Esthetic considerations normally require that the electric power and communications 

 system of a marina be underground. Therefore, advance planning of underground vaults and 

 conduits is essential. Small-craft harbors in saltwater environments often have chemically or 

 galvanically active soils that require care in routing direct burial lines and conduits. 



One small item, not usually considered before marina construction, is that many boaters 

 have pets. A conveniently located dog run will help preserve the cleanliness of the complex. 

 Some unused part of the land area that is generally hidden from view is best and should 

 perhaps be left to develop natural foliage without special landscaping effort. 



Certain land areas of the complex may require fencing. At some marinas, a complete 

 perimeter fence with entrance gates kept locked at night may be required for security 

 against theft and vandalism. The amount and nature of the fencing will vary with the 

 proximity of the harbor to public parks and beaches, depressed or high-density residential 

 property, or busy commercial and industrial areas. In planning the fencing and security of 

 the complex it is advisable to consult with local police authorities. In some public marinas 

 where fencing was not installed to allow complete freedom of access for good public 

 relations, theft and vandalism have been reduced by permitting or increasing the number of 

 live-aboards in the slips. 



g. Dry Storage. The need for dry storage along with wet storage at a small-craft harbor 

 arises from either a lack of sufficient space in the protected waters or a desire by some 

 boatowners to keep craft dry when not in use. Because of limitations on size and weight 

 that can be handled safely by ramp or hoisting equipment, dry storage during the operating 

 season is normally limited to boats not exceeding 2 tons. Most sailboats under 16 feet are 

 unmasted and stored by hand, keel-up in racks (Fig. 143). Powerboats under 24 feet are 

 often stored with forklift equipment, right side -up in racks (Fig. 127). Larger powerboats 

 and sailboats are usually stored on special trailers built for transport over public roads 

 (Fig. 144); or on adjustable cradle dollys furnished by the marina, and moved either by 

 hand or small tractors. 



If dry storage is on trailers, the facility may be only a designated area where the trailers 

 may be parked. The boatowner is then required to move the trailered craft to and from the 

 hoist or ramp with his own car. Where the dry storage is in racks or on dollys, the facility 

 operator must launch and return the craft to storage at the owner's request, usually for a 

 predetermined fee. The primary advantages of this system are that less space is used for 

 storage, and the owner can phone an advance request to have his craft launched and ready 

 for boarding at a certain time. This procedure saves waiting time for the owner and allows 

 the operator to spread his work more evenly over the time available for a series of 

 launchings. The owner can leave his boat at the boarding dock for the operator to return to 

 storage whenever time permits. A hoist-launching and dry -storage layout designed for such a 

 system is shown in Figure 145. 



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