LAKE CHARLEVOIX FLOATING BREAKWATER - CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN 



Breakwater Type: Goodyear FTB 



Operational Life: The breakwater was constructed in 1978 - 1979 and is still 

 in operation. 



Contact: Clifford D. Biddick 

 Irish Boat Shop, Inc. 

 Stover Road 

 Charlevoix, MI 49720 

 (616) 547-9967 



Builder: Same as contact 



Operator: Same as contact 



Site Details 



Water and Bottom Conditions: The structure is located in freshwater above a 



gently sloping bottom composed of sand. Depth at mean low water is 4.0 m 

 (13.0 ft). The seasonal water depth range is 2.1 m (7.0 ft). 



Exposure: The site is exposed from the southeast with a fetch of 27.4 km 

 (14.8 nmi). 



Typical Storm Conditions: During a typical storm, prevailing winds are from 

 the northeast through the southeast with speeds in excess of 30 km/hr 

 (16 kn) . Storm waves are 0.9 m (3.0 ft) in height. Such storms occur 

 from four to six times per year. 



Worst Storm Conditions: During a worst storm on an average year, winds will be 

 from the southeast with speeds above 65 km/hr (35 kn) . Seas will be 

 from 1.2 m (4.0 ft) to 1.8 m (6.0 ft) high. 



Ice: Stationary ice causes damage to the facility in the winter. 



Breakwater Details 



Purpose: This breakwater protects a marina located in Charlevoix, Michigan. 

 This facility is in operation from the spring through the fall. The 

 breakwater is in operation year round and is the singular means of wave 

 protection for the facility. Portions of the breakwater also serve as the 

 pier and docks for the marina. 



Design Source: The builder utilized design literature from the University of 

 Rhode Island and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. 



Construction: The pier segment of the breakwater is 121.9 m (400.0 ft) long 



64 



