| Slip Size | Slip Fee | Electricity | Tax | Total |
| Small | $733.43 | N/A | $46.57 | $780.00 |
| Medium | $1,100.14 | N/A | $69.86 | $1,170.00 |
| Large | $1,827.60 | $100.00 | $122.40 | $2,050.00 |
| North I Dock | $2,203.71 | $100.00 | $146.29 | $2,450.00 |
- South Benson Marina slip applications including information on slip fees, deadlines and required documentation
- Rules & Regulations
- NOAA Western LIS Forecast and Tides
- See the State of CT DEEP Boating Website for information on regulations, licenses, boat launches, pump out stations, etc.
- Winter Storage is available at South Benson Marina.
Slip Sizes
The Town of Fairfield offers five different types of slips based on boat dimension and demand:
| Slip Location and Size | Boat Dimensions | # Slips |
| Ye Yacht Yard - Small | Under 14' | 65 |
| South Benson Marina- Small | 14'-1" to 22' long, not wider than 8'-6" | 356 |
| South Benson Marina - Medium | 22'-1" to 24'-0" long and not wider than 8'-6" | 62 |
| South Benson Marina- Large | 24'-1" to 36'-0" long and not wider than 13'-0" | 166 |
| South Benson Marina - Large - Premium North I Dock* | 24'-1" to 36'-0"long and not wider than 13'-0" | 34 |
Slip Fees
Slip fees at South Benson Marina are based on the size of the slip that the vessel occupies not the length of the vessel. Please note that electricity fees are mandatory for Large and Premium North I Dock slips. Ye Yacht Yard Fees are $15 per foot plus CT State Use Tax (6.35%).
How to Obtain a Slip
To be considered for a boat slip, you must be a permanent resident of the Town of Fairfield. Boat slips holders from the preceding year are invited to return yearly.
There are wait lists for all slip sizes. If vacancies occur, the slips are filled by the appropriate waiting lists compiled by the Parks and Recreation Commission from approved applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our wait list web page for more information on the wait list process. Contact the Marina Department for an application.
Slip Renewals
Applications for slip renewals are sent out electronically in mid-December to slip holders from the preceding year. The Renewal Deadline is always at the close of business (4:30PM) on the 3rd Wednesday in February. Visit our slip application web page for details and deadlines on South Benson Marina slip applications.
Slip Assignments
Slip assignments are made at the discretion of the Marina Coordinator based on safety and maneuverability. Boat owners are not guaranteed the same slip assignment from year to year. Requests for slip assignment changes may be made to the Marina Coordinator.
Boat Measurement
Boats in the Small (14' to 22') and Medium ( 22'1" to 24') categories are measured from the lifting eyes or D-Rings on the transom, to the furthest point of the bow. This includes anchors, bow rails, navigation lights, pulpits and bowsprits. Any portion of the boat extending rearwards will not be factored into the measurement for the Small and Medium categories. Outboard motors, lower units, outdrives, trolling motors, swim ladders or platforms do not affect the measurement. This is due to the "Frog-Hook" style dock hardware we use which creates a fixed space of approximately 48" and does not affect the distance which a boat may protrude into the gallery or channel between docks.
Boats in the Large (24'1" to 36') category are measured for "length over all", which includes all attachments and/or protuberances such as; anchors, bow rails, navigation lights, pulpits and bowsprits. As well as outboard motors, stern rails, rudders, mizzen booms, davits, wind vanes, swim platforms or ladders. This is the footprint of the boat and is a true reflection of the space occupied.
Questions
For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page, call (203) 256-3002 or go the Marina Department in Community Services at 75 Mill Plain Rd. Office hours are from 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday - Friday.
For all Inquiries for Boat Rack Information and Waitlist, please call 203-256-3002 (Marina Department)
Rack Availability
Jennings Beach has 280 racks that accommodate canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, sunfish and windsurfers as well as space for 76 Catamarans and 14 One Design Boats. Penfield Beach can accommodate 147 Sunfish as well as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfers up to 16 feet. Ye Yacht Yard can accommodate up to 32 canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfers.
Currently there is a 2-3 year waitlist for Jennings Beach Storage; 4-5 year wait list for Penfield beach storage. We are not accepting names for the Ye Yacht Yard Kayak Rack as the current wait list is estimated to be over 100 years.
A maximum of two kayaks or paddle boards or one sailboat are permitted per rack at Jennings and Penfield. Only one boat is permitted per rack at Ye Yacht Yard.
Racks are available to Town residents at all three locations. Non-resident taxpayers* may rent racks at Jennings Beach (with the exception of One-Designs) and Penfield Beach. There are a limited number of racks available to non-residents at Penfield Beach.
Each year, those who have held a rack during the previous year will have an opportunity to renew their boat rack. After the specified deadline, if there are openings, those on the wait list will be contacted.
Rental Rates
The following rates are currently in effect for rack rentals. All rates are annual and renew in April.
| Location / Vessel | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Jennings Beach Rack or Beach Storage | ||
| Rack storage: Up to total of 2 of the following: Canoe / Kayak / Paddleboard / Windsurfer (up to 16') | $200 | N/A |
| Rack Storage: single Sunfish or Laser sailboat | $200 | N/A |
| Beach storage: Catamaran (Hobie) | $235 | N/A |
| Beach Storage: One Design Sailboat | $235 | N/A |
| Penfield Beach Rack Storage | ||
| Up to total of 2 of the following: Canoe / Kayak / Paddleboard / Windsurfer (up to 16') | $200 | $450 |
| Single Sunfish or Laser sailboat | $200 | $450 |
| Ye Yacht Yard: Rack Storage | ||
| Single Canoe / Kayak / Paddleboard / Windsurfer (up to 16') | $200 | N/A |
The following documents are required for a Ramp Permit:
- Non-Refundable Payment - $50 (Resident); $65 (Non-resident tax payer); $250(Non-resident)
- Vessel Registration – Vessel must be owned by applicant
- Vessel Liability Insurance – Declaration page to show effective dates
- Vehicle Registration (1) – Vehicle must be in the vessel owner’s name and address
- Driver’s License - Non-Resident permits are limited to the first 50 applicants. There is no limit to the number of resident permits sold.
South Benson Marina
- If the boat is trailerable, remove it from the water. Take the boat home or to an area that is elevated above the anticipated storm surge.
- Do not leave trailered boats in the marina parking lot
- Confirm that you have copies of all important documentation (Vessel registration, insurance, Salvage/tow insurance etc.)
- Check battery and confirm it is fully charged
- Confirm all bilge pumps and switches are in working order
- Turn off all electronics (except for auto bilge drains)
- Close and secure all doors, windows and hatches
- Remove any loose gear on your vessel: coolers, seat cushions, covers, biminis and dodgers, fishing gear, tubes, life rafts, etc.
- Sailboats – remove or lash down sails including roller furling jibs
- Additional mooring lines and fenders should be used to distribute the forces on the lines.
- Add chafe gear on all dock and mooring lines.
- Small and Medium Slip vessels confirm that their frog hooks a properly secured, shackles are tightened and moused. Add hitch/safety pins to the end of each finger below the D-Rings. This $1.50 pin prevents the arm from accidentally levering itself out of the D-Ring.
- Large slip vessels should ensure their mooring lines are secured and run additional lines to dock and pilings as necessary taking in account for surge and low water depending on the track of the storm.
- If the boat is trailerable, remove it from the water. Take the boat home or to an area that is elevated above the anticipated storm surge.
- Do not leave trailered boats in the marina parking lot
- Check battery and confirm it is fully charged
- Confirm all bilge pumps and switches are in working order
- Remove any loose gear on your vessel: coolers, seat cushions, covers, biminis and dodgers, fishing gear, tubes, life rafts, etc.
- Additional mooring lines and fenders should be used to distribute the forces on the lines.
- Add chafe gear on all dock and mooring lines.
- Remove your vessels if possible.
- If you cannot remove from beach, secure vessel to mooring cable, using extra size lines.
- Secure to in-ground sand anchor.(If not available, install one.)
- Lower mast and secure to boat or store in sail house.
- Vessels on racks should be secured to the racks.
Summer Trailer Storage – Dockwa Lead Instructions
Season: May 11, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Rate: $300 for the full season
Summer Trailer Storage will open on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:00AM Eastern through the Dockwa leads link. Any submission received prior 9:00AM on May 1, 2026 will be considered null and void.
This will be a two-step process.
Step 1 – Submit a Trailer Storage Inquiry
Submit a Dockwa Lead Inquiry using the link provided after 9:00AM on May 1, 2026.
- Click the link and log in to Dockwa.
- Dockwa requires a “boat” to submit an inquiry. Please enter the following:
-
- Select: Add New Boat
- Boat Name: Enter your first initial, last name, and “Trailer”
- Example: J. Doe Trailer
- Boat Type: Select Power
- Length: Enter the length of the vessel the trailer is built for
- Beam: Enter the width of the vessel the trailer is built for
- Requests: If you have a preferred space or area, enter the space number here. If no preference type "No Preference". Text must be entered to submit inquiry.
- Requests are not guaranteed and will be accommodated only if available.
You may enter your boat information in advance, however any inquiries submitted before 9:00AM will be considered null and void. You can verify your submission time by checking Messages in the Dockwa app or website.
Step 2 – Contract Issuance
The first 37 inquiries received after 9:00AM will be sent a Summer Trailer Storage contract via Dockwa.
Contracts must be completed with payment and all required documentation by 4:30PM on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Contracts may be submitted Online through Dockwa, or In person at the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Office during normal business hours
- Required Documents:
- Valid CT Drivers License showing Fairfield Address
- Valid Trailer Registration
- Utility bill in your name and Fairfield Address
Failure to complete the contract by the deadline will result in forfeiture of the space, and the space will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
Things to Remember- Trailers may be stored in designated spaces between May 11, 2026 and September 30, 2026
- Maximum trailer length 28 feet
- Trailers must display valid Summer Trailer Storage Permit
- Owners may access and use trailers at their discretion
- Storing of vessels on trailers is prohibited
- Trailers that are not displaying Summer Storage Permits or left in the parking lot on October 1, 2026 will be charged a $50/fee and towed at the owner’s expense.
The Town of Fairfield offers winter storage to boat owners. Winter storage is sold on a "first come, first served" basis beginning Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Preference will be given to those in line first, once the line has been processed applications that were emailed or mailed will be processed in the order they arrive. Winter trailer storage runs from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the South Benson Marina guest lot. Winter wet storage begins November 17, 2025, through April 14, 2026, at H and I docks. There is adequate space for 140+ trailered boats and 136 in water slips.
All dry land storage vessels must be on a trailer. The use of cradles, jackstands (poppits) and blocks (dunnage) is not permitted. The removal or application of anti-fouling paint is strictly forbidden. All in water stored vessels must have a functioning automatic bilge pump and a "smart" or trickle charger. The Marina provides single phase 30-amp shore power for this purpose.
How to Obtain Winter Storage
Winter storage contract processing begins October 1st at the Community Services Office, 75 Mill Plain Rd from 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday - Friday. Click here to access a copy of the Winter Storage Application. Applications may be submitted in person or via email to Marina@fairfieldct.org. The following must be provided:
- Completed and signed application
- Current vessel registration (expiration date next April)
- Vessel Insurance that covers the dates of land storage on Town Property
- CT Driver's License
- Proof of Residency (utility bill)
- Payment (check or credit card)
Storage Rates
Storage rates are set by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Trailer storage rates are $20.00 per foot for residents and $40.00 for non-residents. Trailer stored boats cannot be longer than 36'.
Wet storage rates are $500 for residents and $1000 for non-residents. Boats must be between 26' to 36' and have an automatic bilge pump.
Summer Trailer Parking: 2025 Summer Trailer Storage will go on sale Tuesday April 1st, 2025
Trailered boat parking begins at the guest lot. Once the guest lot is full, parking will move to the adjoining launch ramp parking lot in the established trailer spaces. If there is sufficient demand, a portion of the lot near the skateboard park will then be used.
Please park your boat at the numbered space that corresponds to your storage decal. These spaces will be set at a 45 degree angle to the curb. Please be sure to park your boat within the space.
Things to Remember
- Before covering the boat for the winter please be sure to remove the registration and important documents. You will be required to show your registration when renewing your slip in February.
- Remove all valuables such as stainless steel propellers and anchors, GPS, radios, stereos, binoculars, fishing rods and reels, tools, etc.
- Lock your cabin and trailer hitch.
- Check on your boat frequently.
- The Town of Fairfield assumes no responsibility for supervision and security.
South Benson Marina – Slip Waitlists
The Town of Fairfield maintains waitlists for all three slip sizes at South Benson Marina.
Beginning in the 2026 season, all marina waitlists are managed through Dockwa. Those that were on the waitlist prior to March 15, 2026 were automatically transferred to Dockwa and account was made based on the email provided when the individual applied. Emails were sent to those individuals explaining the change. The final waitlist based on the prior software with a marina account number and waitlist date is posted here.
Individuals interested in obtaining a slip must submit a wait list inquiry through Dockwa to be added to the appropriate list.
The information below explains how to join a wait list, how wait lists are maintained, estimated wait times, and how slips are assigned.
Questions should be directed to the Manager of Waterfront Operations in the Community Services Department.
How Do I Get on a Waitlist?
The Town of Fairfield maintains three waitlists for residents interested in obtaining a slip at South Benson Marina. Slips are sold by slip size, not on a per-foot basis. The three slip sizes are as follows:
- Small Slip – Vessels 14'1" to 22'
- Medium Slip – Vessels 22'1" to 24'
- Large Slip – Vessels 24'1" to 36'
Only permanent residents of Fairfield may obtain a slip. Those renting or leasing property in Fairfield are considered permanent residents. Non-resident taxpayers or business owners who do not reside in Fairfield are not considered permanent residents and are not eligible for slip assignment.
It is not necessary to own a boat to join the waitlist. Dockwa requires a vessel profile in order to submit an inquiry; however, basic vessel information may be entered for waitlist purposes (Boat name: Last Name Placeholder, Length 1' Beam 1', draft 1') .
You may place your name on more than one waitlist. However, no family residing in one dwelling may have more than one slip assignment until all applicants on the waitlists have been satisfied.
To Join the Waitlist submit a Dockwa inquiry here.- Sign in or create a free account Dockwa account.
- Enter your vessel information and which waitlists you would like to sign up for (Small, Medium, Large).
- A contract will be emailed to you to be signed via Dockwa and A non-refundable waitlist fee of $100 per slip size will be required at the time of submission. The waitlist fee will be credited towards the first year’s slip fee if accepted.
Where Am I on the Waitlist?
Waitlists are maintained based on the date and time the Dockwa inquiry is received.
Applicants will receive confirmation through Dockwa once their request has been submitted. If you have questions regarding your waitlist status, please message the Marina via the Dockwa App.
Estimated Wait Times
The number of available slips is driven by annual turnover and is difficult to predict. Since the pandemic there has been a higher acceptance rate in the Small and Medium slips and a higher deferral rate for Large slips.
As of March 1, 2026 the statistics for the three waitlists are as follows:
|
Waitlist |
# Applicants |
# Slips |
Average Wait Time |
Annual Turnover |
|
Large |
479 |
200 |
11–12 years |
10% |
|
Medium |
180 |
61 |
7–9 years |
8% |
|
Small |
151 |
346 |
2–3 years |
10% |
These figures are estimates only and may change depending on annual turnover.
How Slips Are Assigned
The invitation process begins each March once returning slip holder contracts have been finalized and the number of available slips has been determined.
When slips become available, contract offers will be sent through Dockwa to the next eligible person on the appropriate waitlist. Email notifications will come from Dockwa, so applicants should ensure their email settings allow Dockwa notifications.
Slips may periodically become available during the boating season as well.
If a slip becomes available and is offered to an eligible person on the waitlist, a one-time deferral is available for anyone who was on the list as of September 16, 2015. Anyone placed on the waitlist after September 16, 2015 will have ten (10) business days from the notification date to complete the contract, provide required documentation, and submit payment. Once assigned, the vessel must occupy the slip within twelve (12) months.
For billing and slip assignment purposes, all incoming vessels will be measured by the Town of Fairfield to verify compliance with the Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations governing South Benson Marina.
No family residing in one dwelling may have more than one slip assignment until all applicants on the waitlists have been satisfied.
Waitlist Order and System Time
Waitlist positions are determined solely by the date and time an inquiry is received through Dockwa. The Dockwa system timestamp will be considered the official record of submission.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring their Dockwa account information, vessel information, and contact information remain current. Failure to respond to Dockwa notifications, contract offers, or requests for documentation within the specified timeframe may result in removal from the waitlist or forfeiture of a slip offer.
The Town of Fairfield reserves the right to verify residency eligibility, vessel size, and compliance with all Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations prior to slip assignment.
Placement on a waitlist does not guarantee slip availability.
Waitlist Eligibility
Waitlist positions are assigned to an individual and are not transferable to another person, family member, or entity.
Changes to vessel information may be made while on the waitlist; however, eligibility for a slip will be determined based on the vessel size at the time a slip is offered.
If a vessel exceeds the size limits of the slip being offered, the offer may be declined and the next eligible applicant on the waitlist will be contacted.
Applicants are responsible for keeping their Dockwa account information current, including contact information and vessel details.
Questions
Please direct all questions to the Marina Department at 203-256-3002 or email the Marina Coordinator at marina@fairfieldct.org.
Ye Yacht Yard, located at 985 Harbor Road, Southport on picturesque Southport Harbor, accommodates 65 small boats to a maximum 14'. It also provides boat launch services to residents and access to moorings in Southport Harbor. Additionally, 32 Kayak racks are available at Ye Yacht Yard.
Ye Yacht Yard is overseen by the Marina Department, a division of the Community Services Department. Rules and regulations are determined by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Visit our Boat Slips web page for information on fees and waiting lists. Visit our Boat Rack Rentals web page for specifics on rack rentals. Please contact the Marina Department with questions.
