2099 GRAND STREET, ALAMEDA, CA 94501 | PHONE: (510) 865-1200 | FAX: (510) 865-1240

Email: Marina@grandmarina.com | Latitude 37 46.73 North-Longitude 122 15.13 West

March 2022 Newsletter

Dock Cart Update
We finally received word that the dock carts that we ordered last summer are finally in production. We will update you when we hear that they have been shipped out.
Thank you all for your patience.

Parking Permit Reminder
If you have not picked up your 2022 parking permits, please be sure to do so before the beginning of the season to avoid stickers or towing. If you don’t have a parking permit or you have a new vehicle, come to the office and get a permit or give us the new info.

Insurance Reminder
All of our tenants should be aware that if you have your boat in our marina it must be insured. Although your insurance provider is supposed to send us a copy when you renew they do not always do so. We will always try to email or call you but it is your responsibility to make sure that we have a copy of your current insurance certificate every year.
Please remember failure to provide this information can result in termination of your tenancy.

Time to Check your hoses and clamps
At least once or twice per season, inspect all the hose clamps on your boat to ensure that they’re still performing their assigned purpose — keeping a hose connected to some other fitting. Here’s what to look for: Visually inspect all clamps. If you see rust or it appears loose or deficient in some way, investigate further. Keeping water on the outside of the boat is one
of a hose clamp’s most essential functions, but don’t forget to also inspect those that hold sanitation hoses in place. Bilge pumps are reliant on correct hose connections. If a hose comes loose from a pump, not only will it prevent water from being sucked from the bilge, but the pump may run continuously, draining the battery. Pay special attention to hoses connected to bilge
blowers on inboard-powered boats with gasoline engines. It’s not uncommon to see the hose detached from the blower, rendering it useless and possibly leading to an explosion. Exhaust systems require two hose clamps where any flexible hose joins any other piece of fixed equipment — such as a muffler. While checking clamps, look closely at the hose that the clamp is holding in place. A too-tight hose clamp may cut into the hose, weakening it. Periodically check the clamp screw for tightness with a screwdriver or nut driver. If the screw is loose in its housing, it’s time to replace the clamp.

Car security tips: Stop car break-ins before they happen
Article from Cnet
Nothing ruins a night out like coming back to your car to find its doors open and contents are strewn across the seats and sidewalk — other than returning to find your car missing entirely. It happens more than you think. More than 700,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the US in 2019, according to the FBI. The number of people who were victims of the theft of valuables inside their cars is harder to measure since it’s often underreported — but it’s likely far more common than car theft. By taking a few simple steps, though, you can protect your car and the
belongings inside it from theft. Here’s how. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed One of the simplest ways to protect your car is to lock the doors and close the windows anytime you aren’t in the vehicle.

Remove valuables from the car
Valuables that are visible within a vehicle can be attractive to would-be burglars. Avoid leaving your purse, phone, or any other expensive items in your vehicle. Also avoid leaving shopping bags or other luggage in your car, as they signal the presence of something new or valuable, even if they’re empty or just hold some groceries. As an alternative, try leaving your belongings in the trunk of the car. If you have a cargo area in your truck or SUV, consider using a cargo cover, too.

Install safety devices
In most cases, simple precautionary steps like locking your doors, closing your windows, and parking in safe locations will be enough to prevent thieves from breaking into or stealing your car. But for those who want extra protection, there are a few devices you can use. First, a vehicle immobilizer prevents a thief from starting without the key, which can prevent hot-wiring. Newer vehicles usually have these built-in, but you can buy aftermarket immobilizers for older vehicles. Another device you can purchase is a steering wheel lock. This type of
device attaches to your steering wheel and immobilizes it until it is unlocked. A steering wheel lock can discourage thieves, since it would be more work to steal your car, therefore creating more risk of getting caught.

Marina Theft Prevention
While Grand Marina employees and tenants keep a watchful eye on our marina, as well as night security, thefts still happen. Some suggestions to prevent crimes of opportunity include avoiding leaving valuable items on deck, docks, or in an unlocked dock box. Lock kayaks, skiffs, bicycles, and outboards to prevent theft or joyriding. Stow equipment in locked compartments, cabins, or at home. Lock windows, hatches, and doors. Use an engraving tool to mark items with an identification number (driver’s license, name, or phone number). This makes it easier to identify and return recovered items to their rightful owner Security Tips While we enjoy many security features in the marina, the water side is wide open to anyone with any watercraft; there is simply
no way we can throw a fence around the entire marina.

Here are a few ideas that will help us to keep our neighborhood
safe.
• Lock your boat when you leave.
• Say hello and make eye contact with strangers. Anonymity is a
criminal’s best friend.
• Lock your car.
Do not allow people to tailgate you through the gate. If you need
assistance, call the office. If it’s after hours, please observe
where the person goes and alert the security guard. You can also
help by leaving us a message or email.
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Lock up your dinghies and outboards.
• Keep an eye out for people who look like they may be casing
the marina by water. Make a note of their CF numbers, or get a
description.