Marina and piers

[Inspection question]

I have had a disagreement with a friend of mine on what the differences are in a pier and a marina as talked about in the code book. What are the defining factors that distinguish between the two?

 

[charlie b]

"Pier" is defined in article 100, and "marina" in article 555.2. I suggest you both start there.

To me, the difference is that a pier gives you access to water, even if no boats are involved (e.g., swimming or fishing access), and a marina stores boats, even if there is no water immediately nearby. A marina I once visited had boats stored on dry land, sometimes stacked, and a very large forklift-type vehicle would pick up your boat and drop it in the water.