SIGHTS
A waterway that leads to a larger body of water, concrete sidewalks that run alongside the waterway, piers and narrow wooden docks stretching out into the water, various-sized boats lined up along the sidewalks and piers, nylon ropes tying watercraft to pier cleats, gentle waves, giant rocks along the water’s edge, wooden pilings wrapped in rubber bumpers, barnacles on the pilings at the waterline, metal ladders hanging off the docks and extending into the water, plastic storage bins, water hoses and spigots, garbage cans, receptacles for depositing oil and grease, life preservers, fire extinguishers, fishing paraphernalia, people in beach wear prepping their boats for sailing or returning them to dock (carrying supplies aboard, rinsing the decks, waxing), sun sparkling on the water, gleaming chrome and silver bits, fish jumping past the surface and then disappearing, bare masts reaching into the sky, boats mirrored in the still water, birds flying, restaurants and shops at the marina’s entrance, slipways for unloading boats on trailers, a fuel dock
SOUNDS
Chains rattling against masts in the wind, water slapping the hulls and pylons, water pouring from boats into the bay, the creak of ropes as they loosen and pull taut, hulls gently bumping against pylons, the sounds of mechanical tools (ratchets, drills, buffers) as people work on their boats, flags snapping in the wind, music playing from the boats and nearby shops, the growl of engines starting up, boats motoring past on their way to water, people calling to one another and chatting excitedly, laughter, the slap of flip-flops on boat decks and docks, the squeak of rubber-soled boat shoes, wind rustling the tree branches or palm fronds, bells jingling, the bellow of boat horns, water splashing from hoses, the call of water birds, the buzz of insects
SMELLS
An open water smell (salt water or fresh), motor oil, fish, wax, sweat, beer, sunscreen, wet clothing, food from nearby restaurants
TASTES
Salt water, sweat, beverages (water, soda, beer), groceries that will be eaten aboard the boat (junk food, chips, fruit, sandwiches, snack foods, takeout food from a restaurant)
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
Wind pulling at clothing and tangling one’s hair, the prickle of sunburn, one’s skin feeling taut from windburn, splintery wooden pylons, rough nylon ropes, the smooth feel of chrome and fiberglass, soft towels, the sway of the boat beneath one’s feet, the hot metal ladder under one’s fingers, heat from the sun beating down, spray from the water, biting insects, wet clothing chafing the skin, heavy sodden shoes, sweat trickling over one’s skin, cool fingertips from a pop can’s condensation, the slippery feel of a fish one caught while on the boat, a sore back from lugging coolers and supplies on and off the boat
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Being attacked and having to fight in tight quarters along the docks
Suffering a near-drowning
Discovering that one’s boat has been vandalized or sabotaged
Finding a corpse floating in the water
Having one’s boat impounded
Being at odds with marina owners who are petty enough to make one’s life difficult
Spotting a dangerous creature in the water, like a shark or saltwater crocodile
Slipping on one’s boat and hitting one’s head
Prepping for a fun day at sea and discovering something that cancels one’s trip (a leak in the boat, an empty gas tank, an alarming noise coming from the engine)
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
Boat brokers, boat owners and their families, guests preparing to sail, marina owners and workers, mechanics, skippers
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Rural Volume: Beach, lake, ocean, tropical island
Urban Volume: Fishing boat, parking lot, yacht
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
A marina is the obvious choice for someone with a boat but no place to store it or for someone who wants to house a boat near the water. Another option for boat-owners is a dry dock, where boats are stored inland and owners are responsible for transporting them to the water. Yacht clubs are exclusive marinas for yacht owners. Boaters may also keep their boats at home and carry them to and from the water on trailers pulled behind their cars. Still others may store their boats at a private dock or a friend’s waterfront property.
Marinas are typically calm, peaceful places where people go to relax and spend their leisure time. But many things could happen at a marina to cause tension for your characters. Arguments on the docks, drunken altercations, a drowning, vandalism, sabotage, theft—the possibilities are virtually endless. Don’t make the mistake of believing that a sinister setting is required for nefarious dealings. Conflict that occurs in a seemingly happy place can be the most surprising and satisfying for readers.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
Boats clogged the marina, their hypodermic masts puncturing the leaden sky. Chains clanked and ropes creaked as the vessels rocked back and forth, but the wind was hot and dry, bringing no comfort.
Techniques and Devices Used: Metaphor, multisensory descriptions, weather
Resulting Effects: Establishing mood