Yes, but those are state regulations being enforced, not the Clean Marina program. Apples and oranges.
Boat Yard Rules when on the hard...
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This thread has certainly touched a nerve.
I don't think many here would object to complying with the dust collection and tarping rules. Hell I don't want to breath the stuff either. And I think most posting here have some level of environmental awareness.
The problem is losing the ability to work on our boats either becuause of fear of unreasonable/uneven enforcement or because some marina owners see it as an excuse for price gouging in a down market.
I think some marina owners in NJ (the thread started about a NJ marina), are additionally paranoid because of New Jersey's long history of unfair/unreasonable enforcement of Pinelands and CAFRA regulations.
Not in my lifetime
If a yard requires their employees perform all the work they should be required in writing to be responsible for their employees' damage. The sword cuts both ways and without such language in the contract even by addendum I'd walk.
Here's a situation that happened to me:
I built my own Westsail in the 80's, poured my heart and soul into it. I sold it as part of a divorce settlement to a nice couple on the other side of the country. Once money was transferred I became the new owner's West coast agent for all matters boat related, power of attorney included. I arranged for a yard in Newport Beach to decommission the boat and load it on a cross-country truck. Their policy, as has been the topic here, was all work had to be done by yard personnel.
Their first task was to remove the mast. After arriving at the yard I walked over to the boat in the slip, the mast was supported by a crane and I witnessed a yard employee undoing the forestay (without removing the turnbuckle cotter pin and slacking the stay) by beating on the clevis pin with a hammer and screwdriver, this on a custom chrome plated bronze casting. And I mean custom, I made the pattern, I had it cast by a foundry, machined, polished and plated. There were no replacements.
I ordered him to stop immediately (fortunately el senor comprende anglais muy bueno) and stormed into the yard office where I absolutely Chernobyled. The only remedy I would accept was their personnel would not set foot on the boat again, I was to do any work required from that point on including supervising loading the boat on the truck. As I was the original builder with a master carpenter's certificate from the USCG, the yard owner finally agreed with his apology.
If my actions spoiled any future relationship with the yard, no problem here. What are the chances I'd ever go there again?
The point is, does requiring yard personnel to perform all work also require you to accept hammer and chisel quality? Not in my lifetime.
If a yard requires their employees perform all the work they should be required in writing to be responsible for their employees' damage. The sword cuts both ways and without such language in the contract even by addendum I'd walk.
Here's a situation that happened to me:
I built my own Westsail in the 80's, poured my heart and soul into it. I sold it as part of a divorce settlement to a nice couple on the other side of the country. Once money was transferred I became the new owner's West coast agent for all matters boat related, power of attorney included. I arranged for a yard in Newport Beach to decommission the boat and load it on a cross-country truck. Their policy, as has been the topic here, was all work had to be done by yard personnel.
Their first task was to remove the mast. After arriving at the yard I walked over to the boat in the slip, the mast was supported by a crane and I witnessed a yard employee undoing the forestay (without removing the turnbuckle cotter pin and slacking the stay) by beating on the clevis pin with a hammer and screwdriver, this on a custom chrome plated bronze casting. And I mean custom, I made the pattern, I had it cast by a foundry, machined, polished and plated. There were no replacements.
I ordered him to stop immediately (fortunately el senor comprende anglais muy bueno) and stormed into the yard office where I absolutely Chernobyled. The only remedy I would accept was their personnel would not set foot on the boat again, I was to do any work required from that point on including supervising loading the boat on the truck. As I was the original builder with a master carpenter's certificate from the USCG, the yard owner finally agreed with his apology.
If my actions spoiled any future relationship with the yard, no problem here. What are the chances I'd ever go there again?
The point is, does requiring yard personnel to perform all work also require you to accept hammer and chisel quality? Not in my lifetime.
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There are obviously some differences. The main similarity is that they are both businesses and shouldn't be able to be hijacked in any way by regulations. There is plenty of competition in the industry to argue against monopoly. It may not be convenient because the yard closest is not doing what you like, but it is not a monopoly.
I do all work on my boat myself, for a few reasons; I know for sure what is done if I do it, I don't trust people, much cheaper to do it myself.
And it is expensive to move a 30'+ boat so ask the boat yard their policies before you have them haul your boat. I just can not see how this is not fair.
I went to the yard I hauled out in before I took my boat there. I asked about ALL fees for anything I could possibly encounter. It would just be foolish not to. I have been ripped off by people because I didn't get a price up front to have things done. But I learned my lessons and now I get a price up front and know the terms.
The "no self painting" rule at most yards is the result of the EPA and the fact that the yard manager (if not other employees) must be licensed for the application of pesticides (bottom paint). In my home yard (Oyster Bay) I've been there when an EPA inspector dropped in for a surprise visit last spring to insure all bottom painting was being done in accordance with the regulations and the paperwork and license were in order. From what the yard manager told me, the fines are huge! Ergo, you can't do your own bottom painting.
On the other hand, yard rates ($95/hr) are comperable to most of the marina's I've seen along the north shore of Long Island. But at least at my yard, you're allowed to do all your own work and not obligated to purchase supplies from them.
Two points about that aspect, though. First of all the yard manager is ready and willing to talk you through (and teach!!) how to approach a repair/upgrade/whatever. They're that way 'cause they've always got plenty of work.....
The other thing is that their policy is 10% over their wholesale cost so for the most part, buying supplies from them is more economical than going to West Marine or whatever....
On the other hand, yard rates ($95/hr) are comperable to most of the marina's I've seen along the north shore of Long Island. But at least at my yard, you're allowed to do all your own work and not obligated to purchase supplies from them.
Two points about that aspect, though. First of all the yard manager is ready and willing to talk you through (and teach!!) how to approach a repair/upgrade/whatever. They're that way 'cause they've always got plenty of work.....
The other thing is that their policy is 10% over their wholesale cost so for the most part, buying supplies from them is more economical than going to West Marine or whatever....
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