At this time, the condition of the West Floating Dock and the East Floating Dock is very good. The Main Crib Dock is in very useable condition. The cribs appear to be in good shape, but decking on the last, approximately ninety feet of the dock has deteriorated and should be replaced. Also, there are several loose spiles that should be reset or refastened.
Docking inside the boathouse has been made more difficult by the low water level. Access from the water level to the floor of the boathouse is difficult and may be the reason that this area appears to be under used for boat parking.
In general, the docking space available at the Yacht Club would seem to be very adequate except for two or three days each season, when attendance at club functions exceeds one-hundred and fifty people.
LONG-TERM REQUIREMENTS
As long as membership of the Les Cheneaux Yacht Club remains capped at current levels, future docking requirements should not change. It is, also, fairly unlikely that the assortment of boats using the docks will change significantly.
OPTIONS
Possibly, the best option for providing additional docking would be to extend the East Floating Dock. An addition similar to the West Floating dock would provide several additional docking spaces that would have excellent access to both the clubhouse and the outside deck areas. There may be permitting issues with this installation, but there appears to be enough water depth, even in low water conditions, for an addition of this type. The cost for this type of installation would be approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per boat, depending on the size of the installation.
Another option, would be to replace the Club boat with a “Zodiac” type boat, using the newly purchased outboard motor and providing “Valet Service” from existing moorings in the Yacht Club harbor. This approach might be the most economical solution for the few events when the Club’s docking facilities are not adequate.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are, without doubt, other options that may be possible, and should be considered prior to moving ahead with addition docking space. In the meantime, however, repair of the existing Crib Dock and providing improved access for Boathouse Well docking are top priorities.
Respectfully Submitted,
Al Reilly
August 3, 2007