Marinas, Yacht Clubs, Boat Yards COVID-19 plans
 

As April comes around and with Ice out close at hand many of us are starting to think about our boats.

If we are lucky, by the time the boating season fully starts things will be returning to normal.

I'd like this thread to not turn into a debate about COVID-19, or what we think should be done, but I think it would be helpful for people to post facts, notices, or actions that any boat yards, marinas, yacht clubs, gas docks, and public docks are providing here, no matter if they are public or private locations.

For example, are any places starting or delaying the prep and launch of boats? Are they providing any special procedures or guidelines?

Once open, are there any special procedures for common areas such as bathrooms (toilets, showers, pump outs, gas and water, etc.)?

I'm curious about what is actually happening around the lake and I think it could be helpful information to many of us. Sometimes a good idea can help others.

Not to be the bearer of bad news but they say the rural areas will experience the full effects of virus much later than the metro areas. So I would expect a later start than usual.
Anyway, this thread should probably be moved to the boating section.

I can see boat showrooms and parts stores having to be run a little differently. But will actual boat slips be effected? Assuming you can get your boat, wouldn't you be greater than 6 ft from anyone and still be able to easily avoid people. I would imagine common restrooms/spaces will need to be handled entirely differently.

Paying for gas at the fuel dock could also be tricky, but I would think a solution could be had.

FBY Closed
 

Fay's Boat Yard in Gilford has advised that it will be closed until May 4rh. 🐻

This is the type of information I'm looking for and I'm sure will help others, thanks!

Yes we know things may be delayed, and once we get in our slips, then then we can keep 6 ft away, etc. But that's a different story. Still, it will be nice to know what plans are being made by each location.

Please keep posting info as it becomes available, thanks!

As of Friday, Shep Brown's was still planning to launch boats. They are not, however, registering boats. Plan ahead and do it online.

Fingers crossed that launching boats is able to continue!

I am hoping for the best, but I would not bank on a May 4 launch. Keep in mind that the President just said we're isolating until April 30. This would be the third or fourth instance of his target date being pushed out, so.... Plus, NH is likely to be later in the cycle than the more populous areas that people are focusing on today.

Postings as of 30Mar2020
 

Shep Brown's / Goodhue has this website notice, hoping to reopen May 4 but continuing online sales and scheduling "spring deliveries."
https://www.shepbrowns.com/blog/covi...company--22668

Mountain View Yacht club posted closure through April 6
http://mvyc.biz/current-spring-conditions-at-mvyc/

I had an email from Fay's that they would look to hopefully open May 4th.

Irwin Marine is also closed, but I haven't seen or heard of their time frame as to when they expect to open again.

Guessing things will be delayed for a bit...

Irwin advised they were doing boat pick ups and launches but that was last week. I am not a customer of theirs but I called there Hudson NH location when looking for a registration place last week

Shep Brown's put my boat in my slip this afternoon.

Anyone have news from any of the more private yacht clubs, etc. What are they doing?

winnisquam marine is doing registrations, did mine yesterday. they have a drop box outside that you put your paperwork in, then they call you when its ready to come get your reg and stickers.

Shep's put my boat in the water. Just waiting on ice out and time.

Too early
 

There's a lot of Hoorah over not much here. Ice out is routinely in the third week of April and most don't get out on the lake until May sometime.
Relax, everybody. Stay home for a few more days, the same as you did in previous years. Buy gift certificates from your favorite restaurants.

Is there ice around Long Island? We’re heading up for the weekend and debating taking the little whaler. Thx.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This morning Harilla Bay had ice, should be gone by the weekend or sooner. Most of the West side of Long Island was open but I didn’t go down as far as Trexler’s so uncertain of that area...

Dan

Marinas, Yacht Clubs, Boat Yards COVID-19 plans
 

Thank you, we’d be at
Harilla so I guess not much sense in taking the boat? I could really use a boat ride after this march Lol

Are markers in? Do they go in after the ice out? Thx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The east side of Long Island clear from Harillas to Little Bear and Cow. I don’t see any ice at all. A happy flock of Mergansers is enjoying it.

The Marine Patrol person that tends the markers has been out and about in a MP work boat. As of yesterday MP also had two main line boats in the water.

Melvin Village is prepared to launch our boat the weekend of May 1st but are closed to the public and aren't handling registrations.

It appears getting fuel on the water may be an issue early on.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Small Boats to Benefit?
 

Returning to yesteryear?

Will canoes and sailboats make a comeback?

:coolsm:

Y Landing
 

From Y Landing Facebook page:

Just reaching out to let everyone know that we are open and considered an essential business!

With that being said, we have put some safety policies in place.

The safety and well-being of our employees and our customers is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation and taking steps to help keep our communities safe.

As our employees interact with customers and the general public, we have taken steps to limit exposure to the virus. We have put restrictions on customer interaction by asking our customers to stay at least six feet away from any employee or other customers and to not go into any buildings, including the wash building, at Y-Landing Marina. I, Danielle, will be in the shop during this time answering phone calls and emails to interact with our customers.

Our mechanics will be preparing boats for Spring Launch and disinfecting the boat/motor after the boat is launched and before the customer arrives.

During this time, we will be doing our best to continue regular business hours and to satisfy all of our customers needs. Please be patient with us, as some tasks may take longer than usual as we try to maintain a very clean work environment.

We will get through this together and are hoping for a another wonderful summer!

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact Danielle or Dave at (603) 279-5050 or email us at ylandingmarina@gmail.com

Thanks for the updates!

Ambrose Cove
 

"In these unprecedented times, Ambrose Cove Marina is committed to the health and safety of our customers and employees. In accordance with governor Sununu’s directive, our office will be closed - effective Saturday, March 28, 2020. We will still be available by phone, 603-544-2513, and through email at ambrosecovemarina@gmail.com. Our service department will continue working diligently behind the scenes to get your boat ready for spring launch.

Please understand that due to strict protocols for safety we may have some delays and we ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this difficult time. Please stay safe and healthy, we look forward to seeing you on the water soon!

-The staff at Ambrose Cove Marina"


Melvin Village is doing registrations, but you leave them outside in a box one day, and they put them back out the next.

Please don't forget, if you need a phone number of any gas dock to check to see if they are open and pumping, they are all listed and are very easy to find by simply clicking on the name of any gas dock on https://WinniGas.com

I'd also like to invite all gas dock operators to update winnigas.com with their current 2020 prices. This will serve two purposes, but most importantly, let boaters know you are open for fuel! Many boaters follow WinniGas.com on both Facebook and Twitter, and will receive automatic notifications of all gas dock fuel updates.

Of course everyone is allowed to post the price of any gas dock that is open if you happen to drive by and notice that they are operational. Thanks!

Rich, is there an easy way to put a symbol next to prices or marina to show they're open?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Mountain View Yacht Club
 

MVYC will remain closed to all boating related activities until May 4, in line with the NH Governor's Stay at Home order. The following restrictions will be in place:
No Members, Renters, or facility users shall be allowed on the property.
No boat services providers shall be allowed on the property
No boats shall be allowed in the marina basins or at associated docking facilities
No use of the boat ramp for launches or retrievals
No use of any of the common areas of the facility

Interesting, is this action even legal for slip owners?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

marinas should post this
 

Are you really serious.. This is what every marina should be posting. People have to start realizing this is a serious situation. Comments that make it like you are taking away my fun. Get use to it.
Here in Sarasota all boat ramps are closed. No boating allowed. If you take your boat out for a ride...you will get a $500 fine. Marinas are shut down for an extended period of time.

Hi, chasedawg. I’m down here in Florida too.- Manatee County. I also mentioned a few days ago that the governor of Maryland has prohibited all recreational boating. I asked the forum if they thought the same thing would happen in New Hampshire.
I don’t think anyone on the lake wants to believe this could actually happen to them, but I don’t see how it is avoidable.

Yes, as MVYC is a form of condo ownership, that is governed by a Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors established the rule, it is almost assuredly binding on slip owners.

While the boat ramps are closed in many FL counties, boating is still permitted in Florida. Boats must keep at least 50 ft from one another, no more than 10 passengers per boat, and all passengers must be directly related. The bays around Sarasota are still somewhat busy, and as of today, most marinas are still open. Heck, the governor has even allowed golf courses to stay open, subject to certain protocols.

Do I think FL should be doing more? Yes. That said, I believe there are many recreational outlets that can be accommodated in a reasonably safe manner, and boating with household members strikes me as pretty darn safe, aside from needing to get fuel and pump out services. In the near term, the boating industry will need to develop protocols that limit the risk for those services.

I can understand closing marinas and sandbars. I do not understand how banning boating would reduce the spread.

Today, here on Winnisquam we saw half dozen boats and two planes practicing their ups and downs


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Picked up my Wife’s boat and my pontoon at Winnisquam Marine over the weekend. Just call them and they leave it out for you, no interaction necessary...

Dan

More "Banning of Stuff..."
 

Speaking of golf:

three Massachusetts men are charged in driving to Rhode Island and who failed to observe the statewide quarantine.

The Hospital Ship Comfort unintentionally allowed covid-19 patients aboard. The ship was to take non-virus patients to open additional hospital beds in the city. Upon testing at a later time, they were found to be infected. They've been isolated on board, and will be returned to NY City's Javits Federal Medical Station, a station staffed by the US Army.

Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston has directed all in the city to wear masks, and has imposed a citywide curfew to fight the virus.

How is boating, if you practice social distancing, on a wide open lake contributing to the pandemic?


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I don’t know what the governors are thinking on this one. That’s why I asked the question.

I was merely asking a question. Instead of having a civil conversation you decided to immediately jump down my throat and assume my question was without regard to taking this situation seriously. Thanks for reminding me why I don’t frequent this forum.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Who needs six feet distancing when we have 150 feet on the water.

Given Sununu's position on closing hiking trails/parks, I can't see him shutting boating down. Group gathering places, like sandbars, maybe, but I don't see it as a whole.

As for fueling up, a prepay electronic option and rubber glove solves that. And, technically, if only the dock attendants can fuel up, the only point of contact would be opening the fuel cap.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I could do this, but it would mean every gas dock would need to stay active in letting me/us know when they open.

But it's easy to show if they are open now, if they would just post the current price of fuel once they open, the date of the report would indirectly show that they are open.

Posting a price on WinniGas will also send an update both via twitter @WinniGas and the WinniGas Facebook page, so followers on those platforms would get almost instant notification.

Gotcha, thanks!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Glad to help! :)

Now that Ice out has been declared, let's get some gas prices reported on the open gas docks to let people know where they can get fuel.

I would’ve thought by now that the winners of the contest would be bragging! How many people have guessed April 6?

It was ME! Yeah...that’s it! ME and uh... my WIFE Morgan Fairchild...yeah that’s it...that’s the ticket! :coolsm:

I had guessed the 3rd, close enough for me. :)

So how did this thread turn into an Ice Out Thread?

I am watching for Marina information as I am being told my marina will not be opening till the end of May.

Frankly, I would call my marina and ask them. We are great at speculating, second-guessing and pontificating around here!!

When you find out post the status.

My marina called today and said they took a deposit on my tritoon...so there’s that. Boat sales are still going on which is a good sign!

A friend said Fay's is launching boats, but checking their website, I found this notice:

"We will not be allowing anyone to work on their boats, use the bath houses or enter the boatyard property until the Governor lifts the stay at home order."

Plus check your email and/or their website and post what you learn here?

We went to Winnisquam Marine this morning to gather our personal belongings that were on our boat for winter storage and at the same time brought items that belonged with the boat (Garmin and snap in carpet).
We removed 3 rod holders especially made for pontoon Bimini frames as well.
I suspect our next fishing boat (whenever we get one) will use a standard rod holder mounted on the gunwale. Felt strange making the boat ready for a sale.:(

Anyone know if Independent Marine is open? Been trying various modes of contact with them but no luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

This is from the Meredith Yacht Club website:

"...the MYC Clubhouse will NOT be open or be able to be used by any Shareholders or Renters on 25 April 2020. Until further notice as directed by the MYC Board of Directors, and due to Emergency Order #17 related to a “Stay at Home Order” issued by Governor for the State of NH, which remains in place until the 4th May 2020, the Clubhouse will remain closed."

These are simply my thoughts, which we all know are not worth anything ;)

It's not that being on your boat, nor being on the water is the problem.

The problem is the 'choke' or 'touch' points such as, docks, launch ramps, marinas, restrooms, fuel docks, pump outs, and other places where people can interact.

Think of every place you normally go, touch things, or interact with people or places between leaving your home and until you are on your boat driving away on the water, each of those is a potential issue.

For those that go to a dock, get on your boat and then head out to the open water, or to your island home, this is not a large issue, as you can minimize your own touch points and sanitize your hands as you get on your boat.

But for those that have the family use the restroom before you leave the dock/launch ramp to head out on your boat or before the ride to your island, or gather and chat with others at the dock/marina, or may overnight on their boat at their marina, you now have a place where people are interacting, touching things, potentially spreading the virus that can get on peoples hands, then touch their faces, etc.

This is why some places are simply closing their buildings, restrooms, restricting use to immediate family (no guests), etc.

When the non-essential stay at home order is released (currently May 4th), then I'm sure this can be revisited, and luckily the full boating season doesn't really start until the end of May, so the timing could help us.

But just because the 'stay at home' is released, it doesn't mean the COVID19 virus is gone. We really need a working vaccine for the threat to go away.

Each marina/dock/yacht club may want to consider safety procedures that go beyond a release of a 'stay at home' order perhaps until next year when hopefully we'll have a working vaccine and/or many will have recovered and (I hope) will have a natural immunity.

There are many different points of view on this issue that should be considered.

For now, be safe, wash your hands, stay home! I hope everyone is and remains healthy!

Typical flu deaths...
 

Every year approx. 30,000 + people in the USA die of the seasonal flu. I think over 60,000 in 2017.

I have been unable to find #'s on the "flu" deaths this year. Are they being lumped into statistics for COVID-19?

If you check almost any news source, you will see that the reverse is true--many covid deaths have likely been unreported as covid because the patients/corpses were not tested. Also, you may note that we are now running at over 1,000 counted covid deaths/day--that's over 30K just in a month

It is actually easy to find the data. Also, testing for flu is routine so flu deaths are more accurate than Covid-19. As of mid February, this has been a relatively low mortality rate flu season with 18,000 deaths. The CDC has been tracking influenza for years and has good data. The vaccine this year has been roughly 45% effective.

Unless there is real evidence, no reason to think this has skewed the Covid results.

Actually, this was directly from one of the owners. They are great people and I am not going to call them out by name. I like them and I believe they like me. But I wanted to know at the time, what other slip renters are finding.

We're still very early in the lake boating season, as boating is ramping up.

I'm sure as time goes on, more marinas will either come up with or update their COVID19 policies and procedures.

Please post news or updates here, as I think it will be useful to everyone.

By seeing what others in the area are doing, the info may also help some marinas to decide on how to handle their own situation.

Another concern that should be considered are which policies and/or procedures need to be in place after a 'stay at home' order is released. It's not like the virus threat has gone away at this point, but we do need to find a way to 'get back to business'.

I'm sure there will be guidelines from the CDC and other experts for this that are similar to other what 'social clubs' or gathering points will need.

For a while I could imagine:

• Face masks while in public or when facing anyone that is not an immediate family member.
• Washing hands often
• Hand sanitizers at the outside and inside of every door (to sanitize hands before touching any door handle).
• Frequent cleaning of door handles and other touch points.
• Hand sanitizer on your boat, for hands as people enter or leave the boat.

But what's a best way to handle restroom interiors (toilets, sinks, and/or possible showers at marinas)? Would it be to simply provide a spray cleaner and paper towels at each sink, toilet stall, shower? They do this at gyms and health clubs, but then the spray cleaner and paper towel dispenser themselves becomes a common touch point.

I saw the following notice from Spinnaker Cove Yacht Club:

"...given the Governor's "stay-at-home" orders and social distancing requirements, the clubhouse including bathroom facilities will not be accessible until May 5th at the earliest. We will follow the "stay-at-home" order until it is lifted by the Governor."

It looks like Mountain View (MVYC) has updated their COVID policies as of May 4th:

http://mvyc.biz/covid-19/

There appears to be some missing attachments from their website, but it seems they are doing things safely. It seems that they emailed all of their owners with the details.

They say people can be on the property as of May 5th following their procedures.

Irwin Marine COVID notice
 

Irwin Marine:

Fay's
 

Fay's Boat Yard:

Thanks for this update!

I wonder how they will handle if a 'non FBY' boat shows up at their gas dock?

Hopefully, in a nice manner, inform those individuals that has docks are open only to FBY customers. Hopefully, they will put up a sign stating the policy to minimize potential verbal abuse by those being turned away.

Dave

Fay's update
 

Fay's open to current customers 5/15

Y Landing Update
 

Gas

Gas & Diesel Dock will be open daily starting May 22nd, 8:00 AM - 5:00PM!

Our Gas Dock Attendants will be wearing masks, please either also wear a mask or remain six feet away from the Gas Dock Attendant at all times.

Store

ＣＡＬＬ ＡＨＥＡＤ － ＰＩＣＫ－ＵＰ ＤＯＣＫＳＩＤＥ

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟮𝗻𝗱, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗨𝗽!

Here's How:
- Call our store ahead of time at (603) 279-9916 to place your order. Payment will be taken over the phone.
- Dock your boat at the Store Dock at the marina.
- Call our store to notify them that you are here.
- A store employee will come out and place your groceries in your boat!

Store Hours:

May 22, 2020 -- June 19, 2020
We will be open Memorial Day, from 8:00 AM -- 5:00 PM
Friday - Sunday; 8:00 AM -- 5:00 PM

June 20, 2020 -- Labor Day, 2020
Everyday; 8:00 AM -- 5:00 PM