Movement of Boats

• Vessels shall be operated by the owner/operator unless prior arrangements are approved by

the board.

• Boats shall not be operated at speeds exceeding five (5) miles per hour in the canal.

• All vessels must be operated in a safe and responsible manner with minimal disturbance to

others.

• Boats shall sound one long horn blast when exiting the marina.

• When another boater is piloting into their well, remain patient and do not crowd the vessel.

• Call gas dock attendant on channel 9 when entering or exiting the harbor.

Automobiles and Other Vehicles

• Speed limit in the marina is ten (10) miles per hour.

• Automobiles must be parked only in designated areas.

• Golf carts and other motorized vehicles require board approval to be brought to or left at the

marina.

• Golf carts must be parked and driven only in designated automobile areas.

• Bicycles must be stored in designated areas when not in use.

Gas Docks

• Smoking or open flames are prohibited in this area.

• Posted fueling instructions must be followed exactly.

• Boats may not be moored at the gas dock except for fueling or servicing. Exceptions require

board approval.

Docks

• The dock committee will conduct regular inspections, and well holders must comply with all

findings.

• Well holders are responsible for minor repairs and painting of finger docks, and for removal

and installation of spring boards (uprights) as designated by the dock committee. Failure to

comply may result in a charge of $50 per upright and/or expulsion from the club.

o All finger dock repairs must be completed at least 72 hours prior to launch.

o Docks should be painted in the spring when there are no boats in the harbor.

• All refuse must be disposed of in proper receptacles. No refuse may be discarded in the canal.

• Each well holder must maintain a neat and orderly well and dock area.

• All non-swimmers should wear life jackets while on finger docks.

• Children under 12 years of age must wear life jackets on finger docks unless accompanied by

an adult. All children are encouraged to wear life jackets at all times in the marina.

• Club restrooms and porta-potties should be used.

• Water hoses and lines must be positioned safely to prevent accidents.

• Only approved fiberglass dock boxes are permitted on both the north and south sides of the

marina. All fixtures are subject to board approval.

• Open fires and barbecue cooking are prohibited on finger piers and on vessels while moored.

• No permanent additions, fixtures, appliances, or structures may be installed on finger docks

without board approval.

• Rafts and dinghies may not be stored on the boardwalk.

• Well holders are responsible for keeping parking areas and flower boxes free of weeds and

debris.

• All Outdoor furniture requires board approval, requests should be made in writing

Pets

• All pets must be on a leash while on club premises and may not be left unattended.

• Pets must use the designated dog run, and owners must clean up immediately.

Winter Storage Rules

• Only environmentally safe antifreeze may be used.

• When installing shrink wrap, the following safety precautions apply:

o A fire extinguisher must be available.

o Fuel vents must be sealed.

o Tarps or reused shrink wrap may not be tied to jack stands.

o Used shrink wrap must be bundled and placed in the designated disposal area by the

gate.

o Used oil must be disposed of by the owner and may not be placed in dumpsters.

General Rules

• Well assignments are determined by the dock committee based on boat size and require final

approval by the board of directors.

• Well assignments are granted to the owner/operator only. Partnership ownership requires all

partners to be members and receive prior board approval.

• Well assignments are valid for one year and may be changed as necessary.

• If a member sells a boat, the dock committee must be notified immediately. The new owner

must remove the vessel from the well within seven (7) days, or a fee will be charged at a rate

determined by the board.

• Members are responsible for the conduct, indebtedness, and liabilities of their families and

guests. Boat owners must inform guests of all dock rules.

• Active members, well holders, and boats on trailers must maintain functional, seaworthy

vessels that do not place the club at risk. Compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations is

strongly recommended.

• All vessels on club property must have current registration and insurance. Documentation

must be provided to the secretary twice per year.

• Members may have only one vessel on club property unless approved by the board. Dinghies

are exempt.

• Use of the clubhouse or pavilion requires board approval through the designated event

calendar controller in the commodore’s office. Associate members must have at least one

year of membership and complete the required form.

• Swimming is prohibited on club premises.

• Unauthorized persons may not board a vessel unless the well holder is present.

• Fishing from any steel break wall is prohibited.

• Fueling vessels with portable containers is prohibited unless approved by the board and

special safety precautions are followed.

• Open fires are prohibited on all club property.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with any club rule may result in disciplinary action, including expulsion.

These rules are enforced by the flag officers, board of directors, past commodores, and the caretaker.

All violations should be reported to the board which reserves the right to take necessary action.

Gas Dock Fueling Procedures

Before fueling:

• Secure the boat to the dock.

• Shut off engines and all electrical equipment.

• Close all ports, windows, doors, and hatches.

• Disembark all passengers.

• Ensure no smoking on board or in the dock area.

• Have a charged fire extinguisher readily available.

During fueling:

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill opening to prevent static discharge.

• Avoid fuel spills.

• Do not overfill tanks.

After fueling:

• Close all filling openings.

• Wipe up spills and dispose of rags on the shore.

• Open all ports, windows, doors, and hatches.

• Run bilge blowers and ventilate for at least five minutes.

• Check for fuel odors and continue ventilation until all odors are gone before starting engines.

• Clear the gas dock area promptly and safely.

Revised May 2026 – Great Lakes Steel Boat Club Board of Directors