Perhaps an example would be best. Assume two members of the same age: A, who joins as an Intermediate Member at age 16, becoming an Active Member at age 27, and B, who joins as an Active Member at age 27. When they both become 31 years of age, and each has a similar boat for moorage purposes, say 30ft in length, they might take 15 years of seniority to be offered a slip.
The difference is that member A would get moorage at age 31 (11 years as an Intermediate and 4 years as an Active), while member B would have to wait an additional 11 years to have 15 years of seniority at age 42. Comparing current membership fees and dues and taking into account that member A has a reduced rate for moorage at the Club, then member A would be over $28,000 ahead than his friend B who would be mooring at a commercial marina in the interim.