Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Rack storage marina is like hotel concierge service for boaters



Jim Shriner (right) owner of Mill Creek Marine, and his some Jamie Shriner (left), at the Providence Boat show where they were showing Eastern boats and introducing their new rack storage facility at Allen’s Harbor in North Kingstown, RI.

The first dry stack marina in Rhode Island is about to open at Allen’s Harbor, North Kingstown, RI this spring. Mill Creek Marine (formerly Johnson’s Boatyard in Wickford) will open the first dry stack marina with an initial capacity of 72 boats up to 38’ in length. Dry stack storage is a popular concept in Florida and other warmer climates particularly where coastal shoreline for marinas is limited.

Rack storage at Mill Creek is like concierge service for boaters. Jim Shriner, Mill Creek Marine owner and president, said, “Boats are stored in a dry, safe place out of the water. When owners call we take down their boat and have it dock side ready for their boating trip. When they return the boat is washed and put back on the rack.”

Shriner said, “Dry rack storage is better for the boat. It doesn’t sit in the water. There is less wear and tear on the boat and it eliminates the cost of bottom paint, antifouling drives, hauling, shrink-wrapping, etc. And, boats are stored in a locked building, fully enclosed.”

The cost of the service is $185/foot/year which is all inclusive of dry stack storage and launch service for the entire year. So, if you like the idea for dropping your boat off at the dock and not having a lot of cleaning to do or preparation work before getting underway… dry stack storage may be for you.

Mill Creek Marine Inc. is a complete marine service company. They are an authorized serve center for Mercury/Mercruiser, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Evinrude. They also carry used and new boats. Eastern is one of the new boat lines they carry. Visit their web site at www.millcreekmarine.com. or call Jim Shriner and his staff at 401.294.3700.

East Bay Anglers Fishing Expo January 30, reserve your tickets

Don’t forget the annual East Bay Anglers’ Fishing Expo taking place January 30th, 2011 at Barrington High School. Tickets are just $15 and can be purchased by visiting the show website at www.rifishshow.com .

Speaker Dave Pickering, noted shore angler, has landed more than 50,000 stripers during his career and he has created an entirely new show to share his secrets. Mike Laptew, renowned as a diver-fisherman, brings a fish-eye perspective to underwater action with his bubble-free diving method that enables him to capture underwater views of striper life never seen before. I have listened to both speakers before, they are well worth seeing.

Discounted fishing gear will be available at the flea market which opens to shoppers at 11:00 a.m. Presentations start at 1:00 p.m. For more information visit www.rifishshow.com or call show organizer Will Barbeau at 401.245.8375.

Edgewood Yacht Club and affiliated Edgewood Sailing School in high spirits

I made it a point to visit the Edgewood Yacht Club booth at the Providence Boat Show last week and was pleasantly surprised. I met a group of up-beat volunteers. I was struck by their high spirits because days earlier their club burned down to the pilings during the January 12 snow storm. I spoke with Chris Lee who is chairmen of the Edgewood Sailing School that is affiliated with the Yacht club. The school has been offering adults and children sailing lessons since 1956. Mr. Lee said, “All of our boats were spared, however, we lost all our sails, masts, rudders, and gear that were stored in the building that burned.” Chris said the sailing school plans to institute a fund development effort to replace the gear. In regard to the Edgewood Yacht Club itself the plan to rebuild. Their spirit is best summed up by Jeffry Lamphear, club commodore, in a closely thought he relates in a letter of their website. Commodore Lamphear said, “The Edgewood Yacht Club will not only survive this, we consider it a challenge. We will grow, and be a stronger club in the end.”

RISAA public policy agenda for 2011

Steve Medeiros, president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA), recently announced that the association has a full public policy agenda for 2011. In addition to introducing RISAA to a new governor, DEM director and general assembly, regulatory and public policy issues on the front burner this year include weighing in on management of the menhaden fishery as well as fishing regulations in general which will likely change. Steve Medeiros relates we can expect changes in fishing regulations, possibly an increase in fluke allotment which would likely mean enhanced bag limits and reduced size limits, and unfortunately. possibly tighter limits on other fisheries not doing as well such as scup and black sea bass. RISAA will also continue to advocate for the State’s artificial reef program, as well as for public access to the shoreline and public fishing piers.

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