planning will develop a functional array of signs for the initial opening, but certain 

 repetitious questions at the information counter or evidence of misuse of any of the 

 facilities or grounds may soon indicate a need to supplement this initial effort. Some 

 examples of permanent sign posting are shown in Figure 154. 



A large bulletin board, located where harbor patrons frequently congregate or where 

 most normally pass to reach their boats, can disseminate a large amount of information. 

 Notices of regattas or other water-sports events, classes in boat handUng and boating safety, 

 meetings of boating clubs, new places to go by boat, reciprocation privileges shared with 

 other marinas, and numerous other items can be posted on the bulletin board. It is 

 important that the management keep the board current, regulate its use to best serve the 

 need of the marina patrons, and ensure that aU are made aware of events and items of 

 interest. In marinas having a large segment of permanent patrons, a printed newsletter 

 mailed periodically may be needed to reach owners who do not use boats regularly. A copy 

 of the latest newsletter should be posted on the bulletin board. 

 6. Environmental Protection. 



a. Snow. In the colder climates snow loads may contribute to the problems of a 

 smaU-craft harbor. Floating systems are seriously affected by excessive snow loads, and only 

 the covered floating berths are apt to be submerged by a heavy snowfall. Most roofs of 

 floating sheds cannot be made steep enough to ensure that the snow will slide off. Snow 

 normally weighs about 0.10 as much as water, volume for volume. Hence, snow may be 

 assumed to weigh about 6 pounds per cubic foot. The area of the roof multiplied by 6 times 

 the anticipated highest snow load in feet will give the extra weight in pounds that i§ carried 

 by the flotation. If this exceeds the design live load, the amount of flotation should be 

 increased enough to support the difference without submerging the flotation units. For 

 example, if the roof area is four times the deck area and the design live load is 20 pounds 

 per square foot, the snow load will equal the live load at about 10 inches of snow fall. 

 Beyond that hmit about 1 cubic foot of foam must be added to the flotation for every 10 

 square feet of roof area covered by an additional foot of snow. 



Boats berthed in the open during the snow season in cold regions should be covered with 

 tarpaulins, fitted canvas or reinforced plastic covers. This is the boatowner's responsibility, 

 but the marina management should notify slip tenants when coverage is needed or desirable. 

 When the snow load on the covered berths reaches dangerous limits with regard to flotation 

 or structural safety, the load should be lightened by removing some of the snow. 

 Adequately designed fixed-pier systems are not likely to fail under heavy snow loads, but 

 floating systems may be submerged. When this appears imminent, the snow load should be 

 reduced either by hand shoveUng or with small mechanical equipment. In most cold regions, 

 boats are removed from the water to dry storage before the winter season sets in. 

 A common practice is to winter-store the larger craft on cradles in the vehicle parking lot 

 and cover with tarpaulins. Smaller boats are often stored keel-up for better shedding of rain 

 and snow. 



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