In a recent post on BoatTrader, Beware of Grubby Marinas and Boatyards, Senior Editor Doug Logan reminded us all about the importance of cleanliness at a boat yard. "For what you have to pay to keep your boat in a slip at a marina these days," he tells us, "the place better be good."

Dutch Harbor Boat Yard offices

Dutch Harbor Boat Yard in Jamestown, RI is under new management, and very clean and organized.



Now I'm not the neatest person in the world, as anyone who's seen my desk will verify. But Doug goes on to make a really important point: dirty boat yards can be downright dangerous, even deadly. And what you see allows you to make conclusions about what you can't see, like stray electrical current that could kill you.

Dutch Harbor Boat Yard, right down the street from my house, is a great example. The ownership changed hands last winter, and the new management has updated the the office, showers, and laundry facilities. They've even put flower pots out front.

Now flowers might not be that important to you, but it's a good sign that the owners care enough to take good care of your boat, too. When there's so much out of sight that could hurt you or your pride and joy (stray current, rusty mooring chains, dirty water), flowers represent far more than just frivolous prettification.

And best of all, Doug's theory has proved correct this summer: "In a well-kept boatyard, the customers tend to pitch in and keep things nice." As a neighbor, I really appreciate that.

How's your boat yard cleanliness level?

 

Written by: Carol Cronin
Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.