Land Locked

[Troy M]

Purchased my first boat in October, had it pulled for a survey, winterized and outside stored for the winter. It was one of the first boats pulled out so I got buried deep against the fence 3 rows back. As a new boater I wanted to practice driving and docking with the least amount of boat traffic on the lake. I scheduled a launch date of April 11th. Took that week off so I had plenty of time to handle any problems with getting the boat to my new slip at a different Marina. On launch day, still buried, a ton of boats blocking me. Just wasted a vacation week for nothing. They keep stringing me along telling me they are "digging me out" and they have a "game plan" on getting me out. I'm beyond frustrated. May is almost here and I feel like i've lost an entire month of learning my new vessel. Is this common for storage yards to do this? Blowing off launch dates and lying about progress? How should I proceed from here? Relax and let them get to me when they feel like it or start applying some heavy pressure. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[comsnark]

Well, for starters: Do you have a choice for storage for next year?

Or are these the types that are completely oblivious to "customer loyalty"?

 

[Troy M]

Well, this is the only time I will be dealing with this boatyard. It was the easiest place to conduct the haul out survey. I have a new home lined up for Summer and Winter where they store your boat right in front of your slip. Just call, set a date, and done deal.

 

[mwph]

1. I don't know how you intend to apply "heavy presure", but I doubt you have all that much choice. Piss him off real good & your boat will remain dry an additional 3 weeks. Try not to burn any bridges.

2. Be thankful. It sounds like you have a good plan in place once you are in. Once you are gone you can chalk it to experience. It could be worse. Trust me.

3. Welcome to CSR. Once you are in you'll have plenty to keep you busy & the guys here are ready willing & able to help. As for the docking, don't worry yourself to death. Do you have a friend that can spend an hour or two with you? Even if you are alone, learn how the boat reacts by manuvering the boat in open water, then no better way to learn & improve your skills than to practice going in & out of the slip..........Over & over again.

ps... Best tip I got the day I first drove my boat, "neutral is your friend".

 

[tbirdvet]

Boats that are outside stored at my marina are scattered around so usually no issue getting blocked in. However, the boats that are stored inside have a process of first in last out but they will move one or two boats to get yours out if needed. Next year try to find a marina that has enough area so they do not have to block in many boats.

 

[Henry Boyd]

There are a couple things to consider; First your boat came out early and got stored in the back. Clearly you want to launch early because you are still blocked in. You haven't mentioned if you have offered to pay for the extra time and work to move the other boats, but I guess not.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but it is what it is. In the yard I use if you haul out early you risk being the last guy in when spring arrives unless you make arrangements in the fall, or are prepared to pay for unblocking, moving and re blocking other boats. To be fair, boatyards are businesses and unless you are willing to pay for the extra costs, your boat stays put until those in front are gone.

Henry

 

[Troy M]

Thanks everyone for the input. I want to start my new boating life on the right foot, and this forum is really helping. I will be patient with the yard knowing that things will only get better from here.

 

[mrclark321]

Mine went in the water today, but the weather the last few weeks has not been that great and it's been windy as hell and this back logs the boats getting in the water.
Last year mine went in the first of June.

 

[Banagy]

Ia luckey that I have a 40 X 60 pole barn to store my boat,

 

[Ka1oxd]

At my marina, they are pretty good about getting your boat out in the week that you request. I try to give them a couple of week notice, but they will move boats out of the way to get another one in the water. The boats are stacked 4 to 5 deep and tight with your neighbors boat. There has been times where I walked the deck of the boat next to me to do work on mine.

 

[gsmith]

If you don't mind me asking what Marina have you selected to be your new home?

 

[Troy M]

Belle Maer Harbor. It's 15 minutes away from home. Has 24hr security, all the amenities for my family, heated pool, WiFi, cable, 2 parking spots right in front of your slip, trees everywhere. Also every Saturday night they show a movie for kids on the big screen. Front row seats to a dynamite fireworks show. And most importantly, a few close friends that live and breath boating that can help me with learning the basics my first few years. I got very lucky getting a desirable slip and turns out my neighbor is a old friend I haven't seen in years, and is willing to help in any way. This is going to be one great summer.

 

[mwph]

Sounds like you picked a great marina. Keep us posted on your splash date. Be safe & enjoy!

 

[Carver370]

Pretty common, they really aren't lying to you they probably have people who have been scheduled to go in that are in front of you but since the weather is C R A P they probably pushed the date back.

When storing the boat anywhere you either:

A. Need to make them aware you want in early....
B. Need to come out as one of the last boats so you aren't burried!

If a boat is in the back row of a large line at our marina they will charge $250.00 a boat to move the others out of the way, picking up and setting a boat is not a small task.

Think of it this way, if you showed up at the marina and your boat was moved around every time you were there would you be happy? In my opinion every time the marina touches the boat or moves it there is a larger risk of something happening to it.

 

[spfortjohn]

Just move south and this problem will go away! LOL

 

[gsmith]

Good choice on the marina. Belle Maer is a well run marina with nice amenities.

 

[comsnark]

$250 to move another boat out the way? Sounds about right

Btw, I pay $200 for blocking, but that includes hauling the boat from a boat ramp and trailering it 5-10 miles back to the house!

 

[northern]

Next time write on the bottom of the contract when you want the boat in the water. If you want to piss them off write in a penalty for late delivery such as for each day late you get one day of free moorage. If they want your buisness they will sign if not you will need an alternative. Based on the time I looked at a boat in a big yard in Toronto I can see why it takes a few weeks to get the last boat in the water. It sure is not like a parking lot.

 

[mwph]

Next time write on the bottom of the contract when you want the boat in the water. If you want to piss them off write in a penalty for late delivery such as for each day late you get one day of free moorage. If they want your buisness they will sign if not you will need an alternative.

No offense to northern, but if you or anyone tries this be sure you actually have other choices of where to store your boat. Places that you actually want to move to. You'll need them. In places like Jersey, Florida and the like, this may not be a problem. Try that in my neck of the woods & he'll tell you to get your boat & belongings off the property. Effective immediately.