As in past years, I’ve tried to put together something worthwhile for you to think about while you’re getting your boat ready for the start of a new season. Before I can ever hope to give you anything new, I first need to remind everyone of those items that are too important not to repeat yearly.
Let’s start out by addressing those of you who are anxious for an early launch. The water temperature is still around 40 degrees and it’s that time of year when you can expect sudden and extreme changes in the weather. When you are in the water early, there are no other boats or objects to act as wind and/or wave breaks. You are it and you should prepare accordingly. To add to this normal state of affairs, we again have higher than normal water levels, although they are not yet, or forecasted to be, as extreme as last season. This means having both an adequate number and appropriate sized dock lines. Line snubbers are always a good idea and I encourage fender use to protect your hull. Over the years there has been more than one instance of severe boat damage due to inadequate preparation and mooring techniques. In the event of a storm or extreme weather activity, we do our best to monitor how your boat is riding in its slip and if we feel that dock lines are inadequate or are wearing excessively, we will take it upon ourselves to provide additional lines and bill you for such. Believe me when I tell you that dock lines are always less expensive than hull repairs.
In an effort to keep both your boat and our indoor storage facilities cleaner, we will again require that all bottom sanding be accomplished using a vacuum collection sanding system. When wind blows through the buildings all that depleted paint dust blows onto neighboring boats creating a dirty mess. So does walking through where someone has sanded and then tracking blue or red footprints onto someone’s boat. Your cooperation would be appreciated. If you don’t have access to this type of equipment, the marina has three FEIN dustless sanding systems that can be rented for your use for $1.00/ft per ½ day (4 Hrs.) plus the cost of sanding discs. These are really nice systems and are reported to be 95% dust free. Those of you storing outside may continue to prepare your boats as in the past, but I remind you that Federal Environmental and NYS DEC regulations require that you lay down a suitable tarp for the collection and disposal (in the dumpster) of all sanding debris. Of course, the Fein sanders are available for your use also. With a little thought, effort and consideration on the part of all of us, we can achieve a much cleaner, nicer and more ecologically friendly marina.
When your boat is ready for launch, you must call us or stop into the office and ask to be put on the Launch List.
Please see to it that the following items are in order. (1) We have both an engine and cabin key to your boat. When we launch, we must enter each boat to make sure that it is not sinking. If we don’t have a key, we will cut the lock. The engine key should be obvious. Once in the water the vessel has to be moved to a slip and towing is not a good alternative. (2) The batteries must be fully charged so that both the engine and bilge pump will run. (3) All hull plugs and disconnected hoses should be in place. (4) If you have any other pertinent instructions pertaining to the launch of your vessel, please leave them now. If you would like us to touch up the bottom paint under your cradle pads, leave a small quantity of paint in a can on your cradle proceeding launch.
If you haven’t updated your contact information with JennyLee in the office, now would be a good time to look into that. It only takes a minute and the information can be invaluable for the protection and safe keeping of your vessel. Too many times we have been stymied when trying to contact a customer who has retired, changed jobs, moved to a new office or divorced. I promise not to hand out this information to a telemarketer.
One more item has been brought to my attention that I need to address. It seems some customers occasionally bring down “spare” trailerable boats for their use and leave them in what they feel are empty slips. We are in the business of renting slips and if you put something in a slip that you have not rented, you are actually stealing a service. While we provide free use of our ramp to our dock customers, that does not include slip rental or storage for those who might want to leave their boat on a trailer in our lot for the week. This is called dry storage and part of our business model is to rent space whether it be on land or in the water. If this applies to you and you have a need, please see JennyLee and I’m sure we’ll be able to accommodate you. Your future cooperation would be greatly appreciated.
Now for some new stuff!
Over the winter, we have continued to revamp the Ship’s Store. We’ve expanded our store offerings in many categories, from a new line of Pettit bottom paints to a bigger selection of fastening hardware, including metric sizes. You’ll also find more personal and gift items. As in the past, I think that you will find our store prices to be competitive with, and often times lower, than the big box stores. If we don’t have a particular item you’re looking for, just ask, and we can usually have it within three days.
In case you missed it, last season we opened a Rubino’s sandwich shop for your pleasure and convenience. Located off the hallway between the shop and lounge, they will be reopening for the season in mid-April.
New for 2018, we have added a fitness area with all the standard equipment on the third floor above Rubino’s. We have also added a small kitchenette with a sink, microwave and assorted small appliances. This area is located in the laundry room.
For those of you needing assistance with bottom paint, new hardware, or instrument installations before your boat is launched, please let Kevin in the Service Department know as soon as possible. It’s heading towards Memorial Day and while we try to accommodate everyone, there are only so many hours in a day. With 200+ boats to get in the water, the early bird really does get the worm.
Have a great season!
Bill Van Gee
Buying or Selling?
RCR Yachts has an office at Katlynn Marine and we are anxious to work with you. We handle new and used power and sailboats as well as yacht brokerage. Our new boat lines include Beneteau, J/boats in sail and Back Cove powerboats. We have been serving the Lake Ontario market for 46 years and within our team we have a wealth of experience that we would like to put to work for you. Please contact either of our brokers, Corbo at 585-752-2530 or corbo@rcryachts.com or Gerry Palmer 941-400-5241 or gerry@rcryachts.com. Our office will resume summer hours later in May, prior to that contact us at one of the numbers or emails above.
