more than a boat club?
Not necessarily. A lower club fee can be offset by the cost of buying out your work obligation, watch fees, and arranging transport and handling for your boat yourself. It’s worth looking at the full picture rather than just the berth fee.
👉 Can I switch from a boat club to a marina?
Yes. Contact us for a quote via our booking system.
👉 Which marinas are near Stockholm?
We run Svinninge Marina in Åkersbergå and Gåshaga Marina on Lidingö. You’ll find more about what sets them apart in our article.
Our marinas in Stockholm
Our marinas in Stockholm
Svinninge Marina
Svinninge Marina in Åkersberga is one of the larger marinas in the Stockholm region, with a complete service ecosystem on site. DIY work is welcome, and you decide how much you want to do yourself.
Gåshaga Marina
Gåshaga Marina on Lidingö is designed for those who want everything taken care of. Sweden’s first Certified Marina Workshop handles whatever needs doing, so your summer can be spent out on the water.
Aerial view of Gåshaga Marina on Lidingö, Sweden
Thinking of berthing your boat with us? Request a personalised quote through our booking system!
