StateRun Facilities

[Captain]

I've read on a couple other boards that the DNR passed a new iniative yesterday banning all charter boats from all state run harbors..Anyone else heard anything on this issue. If it is true I'm sure MCBA will be at the forfront facing the DNR..The DNR's website has no mention of this so who knows, maybe Boher has some thoughts on this situation..

[Shoeman]

There seems to be a growing trend in that direction state wide.
Even some municipal marinas have doubled the price of slips for the charter boats.

I can understand some type of surcharge, but to eliminate them, is a bad judgement call.

As a boater stuck to marinas, ( too big to tow) I cannot condone the traffic that a charter boat draws, especially at 5 am after a night of enhancing the establishments, not to mention the strangers walking up and down the docks at all hours of the day.

BUT, the charter fleet does generate a good portion of the city's tourist dollars spent in lodging, food, fuel and bar traffic. To eliminate them from state facilities would be a big mistake.

One marina comes to mind, Presque Ilse. It's the only game in a large area from Alpena to Roger City. In July and August it fills with a few boats, targeting the reef around the Nordmeer and out in front of Stoneport. It is not very practical to hit from anywhere else, but Alpena.

The cost of running the additional miles would really eat into the profit of an already financially challenged business.

Captain, did they state a reason for such a ban? From what I understood, in the last few years, none of the facilities were operating at 100% anyway. According to regulations, they have to keep a very high percentage of slips for transients. (70%, which I believe is too much) Somehow, the 20-30 bucks a night for a transient slip, that sits empty most of the season is worth more to the state/city at 2500+ a season by allowing a chaterboat.

This could really hurt local economies up and down the shore.

I would like to hear more about this subject. I'm sure it's a very controversial one.