Boatyards, marinas, and boat dealerships all need one thing to run well: the right software. From managing slips and reservations to handling payments and inventory, a robust marina management software system can save time, reduce confusion, and help staff focus on their core tasks. But choosing one isn’t always simple, especially when there are popular tools that look similar at first glance.
Many marinas compare Dockmaster vs. Dockwa because both offer digital tools for dock reservations and marina services. While both fall under the same category, their use cases and strengths are quite different. Dockwa is known for its clean interface and for helping marinas connect with boaters through fast, mobile-first reservations. DockMaster leans more toward the operational side, with tools built for inventory tracking, accounting, service scheduling, and other complex parts of marine operations.
In this guide, we’ll compare DockMaster and Dockwa side by side so you can decide which fits your team and workflows better.
Overview of DockMaster
DockMaster is a marina management software built for marinas, boatyards, and boat dealerships that need complete control over daily operations. It offers tools for accounting, inventory, service scheduling, billing, and point of sale in one connected platform.
Marina teams use DockMaster to manage tasks such as fuel sales, slip reservations, work orders, and customer records from a single, intuitive dashboard. The system supports complex marine operations while keeping reporting, payments, and communication organized and easy to manage.
With over 40 years of use across the industry, DockMaster has become a trusted choice for marina businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
Overview of Dockwa
Dockwa is another marina management software built to help marinas manage slip reservations and mooring with less manual work. It focuses on assisting marinas in accepting bookings, organizing customer data, and handling billing through a clean and easy-to-use interface.
Marina teams use Dockwa to assign slips, send contracts, track storage, and keep all booking details in one place. Boaters can reserve spots online, message marinas, and store their vessel and payment info through the app. Dockwa connects marinas with over 300,000 boaters, helping them fill slips more quickly without the need for lengthy phone calls or paper forms.
With no booking fees for boaters and quick digital payments, Dockwa works for both parties involved in the reservation. You’ll find Dockwa-supported marinas across the East Coast, Great Lakes, Bahamas, Caribbean, and growing parts of the West Coast.
DockMaster vs Dockwa: Feature Comparison
Before diving into how each platform supports marina management, here’s a feature-by-feature breakdown of what DockMaster and Dockwa are best known for.
DockMaster is best known for:
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Service management: Handle estimates, work orders, mobile time tracking, inventory integration, eSignatures, and detailed reporting from one platform
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Mobile time tracking: Let technicians start and stop job timers on the go, with hours tied to specific tasks and synced to DockMaster Desktop
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Inventory management: Use real-time inventory tracking, purchase order creation, barcode printing, and POS integration to manage service parts and retail products
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Financial management: Track A/R, A/P, and general ledger entries, run financial reports, reconcile bank transactions, and manage payments directly in one place
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Marina management: Visually assign slips, manage reservations, handle billing, and update customer details through a central dashboard
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Sales management: Manage leads, sales contracts, trade-ins, and financing with automated follow-ups and inventory access
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Point of sale: Use a touchscreen-friendly, fully integrated POS system for in-store and fuel dock transactions with synced inventory and financials
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DockMaster Desktop: Access a full-service marina management system, including inventory, service, reservations, sales, billing, and financial tools
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DockMaster Web: Let staff update customer or vessel details and process payments from anywhere
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DockMaster Mobile: Equip service technicians with real-time scheduling, job tracking, voice-recorded notes, and offline mode to complete jobs from the field
DockMaster ratings and reviews
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G2: 3.3/5
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Capterra: 4.1/5
Dockwa is best known for:
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Digital contracts: Send, sign, and manage marina contracts entirely online with built-in ACH and card payment collection and reporting
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Billing & invoicing: Automate reminders for overdue bills, manage recurring or one-time fees, and store secure payment details
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Space assignments & marina map: Assign slips using a real-time visual map with custom colors, vessel info, and access controls for staff
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Fuel management: Settle fuel payments on the dock with mobile hardware, track fuel sales by type, and reconcile with tank balances
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Point of sale: Combine retail and fuel sales with contracts and reservations in one system. Accept all tap, dip, and swipe payments across locations
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Lead & waitlist management: Move leads to a long-term waitlist, engage them through group messaging, and convert them to contracts as space becomes available
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Third-party integrations: Eliminate manual data entry by connecting with QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Netsuite, Constant Contact, and MailChimp
Dockwa ratings and reviews
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G2: 4.3/5
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Capterra: 4.9/5
Both tools are top-notch, and some features overlap as well. However, DockMaster scores higher on some fronts, while Dockwa does on others. Let’s take a look at some of these.
1. Point of sale (POS)
Both DockMaster and Dockwa offer robust POS systems tailored to the unique needs of marina operations. From fuel sales to ship stores, they’re both focused on simplifying transactions and delivering a great experience for boaters and marina teams alike.
But there are some significant differences when you zoom in.
POS features in DockMaster
DockMaster offers a complete POS solution with extensive functionality for marine retail operations. It combines a modern register interface with hardware integrations and detailed transaction logging, making it a proper all-in-one solution.
Where DockMaster really stands out is in its deep system integrations. It connects POS operations in real time with inventory management, financial tracking, and fuel systems. This means smoother operations behind the scenes and fewer headaches at the counter.
POS features in Dockwa
Dockwa’s POS was built with simplicity in mind. Its cloud-based design lets marinas handle ship store sales, reservations, and fuel from a single, unified platform. That simplicity translates into smoother workflows and a better guest experience.
Where Dockwa shines is in its boater-first payment experience. With features like wallet-less transactions, direct-to-account charging, and mobile-friendly hardware, it’s designed to make payments seamless for your guests.
Which is the more well-rounded POS system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: DockMaster
DockMaster delivers a fully integrated, highly configurable, and feature-rich POS solution that handles everything from sales to fuel to finance. Whether it’s mobile concierge service, detailed sales reporting, or real-time syncing with inventory and financials, DockMaster’s POS goes beyond the basics to bring true operational power to your marina.
2. Service management
Both DockMaster and Dockwa recognize the importance of servicing boats efficiently, especially during high season. But how they handle it varies quite a bit.
Service features in DockMaster
DockMaster was built with full-service marinas in mind. From the front office to the technician on the dock, the platform supports complete service workflows. Service managers can create detailed work orders, techs can log time via mobile, and eSignatures help close out jobs faster. It also connects directly with inventory and financials for seamless billing.
Service features in Dockwa
Dockwa does not currently focus heavily on service department management. While it’s excellent for reservations, contracts, and boater-facing operations, it lacks the depth of technician scheduling, work order handling, and time tracking found in DockMaster.
Which is the more well-rounded service management system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: DockMaster
When it comes to streamlining marina service departments, DockMaster brings operational muscle with tools purpose-built for technicians and service managers.
3. Inventory management
Inventory is the lifeblood of marina retail and service operations. Running out of fuel filters or t-shirts? That’s a problem.
Inventory features in DockMaster
DockMaster provides advanced inventory tracking with real-time quantity updates, barcode label printing, POS integration, and purchase order generation. It’s deeply connected with other modules, which means every sale, service, or restock automatically updates the system.
Inventory features in Dockwa
Dockwa’s inventory functionality is more indirect. It supports fuel sales tracking and integrates with POS to sync some product-level data but lacks a full-featured inventory management module with POs, barcoding, or stock reporting.
Which is the more well-rounded inventory management system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: DockMaster
If tight inventory control is a priority, DockMaster’s system wins hands down with real-time, barcode-driven tracking.
4. Contracts & billing
No one likes chasing payments or manually updating spreadsheets, so how do the two platforms handle contracts and billing?
Billing features in DockMaster
DockMaster offers full-fledged accounting features, including AR/AP, general ledger, and reconciliation, making it ideal for marinas with in-house finance teams.
While contracts and billing are integrated, the system is more finance-first, with slightly less focus on ease of use for sending contracts or collecting online payments.
Billing & contract features in Dockwa
Dockwa’s digital contract workflows are built to eliminate paper trails, with bulk send-outs, online signing, and automatic ACH/credit card processing. Billing is just as smooth, with recurring payments, one-time charges, and automated reminders, helping teams get paid faster.
Which is the more well-rounded contracts & billing system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: Dockwa
For digital contract flows and intuitive, customer-facing billing tools, Dockwa is a smoother, more modern experience, especially for marinas that prioritize automation and guest convenience.
5. Marina management
Managing slips and storage can feel like solving a puzzle with a blindfold on. That’s why a visual system is key.
Marina management features in DockMaster
DockMaster delivers a visual slip management system that ties together reservations, customer info, invoicing, and even seasonal storage billing. It’s all synced with financials and reporting, giving you a central hub for marina operations.
Some of the key features of DockMaster’s marina management system include slip assignments with billing integration, customer portal access, storage and transient tracking, and real-time updates.
Marina map in Dockwa
Dockwa’s interactive marina map is impressively visual. Staff can drag and drop assignments, color-code slips, and manage access by role. Combined with boater reservation requests and built-in CRM features, it’s a user-friendly way to manage the daily flow of boats.
Which is the more well-rounded marina management system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: DockMaster
While Dockwa is powerful, DockMaster’s modern, drag-and-drop interface and boater-friendly UX make it the more intuitive tool for daily marina management. This allows users to manage slips, track occupancy, and reassign spaces visually.
6. Reporting & analytics
Reporting in DockMaster
DockMaster includes customizable reports across service, sales, finance, and inventory. From general ledger breakdowns to detailed job costing, it’s built for operators who want to dive deep. The platform also allows exporting data to Excel and integrations with accounting software.
Reporting in Dockwa
Dockwa focuses on performance insights, like customer trends, fuel sales, and accounting summaries. If you can map it to your GL accounts, whether you use cash or accrual accounting. The reports are easier to digest, although not as complex as those of DockMaster.
Which is the more well-rounded reporting & analytics system: DockMaster or Dockwa?
Winner: Tie
DockMaster is better suited for advanced, finance-heavy reporting, while Dockwa excels in ease of use and modern UX. Your choice depends on your team’s needs.
Ease of Use & Customer Support
DockMaster gives you a full set of tools, but getting comfortable with it might take a bit of time. Many users mention that once you complete the setup and become familiar with the system, it becomes second nature.
As one user said, “I have been using DockMaster at most of the marinas that I worked at. The support staff and Jodi are awesome. DockMaster simplifies our business with transparency.”
Their support team stays involved during setup and is available whenever you need help.
Dockwa, on the other hand, focuses on making things simple right from the start. Most marina staff pick it up quickly without needing much training. Its mobile-friendly layout also makes it easy to use on the go. Their team is quick to respond if you run into issues or have questions during day-to-day use.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
DockMaster has built a solid reputation by offering deep functionality for marinas that manage complex operations daily. Many users value how the system handles everything from service work to inventory and customer records.
For example, one review on G2 said, “Overall, I like how responsive DockMaster is when it comes to resolving a problem with the system, if any occur.”
Dockwa earns strong reviews for making the reservation process fast and simple for both marinas and boaters. Many marinas claim that Dockwa helps them enhance guest satisfaction without requiring additional work. Its fast-growing network shows that more marinas continue to trust the platform.
Unique Selling Points
DockMaster stands out by offering deep operational control across every part of marina management. You can manage service orders, inventory, financials, and customer billing in one connected system, eliminating the need to switch between tools.
It also offers powerful reporting features and integration with fuel systems, mobile apps, and accounting platforms. Marinas with complex needs often choose DockMaster for this level of control and customization.
On the other hand, Dockwa focuses on ease of use and fast setup while helping marinas boost guest satisfaction. You can send contracts in bulk, manage reservations online, and take payments from anywhere without added software.
Implementation and Optimization
Setting up marina software involves more than just turning it on; it requires time, planning, and a clear understanding of how your marina operates. Both DockMaster and Dockwa support you during this process with onboarding guidance, training, and responsive customer service.
Here’s how:
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Get hands-on help during setup: From the start, both platforms provide support to walk your team through installation, training, and system setup, helping you avoid confusion or delays
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Adjust features to match your workflow: Once you're up and running, it’s essential to review system settings, tailor the tools to your daily tasks, and ensure everything reflects how your team actually works
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Keep things current with regular updates: Updating the software regularly protects against technical issues, improves performance, and gives you access to new features as they’re released
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Use reports to fine-tune over time: Built-in reports and usage data help you track progress, identify and address minor issues early, and make informed changes without disrupting your operations
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Lean on support when needed: If you run into problems or need advice, both companies offer direct support from real people and active communities who can answer questions quickly and clearly
Which Marina Software is Right for You?
Choosing between DockMaster and Dockwa comes down to how your marina operates and what tools you need most. Both offer strong features, but they serve different types of workflows.
DockMaster gives you complete control over complex marina operations with deep tools for service, sales, accounting, inventory, and more, all in one place. If your team needs an all-in-one system built to handle every part of your business, DockMaster is built for you.
Book a demo today and see how DockMaster can help you run a tighter, more efficient operation.