Spring Launch Info
Letter from the General Manager
From the Service Department
From the Office
Good Boating Etiquette
Local Events this Summer
Spring Launch Party Information
Afton Leash Law
Survey Results
Employee Roster
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Call the marina office to get on both the unwrap list and the launch list.
The Marina does not unwrap or launch your boat until you have contacted the office to put your name on BOTH LISTS. We will not be unwrapping on the day of request any longer, one week lead time is required. The launch list will max out at 50 boats per week. Once that number has been reached on the list, that week will no longer show as available. If you plan on leaving your boat wrapped and on land for summer storage, call the office to make those arrangements before May 3. All boats will be uncovered after May 4 if we have not heard from you. All boats must be launched or moved to summer storage area by May 22. If you have not made arrangements to launch your boat for a date in May, daily land storage fees will be applied at 6$/per day.
Launch is dependent on ice off the river, and removal of stored docks in the harbors. The earliest date on record that we have started launching boats is April 15.
If the Service Department winterized your boat, they will automatically summarize it. *If we do not summarize it, we do not guarantee winter work.
All customer accounts must be paid in full prior to Spring launch.
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Letter from the General Manager - Jim Clemens
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Here we go again…….
I wish the news was better but all predictions have the water rising at least to the same level we saw in 2019. By now most of our members and customers should have received flood related letters that outline our flood strategy. In short, the potential for ice flow on the river means that some boats will be launched while others will be moved to higher ground. Boats on trailers will be moved off-site when it becomes obvious that the water will reach their current storage location. The Marina Staff got a jump on the impending high water by moving all the first-floor items into a semi-trailer. Docks will be moved when the river ice is gone but depending on water height, they may remain spudded down adjacent to the marina. Obviously, vessel and dock repairs must wait in line until all the Marina and Member's property is safe. If work is scheduled it will remain on our work list, so there is no need to reschedule. Please let us know if you would prefer to postpone any elective repairs.
As most of you know by now, I will be retiring (again) later this year. The WMA Board of Directors will soon begin a thorough search for a new General Manager. Prior to my departure, we will finish up several capital projects including the new Gas Dock and the North Harbor Retaining Wall. We will also make sure that all the docks, boats, and other property are safe from the rising water. As the flood waters recede the staff will continue to improve the decking, ramps, and patios, which will make the Marina safer and better looking. I have enjoyed immensely the last 6+ years as your manager and I wish Windmill Marina the best as they move forward with new leadership. I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their support and dedication. Finally, I would like to thank the Members and Staff for everything they do. It is because of those folks that we have the best Marina; not only on the St Croix but anywhere.
Regards
James Clemens
General Manager
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A Message from the Service Department
Scott Baken
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Hi Everyone,
Spring Launch is just around the corner. The ice is clearing and it's time to start thinking about boating again! We are excited to see everyone this summer and looking forward to helping you with all your service needs.
As always, service gets pretty backed up during Launch, with that being said we will complete basic services like oil changes and tune ups after Spring Launch is complete. Our goal is to get everyone boating on the St. Croix River by Memorial Day Weekend!
Give me a call at (651) 436-7744 or email scott@windmillmarina.com to get scheduled for any service or repairs on your boat!
Also, make sure you have batteries, tie lines, fenders and hull plugs on the boat BEFORE you are scheduled to launch!
See you soon,
Scott
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Spring 2023 Rates
$80 per engine
$58 per generator
$35 per AC unit
$15 per faucet (max $125)
$25 per head
$30 per ice maker
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A letter from Kelly & Abby
Spring is here and boating season is right around the corner. As we look out the window and see the progress on the NEW & IMPROVED gas dock we are getting excited to see the finished product and of course start the decorating process😊. We are looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful customers again in a couple weeks.
As you know we have started emailing invoices, contracts and all other communications to you, please make sure that we have your current email on file. If for some reason you are not receiving these, check your spam/junk folders just in case. If you have any ideas of how we can improve your experience at the marina please let us know. We are here to help in any way that we can.
You can visit us in the ship store from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays and 9:00am to 4:00pm on the weekends. Service department will be happy to serve you from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the week and closed on the weekends. We are looking forward to getting back to the hustle and bustle of boating season!!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer,
Kelly & Abby
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Watch your wake. The faster you go, the greater your wake. Boat size and style can also vary your wake. "No wake zones" exist because of the damage wakes cause to the shorelines, moored and docked boats and docks. Wakes can also swamp smaller vessels causing damage to the boat or harm to the passengers. You are responsible for your wake and you may have to pay for damages you create with your boat wake.
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Know the speed limit. The most common speed limit is 40-mph on a clear day and 20-mph on a clear night. Cloudy, foggy or rainy weather can reduce visibility so decrease your speed accordingly.
- Respect your neighbor.
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Watch where you are going. Smaller boats and boats under sail have the right of way. It is difficult for these vessels to move out of the way with ease. If you are passing one of these vessels, do so at a far distance and slow down. Your wake will affect these boats. Try to pass smaller boats off their stern and in a cross pattern. When being passed, remember to also slow down, it will allow the larger boat to pass at a slower speed, thus reducing their wake.
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Gas docks aren't for errands. Gas docks are for fueling up and getting the head pumped. If you need to pick up guests or do errands, please do so from your slip or at the city docks, not from the gas dock. Others are waiting to use the gas dock and it is very frustrating when a boat holds the line up.
Summers in Minnesota can't be beat!
They are even more enjoyable when spent on the river. Let's help continue this grand tradition by using common sense and practicing good boating etiquette!
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Have some fun in the sun by attending one of the local events this summer! |
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Start off the season in downtown Afton for the annual Strawberry Festival and Marketplace! Featuring the strawberry crops that have been grown in the area since the 1800's, this distinctive Festival also hosts a wide variety of venders, activities, live music, food and drinks. Join us in the park on June 24 from 10-5 and June 25 from 10-4. Is there a more refreshing way to start the season together than at a festival centered around strawberries?! |
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Couldn't get enough of Strawberry Fest? You're in luck! Afton Art in the Park is the Fall sequel. It takes place on September 23 from 10-5 & September 25 from 10-4. There will still be food, drinks, live music, but this time with an emphasis on local artists and makers. Enjoy a stroll through the park as the season begins to wind down. |
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The annual 4th of July Parade is on for 2023! As usual, the roads to downtown will close for the parade, from 12:45 - approximately 2:00, so be sure to plan your drive to town accordingly! The parade will run starting at 1:00pm and typically lasts a little over an hour. From 11:00-3:00, there will be live music, food, crafts, a bounce house and obstacle course as well as crafts for the kids, food, and a beer tent - all located at the park in downtown Afton. |
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Fore more information on the many businesses and things to do in the Afton Area, see the Afton Area Business Association website! From candles, horticulture, furniture and décor, to wine tastings, coffee shops, spas, and other boutiques, there is much to see and do in the heart of this small town, if not just going for a walk! |
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Please Be Aware of the Afton Leash Law |
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We love seeing your pet here at Windmill Marina but for the safety of everyone involved (especially your pet) we ask that you follow the Afton City ordinance and keep your pet leashed and under your control. Mutt Mitts are available throughout the marina for your convenience in cleaning up after your pet.
Afton City Ordinance: Sec 6.2
No owner shall permit his animal to be at large in this city, but shall keep such animal under restraint at all times. Animals shall be prohibited in areas of public parks or upon public lands unless leashed at all times
The City has changed their animal impound provider to OLACC
Otter Lake Animal Care Center
6848 Otter Lake Rd. Hugo, Mn 55038
Animal Control 715-220-1332
Otter Lake Animal Care 651-426-8871
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All Dogs (& Cats) that venture out-of-doors in Afton are required to be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations. This is for the health and safety of residents, pets and wildlife. |
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2023 Windmill Dockline Survey Results
Survey Committee: Joe Riley, Todd Witt, Bill Burkhardt
“We love Windmill” sums up the prevailing attitude among the survey respondents. Any organization that can show a Customer Satisfaction rating of 92.5% is doing most things right. And, you showed a willingness to respond to “reminder” emails by increasing your survey participation by 44%!
The ratings in the chart below show declining trends in several key areas with particular concerns expressed in Slip areas (weed growth, decking, spiders, etc.). Marina Appearance, Gas Dock supervision and training, and Customer Service.
We appreciate your participation in this annual survey. Your ratings and your comments provide Windmill Marina management, staff and board of directors with actionable information for operating improvements and capital investments.
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Appearance 3.9 4.2 4.5 4.3 4.4
Rest Rooms 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.2 3.8
Ships Store 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.4
Customer Service 4.4 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.7
Boat/Repair Service 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.5 4.6
Gas Dock 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.3 4.3
Slip Area 3.6 3.8 4.1 4.0 4.1
Security 4.1 4.2 4.5 4.5 4.4
Customer Satisfaction 2023
Very Satisfied/Satisfied 92.5%
Somewhat Dissatisfied 6.6%
Very Dissatisfied 0.9%
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Emergency Response Equipment |
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Windmill Marina Association has an automated external defibrillator device.
The AED will be located in the hallway of the bathrooms/showers of the Ship's Store.
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Wakes on the River: A Reminder from the MN DNR
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Be aware of your environment and what is going on around you - this applies to all types of boats, including paddlers and those on and around the water.
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Stay at least 200 feet away from shorelines, docks or other structures. Backing a boat up to a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and lead to erosion. Travel slowly in shallow waters.
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Minimize repetitive passes. Once you've run a line, move to another area. Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
- Respect the rights of others so everyone can enjoy their time on the water - keep the noise down, be courteous to other boaters and show consideration to all recreationalists on and around the water.
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Address:
16065 32nd Street South
Afton, MN 55001
Phone: 651-436-7744
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