|
|
|
|
Choose A Buoy
game. There are many factors that can make it difficult.
First of all, you're likely in an awkward position on the bow of your boat
leaning over the water, the boat is rocking, and as you'll notice in the photo
above there may be a current carrying you away at just the moment you're
about to pass your line through the
ring. You can purchase mooring aid
devices that fit on the end of your docking pole that
will help you thread your line through the buoy ring. These
amazing devices with a double hinge and spring action can be a great help but they aren't fool
proof, they're somewhat expensive, and the plastic
ones break easily. Cost : Approximately $ 35.00 for a plastic
version and up to $ 350.00
for a deluxe stainless steel model although I have seen a metal version for
about $50.00.
The Clock Is Ticking
The park service would like you to make your way to shore and register within 30-mintues of your arrival, although it isn't likely they time the arrival of every boat, it is still a good idea to go pay up so you can get down to the business of having fun. Hopping in your dinghy and making your way to shore is something you'll want to do anyway. Bring along exact change, a pencil or pen to fill out your registration form, and bring your camera because you'll want to get a picture of your boat moored out in the bay.
Where Do
You Pay?
Each of the 6 bays
and coves of Sucia have a pay station on shore with registration forms and a
drop box. . 
They are easy to find even though some of them are tucked away
behind the trees or off to the side of the beach. There are often small
park service signs pointing you in the right direction. You
will also find pay stations near each floating dock in Fossil bay, each of
which has a small portion of the dock marked and reserved for dinghies so people
can come ashore to register.
How Much Will This Cost Me?
- To dock on a floating pier the fee is .50 cents per foot with a $10.00 minimum.
- Moorage buoys are $10 a night.
- An annual moorage permit fee is $3.50 per foot, with a minimum of $50.
- Buoys, floating docks & Facility use is first come, first served.
- Fees Are Subject To Change Without Notice
The park ranger and his staff collects the envelopes from the pay stations and then trolls around the harbor checking off boats from his list of those that have registered.. This is made easier if your boat has a name on its transom but if yours isn't named don't worry about it.
Is it Okay To Raft Up
Next To Another Boat?
Yes, but you will both be charged $10 each (2005) for the use of the buoy and the size of your boats are limited so you don't overload the buoy. Keep in mind that you're only allowed to tie up in one place for 3-consecutive nights, and even if you decide to anchor and don't use a buoy you still need to go ashore and register so the park service can keep accurate attendance records.
Wayward Dinghy
On busy weekends and holidays the buoys and docks fill up fast so you might be tempted to tie up your dinghy to a buoy to reserve it for later. You would then leave for a few hours to do some fishing or go on a short cruise. This is not allowed by the park service and if you decide to do it anyway, don't be surprised when you return to find your dinghy set adrift, and even though the anchorage is full of people, it's likely no one will have witnessed a thing.
NOTE:
- Alcoholic beverages are permitted only in designated campground and picnic areas.
- All Pets Must Remain On Their Leashes
- Generators are not allowed after 10pm to ensure quiet time.
- Loud Music Is Not Permitted.
|
|
|
