Boat Damaged in Marina Slip

[dhays]

Angus, I’ll add my sympathy to the others. The marina really screwed up.

Despite the manager trying to make it right, I think there may be some value in contacting your insurance company ASAP anyway. I’d be interested in hearing the opinions of others, but I’ve always had it drummed into me to let my own insurance company know about an incident right away even if someone else is liable.

[BandB]

I've also always heard to contact one's own insurance in case the other side doesn't live up to their obligation.

I'm glad the marina manager is stepping up as I totally feel it's their responsibility. Make sure you have fully sea trialed the boat before you sign any type release. He's doing the right thing and until they rectify the slip problem should close that slip completely as it's still apparently worsening.

Also, for the marina manager to be impossible to reach in the event of an emergency is unacceptable. You might ask what they would do if the marina caught on fire? Wait to see it on the news?

[BruceK]

RTF is on the money. Instructing you to tie either side is the clincher,clearly the slip did not allow that. Glad to hear the marina is doing the right thing, but report(not claim) with your insurer.

[angus99]

The marina manager did step up. He hired an excellent diver and paid for the specialist who had just aligned our running gear to drive up to supervise and check everything out. The diver had the prop back on this morning and we sea-trialed before noon. Best of all, a weather window opened up and we were able to cross Lake Ontario this afternoon; we’re tied up at the dock in Loyalist Cove, ON.

While this was a frustrating experience, there was also a positive side. It’s such a pleasure when you realize that there are still good people out there. This could have gone south in any number of ways, but the manager could not have been more helpful and accommodating. When I said he took 100% responsibility, he didn’t hesitate at anything I asked for. He was at the boat helping the diver all afternoon and we had some nice talks. And, in what I believe showed true class, he didn’t throw his employee under the bus for her mistake. I do agree he should have been available to talk to the day it happened, when I was stressing over the possibility of bent shafts or a wrecked transmission, but that’s my only quibble.

As always, I appreciate all the great feedback on this forum. I did report this to my insurance company—not as a claim—so if anything turns up down the road they have the history.

Next stop: Trent-Severn.

[BandB]

I've said this before but bears repeating here. A business and it's management shows their true colors, not when everything goes right, but when things go wrong. This one certainly came through. I know you may not want to publicize it here, but if not, would you please sent the marina information in private as I'd like to sent them a note acknowledging myself. I think it's good for them to know good word also gets around and others recognize their fine response.

I also applaud you in that you didn't start this thread by blasting them publicly but you chose to keep their name private and give them the opportunity to respond. You chose to calm the situation rather than inflame it when you had the choice to go either way.

[Moonstruck]

Ian, I have just picked up on this thread. What a calamity! Here's hoping you get everything sorted out to your satisfaction.

[angus99]

Originally Posted by BandB

I've said this before but bears repeating here. A business and it's management shows their true colors, not when everything goes right, but when things go wrong. This one certainly came through. I know you may not want to publicize it here, but if not, would you please sent the marina information in private as I'd like to sent them a note acknowledging myself. I think it's good for them to know good word also gets around and others recognize their fine response.

I also applaud you in that you didn't start this thread by blasting them publicly but you chose to keep their name private and give them the opportunity to respond. You chose to calm the situation rather than inflame it when you had the choice to go either way.

Thanks, I think this was a lapse on their part, so I didn’t want to embarrass them publicly by outing them. I will, however, leave positive reviews on AC and elsewhere, because the marina was also pleasant, convenient to shopping and spotless.

Originally Posted by Moonstruck

Ian, I have just picked up on this thread. What a calamity! Here's hoping you get everything sorted out to your satisfaction.

Thanks a lot, Don. I think all’s we’ll that ends that way. . See my previous post.

[Art]

Seems to me:

"Bow in Only and No Sailboats" largely printed regarding that slip for marine operator to notice is a slam dunk as to who's fault it is.

[markpierce]

Every year before renewal of umbrella liability coverage, the State Farm insurance agent always inquires whether I've made an insurance claim (covered by BoatUSA) regarding my boat. Hate to think how much my insurance rates would increase if I'd had a claim.

Yikes, I bet my total insurance costs (medical, home, automobile, boat, and general liability) far exceed the cost of food (solid and liquid) for me, even with with no claims except those that have injured mine thirteen years ago.

[Bacchus]

I agree with BandB that both you and the marina took the high road and dealt with a bad situation in an admirable fashion.
I wonder if you would be willing to identify the marina so others can avoid another incident.
I'm interested in that I travel the NY canals and might guess where this might be but it would only be a guess.

[Montenido]

This reminds me of when I was moving my new-to-me boat from Sausalito to Ventura last year. The first night we pulled into Moss Landing (what a sh#t hole) after reserving a slip well ahead. My boat is about 55' overall and they assigned me a 30' slip! We pulled in, but were unable secure the stern or to disembark without jumping down to the feces-covered dock. When I went to the marina office, the manager said, "do you want it or not?". I was floored! It was getting dark, so way too late to move. No electrical, the water was suspect, and there were derelict vessels and people all over the place. Luckily, I didn't damage anything while hanging 15'+ into the main channel. Give Moss Landing a wide berth. I'm glad your experience was more positive with the management.

Cheers, Bill

[angus99]

Originally Posted by Bacchus

I agree with BandB that both you and the marina took the high road and dealt with a bad situation in an admirable fashion.
I wonder if you would be willing to identify the marina so others can avoid another incident.
I'm interested in that I travel the NY canals and might guess where this might be but it would only be a guess.

Sure, I’ll do that tomorrow after I let the mgr know. I’d prefer not to blind-side him.

[Art]

Originally Posted by angus99

Sure, I’ll do that tomorrow after I let the mgr know. I’d prefer not to blind-side him.

Just a suggestion

You might want to do PM with those who request via PM until you get things fixed or at least paid for or at very least written in signed document before letting the marina's name and circumstance onto the broad market. At this juncture your boat's repair seems 1st priority.

[ssobol]

Originally Posted by PD Monkey

As a newbie, non-boat owner, what is a ball park cost for these repairs?

Like a lot of things boat related, the general answer is "If you have to ask you can't afford it."

[angus99]

Originally Posted by Bacchus

I agree with BandB that both you and the marina took the high road and dealt with a bad situation in an admirable fashion.
I wonder if you would be willing to identify the marina so others can avoid another incident.
I'm interested in that I travel the NY canals and might guess where this might be but it would only be a guess.

OK, I talked to Bernie, the manager at Oswego Marina, and told him I’d be discussing details of the incident with the slip obstruction on boating forums. First, this is the privately held marina that is sometimes labeled municipal on some maps. It’s the last harbor on starboard as you approach Lake Ontario from the south on the Oswego River. There is another marina in the area that is sometimes confused with it. Oswego Marina is pleasant and very well protected; the restrooms/showers/laundry are spotless, it’s close to good restaurants and several blocks to shopping. I would certainly stay there again.

The slip to avoid if you have more that a two-foot draft is the first on the right as you enter the marina. The water was down a foot or more when we were there but I would still not dock there at full pool in anything with a deeper draft as the submerged ledge runs almost the full length of the slip on the right side. There is also a submerged rock rock near the far end of the slip—which we did not hit. Both of these hazards are made worse during periods of lower water. Most of the staff is aware of the hazards to larger boats in this slip and would not assign it. (I daresay all of them are now aware; I’d be surprised if the slip hasn’t got police barrier tape all over it after our little drama .) The other slips are very generously sized, plenty deep and the docks are in very good condition.

Bernie was truly remorseful for the inconvenience and his actions (which I noted above) speak volumes about his integrity and how he views his responsibilities to customers. Don’t let my story deter you from an otherwise fine marina.

[Bacchus]

Angus
Thanks for confirming my guess.
Pass by & fuel there often and it is a convenient location.
We frequently stay at "the other place" also a municipal marina.
Actually glad to hear water levels are down... 2017 was a nightmare w high water.
Glad things worked out... enjoy the rest of the voyage.

[Art]

Originally Posted by angus99

Bernie was truly remorseful for the inconvenience and his actions (which I noted above) speak volumes about his integrity and how he views his responsibilities to customers. Don’t let my story deter you from an otherwise fine marina.

This calamity seems to have come out quite correctly. Good to see a dark situation turn out to be a bright ending. Bernie and that marina should be quite happy that due to his/their exemplary actions the good word advertising for that marina will in the long run more than pay back their this year "tax deductible" base cost for your repairs.

I say Bravo!

[BandB]

Last time we were through there we docked at Oswego International. Next time, if they can accommodate us, we absolutely will dock at Oswego Marina. Bernie has won a customer with his response. That's how it often is when something goes wrong. By your actions, your integrity and professionalism or lack thereof, you either win customers or lose them. Doing the right thing isn't just right from a moral standpoint, it's good business. If you choose the wrong option, you can't afford enough advertising to overcome it. If you choose the right option, you get more positive publicity than you could ever afford in any other way. Ultimately, as a businessman, I don't look at it as a loss but as money well and wisely spent.

Unfortunately, there are business persons who would have said you were in a hurry and wouldn't be returning so who cares.

I feared the internet review sites when I first got into retail a few years ago. I thought of the crazy people who would lie and really hurt us. I've come to appreciate how unfounded my fears were. People overlook the one bad review that makes no sense and before we can respond, other customers do. However, the public reviews can be incredibly positive if you do things right. Yelp, Trip Advisor, Google, Active Captain get far more positive reviews than negative and when you see several negative they are generally well deserved and a good warning.

It may be three years from now, but I hope to shake Bernie's hand when we pass through. This is how things should work.

[South of Heaven]

Originally Posted by BandB

It may be three years from now, but I hope to shake Bernie's hand when we pass through. This is how things should work.

He may not be there. Managers and dockmasters seem to come and go frequently.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by South of Heaven

He may not be there. Managers and dockmasters seem to come and go frequently.

I know so the gesture may just be virtual. However, there are locations where dock managers or owners or others have been the same for decades.