People choose to live on a boat for a number of reasons. For some it could be a lifelong dream, for others it could be a way of saving to buy a house, or it could even be an opportunity to live a simpler life by downsizing for a long and relaxing retirement. Our liveaboard community is strong, and our residents live on a wide variety of vessels, from yachts and motor boats, and even converted tugs.
For many of our liveaboards, making the decision to live on a boat is one of the best they have made. Even though there is some housekeeping to do before you make a permanent move to a floating home, including notifying Pembrokeshire County Council, HMRC and the DVLA, it will be worth it. You will be welcome to use our address as your own, and we won’t charge an admin fee for handling your post at the Marina Office.
Liveaboards here will be in good company, with almost 30 full time ‘neighbours’ and the company of 300 long term and visiting boat owners. When you choose to live on your boat at Milford Marina, you will enjoy the same benefits as 12 month berth holders.
The Essential Checklist for Liveaboards at Milford Marina
We warmly welcome liveaboard berth holders at Milford Marina. Take a look at our handy checklist before you make yourself at home with us.
We take your safety and security seriously, so you can rest assured that you will be covered by CCTV, key coded access gates to the pontoons, and the Marina Team keeping a watchful eye over your boat 24 hours a day. For your comfort, our recently upgraded toilets, showers and laundry facilities are conveniently located at the Marina Office, and electricity and water hook ups are available at all berths. We have waste disposal facilities for berth holders on site too.
The local area is a hub for sailing and boating enthusiasts, with a number of local yacht clubs that run an active cruiser racing scene, and waterway restaurants accessible by boat through the summer season. For boat owners, Milford Marina is a great base with marine service businesses conveniently located on site, to help with the ongoing maintenance your boat will inevitably need.
Being right at the centre of Milford Waterfront, you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat with a great selection of cafes and restaurants, and you’re only a short walk away from the town centre and Havens Head Retail Park, which is home to Tesco, Boots and other convenience stores.
Milford Haven Train Station has daily direct services to Cardiff and London, and there are two bus stops from which you can connect to the county. The wider town has all of the essential services a resident could need, including a post office, doctors’ surgeries, pharmacies and dentists, as well as a library, leisure centre and the Torch Theatre – one of only 3 producing theatres in Wales.
Milford Haven has a fascinating history, from its establishment as a Quaker-whaling station to becoming the energy capital of the UK, and lots more in between. A visit to Milford Haven Museum (open Easter to October) is a great way to learn more about our town.
Liveaboard berth holders also enjoy free parking*, 10 weeks free storage ashore in the Milford Marina Boatyard and invitations to social events.
If you’re considering living on your boat, Milford Marina is a great choice. Please contact us if you have any queries - we’d be happy to help you plan to make your dream a reality.
*We have free, unrestricted parking for berth holders on Mackerel Quay as well as short stay spaces where Milford Marina customers can park for up to 1 hour, just outside the Marina Office if you need to pop in – please remember to collect your Milford Marina Berth Holder Parking Permit when you start or renew your berthing contract to avoid any potential fines from parking in these spaces without a permit. Please note that overnight camping in caravans or motorhomes is not permitted here.
Frequently Asked Questions for Liveaboards at Milford Marina
We warmly welcome liveaboard berth holders to Milford Marina. Browse through our frequently asked questions to understand how it works.
Waste and recycling facilities are located in a compound just behind the Marina Office. Batteries and oils can be disposed of at the refuse facility in the Milford Marina Boatyard. A mobile pump out service will soon be available for grey water tanks and sewage. Portable toilets can currently be discharged in the bathrooms at the Marina Office.
The Marina Office has male, female and disabled toilets and showers, as well as a laundry room which operates on a token system. Laundry tokens can be purchased from the Marina Office. Milford Marina has an on-site boatyard and a boat lift which can accommodate boats up to 20 tonnes (subject to size).
You will need to contact Pembrokeshire County Council to inform them of your new address for Council Tax and to register to vote. It is also advised that you inform HMRC and the DVLA of your new address
Water* is included in your berthing fee. Electricity is metered so will be separate from your annual berth fee. You can use your own meter, or they are available to purchase or hire from the Marina Office. There will be a small admin charge to read meters up to 6 times per year. All types of fuel, including gas, will also be billed separately.
*Due to legionella rules, berth holders must use their own hose and connection in order to access the water supply
Diesel and petrol are both available 24/7/365* from the fuel berth which is located just within Milford Marina. To book fuel, please contact us on VHF Channel 14 or call 01646 696312.
*Please note, we are unable to fuel during free flow.
Gas bottles are available from the Marina Office.
Supermarkets, pharmacies and ATMs are available in Milford Haven. Milford Haven Train Station operates services to Cardiff and London daily, and two main bus stops have services to Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, Monday to Saturday. View more information about our location >
The lock is accessible 24 hours a day. A full locking schedule is available on our website, or at the Marina Office.
Nursery, primary and secondary schools are located within the Milford Haven area. For full details, visit the Pembrokeshire County Council website.
Pets are welcome to live on board your boat at Milford Marina, but must not cause a nuisance, and must be kept under the control of the owner at all times. There are two veterinary surgeries as well as dog grooming and boarding services within Milford Haven. View more information about our location >
All of the Marina Operatives are first aid trained, and a first aid box and defibrillator are both available at the Marina Office. For more urgent medical attention, we would suggest contacting your GP, or calling NHS Direct on 111 or 0845 46 47. For medical emergencies, please dial 999.