Winter Preparations
With all this great weather, it’s hard to think of winter coming upon us, but it sneaks up on us sooner than we think! Here are just a few suggestions to consider:
Make sure your dock box lids are locked. The wind has been known to rip them off causing injury to people and boats.
Secure your halyards… stop the banging noise. (Your fellow boaters will appreciate you!)
How do your dock lines look? Do you have spring lines on your boat and are the lines properly secured around the cleats? (Cleat Hitch – Take the line to the ear of the cleat furthest from
where the line comes from (the load). Take one wrap around the base of the cleat and then start a figure eight across the top of the opposite ear. Finish with a half hitch turned under so that the line is coming away from the cleat in the opposite direction from which it came in.)
Engine maintenance – fill your fuel tanks to avoid condensation over the winter months.
Batteries –Clean the terminal ends and apply light coat of grease on them. Make sure to add distilled water.
Clean out scuppers and drains
Where to Get Propane
(Just in case a turkey dinner is on the menu!)
California Propane (341) 218-6043
4619 Coliseum Way, Oakland
Alameda Auto (510) 522-0510
631 Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda
Happy Turkey Day!
The Grand Marina office will be closed Thursday November 23rd. We will reopen on Friday the 24th. We wish you all a safe and pleasant holiday! Gobble Gobble till you wobble!
Dock Etiquette – Clutter on Docks
Equally important is to keep the walk ways and fingers clear of clutter. Extra storage boxes may not be kept on the dock. Likewise, dinghies, row boats or skiffs may not be kept on the dock. If you have space in front of your boat, you may keep them in the front of the slip, but they must be kept out of the main walk ways. This is not only a courtesy to your neighbors, but a safety issue as well. Check in with the office if you have any questions about putting a dinghy at the front of your berth. On a side note, make sure your boat is tied up properly, with lines on both sides of the boat. A shift in the wind can easily push the boat over the dock.