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Embedded in an undated Harbor Revitalization Update Newsletter distributed by The Marina at Dana Point to slip holders sometime in late August or early September was a section titled “Frequently Asked Questions (related to slip selection).” One question caught our eye.
“Will my new slip come with a dock box?”
“Dock boxes are not part of the plans for the future marina. Small storage areas may be built within the boater service buildings and available for monthly rental should you require additional storage. Personal dock boxes will not be permitted on the new docks.”
As a boater, we would surmise you never thought to ask this question because, frankly, have you ever been to a marina without dock boxes?
Kelly Rinderknecht, Marina Manager, responded to one boater’s inquiry by stating, “we find that dock boxes are typically filled with hazardous chemicals such as varnish, paint, and fuel along with other random junk that folks don’t want to keep on their boat but are not ready to throw out. The boxes are often hit by boats coming into the slip. More times than not, tenants fail to empty the dock box when vacating the marina resulting in staff hours being used to clear the boxes, which are usually filled with hazardous chemicals that are difficult to dispose of.”
Additionally, Ms. Rinderknecht also stated, “In the absence of a dock box, a power pedestal will be available at the slip. The pedestal will house the electrical, water, and lighting as well as offer a hose wrap. New marina builds tend to be shifting away from the use of dock boxes and moving toward the cleaner look of a power pedestal.”
Since October 2021, boaters have been paying slip increases of 26% to 96% for docks in a state of disrepair and will soon be charged for electricity and water. How does a boater monitor the use of their assigned water meter when anyone could hook up to it? What about your hose? Do you keep it neatly coiled on your hose wrap? We’ve known of the theft of many hoses in DP Marina, which is why many boaters keep their hose in their dock box.
ACTION ITEM FOR THIS WEEK
Write a letter or email to The Marina at Dana Point expressing your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the decision to not have dock boxes on the new docks. Please copy Supervisor Bartlett (lisa.bartlett@ocgov.com) and DPBA on your correspondence (leadership@danapointboaters.org).
Let’s flood the marina office with our comments!
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