WEST ALTON MARINA
Celebrating 50 Years 1962-2012
westaltonmarina.com
Handbook for Boaters
It doesn't seem possible that 50 years ago our grandparents
began West Alton Marina. WAM has seem many changes over
the years, but the beautiful, natural setting and family
atmosphere that our guests love is still prevalent today. Our
family would like to thank you for the success we enjoy! Many
of you have been here as long as we can remember. Our
deepest thanks for being and important member of the WAM
family, which keeps on growing.
For many, WAM is your two-day vacation at the end of every
week. With family and friends included, this means record
number of guests using the facility. We decided that a handbook
would be the best way to answer many of the common
questions.
We recommend that you and your family read and understand
the policies that follow. Violation or disregard of any of these
policies may result in the loss of docking privileges. These
policies are being instituted so that business with over 300
boating families can be conducted fairly, so that WAM
continues to be the best marina on the lake. Therefore, in
fairness to all, please do not ask any owners/employees of WAM
to compromise these policies.
Table of Contents (in order of appearance)
Mission Statement......................................................................................................................................3
Boating Season...........................................................................................................................................3
Hours of Operation.....................................................................................................................................3
Services Provided.......................................................................................................................................3
Family and Guests......................................................................................................................................4
Overnight Guests........................................................................................................................................4
Vehicle Speed Limits..................................................................................................................................4
Vehicle Parking...........................................................................................................................................4
Guest Parking.............................................................................................................................................4
Conventional, Amenity and Covered Slips................................................................................................5
Prepping your Boat for Winter Storage......................................................................................................5
Docks with Land, Decks and Gazebos.......................................................................................................6
Subleasing..................................................................................................................................................7
Personal Watercraft....................................................................................................................................7
Launch Ramp.............................................................................................................................................7
Boat Keys...................................................................................................................................................7
Tying your Boat..........................................................................................................................................8
Boat Trailers...............................................................................................................................................8
Registrations...............................................................................................................................................8
Rubbish.......................................................................................................................................................8
Boat Septic Systems...................................................................................................................................8
Quiet Hours................................................................................................................................................8
Campfires...................................................................................................................................................9
Camping.....................................................................................................................................................9
Fishing........................................................................................................................................................9
No Wake.....................................................................................................................................................9
Pets.............................................................................................................................................................9
Payment and Contract Due Dates............................................................................................................10
Your Account............................................................................................................................................10
Selling your Boat......................................................................................................................................10
Purchasing a New Boat............................................................................................................................10
First Boat Launched.................................................................................................................................11
Environment.............................................................................................................................................11
Safety........................................................................................................................................................12
Aesthetics.................................................................................................................................................12
WAM Mission Statement:
The West Alton Marina team strives to provide the highest level of professional services by taking a
proactive approach to safe boating and the protection of our environment.
WAM Boating Season:
Dock contracts May 1st through October 31st
Valet Contracts may 15th through Monday of Columbus Day Weekend (around October 12th)
Due to liability customers are not allowed to enter upon marina property during the off season
(November 1st through April 30th). All visits must be scheduled with the office. Entering onto WAM
property without prior notification is considered trespassing. Why? Three of many reasons are:
1. Customers climbing the rack buildings to cover/retrieve items out of their boat.
2. Boat stands and blocking sometimes become unstable with changing frost and ice. We continually
check and periodically reposition such to compensate but under no circumstances do we want
customers around the boats during the winter.
3. Grounds, roads and docks are not maintained for public winter travel.
Hours of Operation:
Due to the seasonal nature of our business and the dependence on warm sunny days, office and gas
dock hours vary. It is best to call ahead to make sure we are around if you need us. During the height
of the boating season we are open 7 days 8 am to 5 pm.
WAM, Your Full Service Marina:
The staff at WAM takes pride in providing you the services that boaters expect. Not only does this take
the work out of your boating experience, it also means more quality time to spend on the water. Please
realize that in choosing WAM for a slip you should also choose WAM for all of its services. We
provide the following:
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For every dock at WAM there is a winter storage space. When setting our rates and comparing
to industry standards; we are assuming year round occupancy. Some boaters like to take their
boats home, which is understandable, but please remember you will still need to pay for winter
storage to secure your dock for the following season.
Our service department is staffed with highly trained technicians to work on the 300 boats that
slip at WAM. We are dedicated to servicing only WAM customers, which means minimal
downtime. We are certified in MerCruiser and Volvo Penta and provide factory authorized
warranty services and use only genuine factory parts. The service department must be notified
of any outside contractors, including other marinas that are performing work to your boat on
WAM property. A list of Outside Subcontractor Policies is available at the service shop.
Our Gas Dock provides gas, ice, soda, oil and toilet supplies. They will gladly fill your fresh
water and pump your waste water, but would like to remind you to use toilet chemical!
Family and Guests:
Each dock/valet contract holder is responsible for his or her family and guests. Any damage caused by
you, your family or your guests to others' boats or WAM property is your responsibility. You must
make your company aware of what is expected at WAM. This is important to your neighbors and is
essential in securing your return the following season. This includes your “of age” children that may
use your boat while you are away. All customers must have an insurance policy for liability and hazard
coverage.
VANDALISM OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING LITTERING, WILL NOT
BE TOLERATED.
Overnight Guests:
There is no charge for overnight visitors (except parking if applicable, see GUEST PARKING on page 5)
if they are sleeping aboard your boat. However, you must be present. There will be a charge for guests
to overnight in the camping field (see CAMPING on page 11). Guests that sleep in their vehicles are
considered camping.
Marina Speed Limits:
ATVs, dirt bikes, golf carts and motorized scooters are prohibited. The speed limit is 10 mph on the
marina road and 5 mph (this is not using the throttle) in the marina. The parking lot sometimes serves
double duty as a playground for children.
Vehicle Parking:
Two yearly parking permits will be issued with each dock lease agreement. The permits must be
affixed to the inside lower left of your windshield. Additional yearly permits may be purchased and
will also be permanently affixed. Permits do not guarantee, nor are they intended to reserve the
parking spot behind your boat. We will monitor that one vehicle is in the prime lots and that additional
vehicles are parked around the tree line of the “old” bathhouse, behind the new bathhouse or in the
field. No customer is allowed to reserve the spot behind their boat.
Guest Parking:
There is a fee for daily parking. Tags may be purchased at the entrance office. If arriving after hours
please use the self pay form and mail slot in the door. Lots are patrolled 24 hours. Violators will be
towed at owner's/lessee's expense. Visitor parking is located around the old bathhouse, behind the new
bathhouse or in the field. Contractors of Island customers are considered guests.
Slips: Conventional, Amenity, Covered and Valet
Our rates are based on the slip minimum OR the length of your boat, whichever is greater. Falsifying
your boat length will be grounds for termination. Please use the overall length versus the waterline
length from your owner's manual or simply measure the length of your boat from anchor pulpit to the
outside edge of your swim deck or outboard engine.
All slips include the use of the bathhouse, laundry facilities, electricity (AC units may not be left on
while you are away), garbage and pump-out. In water slips include two parking passes while valet
includes one.
Conventional: Slips are generally out on our finger docks, Papa's Pier & Middle Finger. These slips
are based on a 20ft minimum and are 10ft wide. Both have electric and Papa's Pier also has potable
water.
Amenity: Slips include cable TV, dual 30amp electric, potable water and an area directly behind your
boat for table, dock box and gas grill. Internet service is available through our cable provider. These
slips are based on a 25ft, 28ft and 30ft minimum with widths 11ft, 12ft, and 14ft respectively. 28ft and
30ft slips have a fender pile between boats.
Covered: Slips include all the amenities. These slips are based on 30ft minimum and are 11ft wide.
The Canopy is 34ft in length.
Valet: Slips are based on a 20ft minimum and are available for boats 23ft and less. Exceptions are
made to the 23ft maximum length with an on site boat inspection.
If you would like to relocate from your current slip please complete a Request Form at the office. Keep
this in mind when updating to a larger boat that will not fit in your current slip. With minimal turnover
it may take a couple seasons to honor your request.
Cable TV, water, and bathhouse service ends Columbus Day Weekend.
WAM reserves the right to make slip changes or move boat locations if required to maintain, improve
or expand its operation. WAM will not be held responsible for low water levels at the slips because of
lack of rain or improper management of the dam.
Winter Storage:
When preparing your boat for winter storage, here are several tasks that must be completed/checked by
you prior to storage:
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Ignition and cabin keys located at the service department office.
Any boaters performing their own domestic system winterizations must do so prior to the boat
being hauled out. This would include pumping of holding tanks and emptying porta-potties.
We are not responsible for damage caused by faulty self-winterization.
Bumpers, ropes and electrical cords must be easily removed if you would like them stored in
your boat. We will not drain and store water hoses.
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All wet items need to be removed from your cabin area to prevent mold and mildew. This
includes cushions under leaky windows.
Refrigerators must be emptied and all food removed from cabin.
If you collapse your camper canvas please store it, preferably at home or in the cabin area. Do
not block access into any domestic areas that need to be winterized.
Roll carpeting that is in the cockpit area and stow it in the cabin.
Remove any items including water skis, tubes, coolers, tables, chairs, etc., obstructing access to
the engine or any domestic systems.
Lower and/or remove antennas, anchor lights, or any protruding items that would obstruct the
shrink wrapping of the boat.
Remove bow sun cushions and store or take home if wet.
Bounce dryer sheets are commonly used to keep things fresh and some say prevents mice.
We recommend leaving gas tanks ¾ full. Do not leave your tank full as it expands in warm
weather and may leak out your overflow.
Storage for your items is available at the Mount Major Community Center. Please see the office
for details.
Docks with Land:
Only customers with docks along the land are allowed to have a gas grill, table, dock box, gazebo etc.
Customers with boats on finger docks should add their name to our internal move list if they wish to
have this amenity. Customers are not allowed to reserve the parking space directly behind their boat.
Any items behind your boat must be anchored or heavy enough so that windy conditions will not blow
them into the water or into neighboring boats. All items must be pleasing to the eye. We will notify
you if they are not. Gas grills must be safe and in proper working condition. A refrigerator in this area
will incur an additional fee.
Decks and Other Structures (revised May 2010):
All existing structures are grandfathered. Grandfathered structures are not allowed to be rebuilt,
relocated and or replaced by non conforming structures. New to WAM, internal re-locations, or
replacements will be built with all the following being met:
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Decking will be a maximum of 10X10. It will not obstruct access to the dock. It will not
extend past the utility post behind your neighbors slip. It will be placed a MINIMUM of 6
inches away from the WAM decking behind your slip. It will not be attached in any way to
WAM decking including but not limited to tie downs.
Gazebos will be of metal framing with a material/screening comprising the roof and sides.
Nothing will be attached to the metal framing other than the material/screening that comes
standard with the purchased gazebo.
The area behind your slip that is dedicated for your use is the width of your slip (edge of dock
to utility post) with a distance not to exceed 13 feet back from the edge of the WAM decking.
If you are not renewing your slip and you have not made arrangements by May 1st to remove
your items then you have relinquished your ownership of these items to WAM.
No cords of any kind will obstruct the walkway behind your boat.
There will be no open flames other than candles.
There will be no hot tubs.
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Guests are not allowed to sleep in gazebos.
Gazebos will only be heated while you are present and will never be air conditioned.
If your gazebo or other items cause damage to others property then you are responsible for
restitution.
Grass/weeds will be trimmed to maintain a neat look. Therefore be mindful that items may get
hit/ripped by the trimmer. This includes grill covers, extension cords, etc.
Metal framework from damaged gazebos should be brought to the scrap metal pile at the
service department for recycling.
None of your items will obstruct the two foot walkway and docks.
Leaving These Items for the Winter:
Any items left behind your slip for the winter must be secured. Grills should be tied to dock boxes or
gazebo frames. Dock boxes must be tied down as locks will not hold them together. Fabric and
screens must be removed from metal framing. In the event that items need to be secured by our staff a
fee will apply.
Subleasing:
Subleasing is prohibited. Under extenuating circumstances WAM will sublease your dock for ONE
season. Please inquire at the office.
Personal Watercraft:
Personal watercraft may be tied alongside or behind your boat while you are at your boat at no charge.
A fee will be charged for those leaving a PWC in the water for the season. A discount may apply
should you pay for a slip larger than your boat. (Ex. You have a 24ft boat but you pay to be in a 28ft
slip.) Either scenario requires that you check with your neighbors first, as there must be ample room to
maneuver. For billing purposes, we consider all PWC to be 3ft long.
Launch Ramp:
The ramp is free of charge to those at WAM if the following are met.
 The boat must be registered to you. Please have the registration ready for the attendant.
 The vehicle launching the boat must have a parking permit.
Boat Keys:
A set of keys to your ignition and cabin must be on file at the service department. If you lock your
outdrive we need that key as well. Starting your boat without keys will result in a fee.
Tying up your Boat:
Only use tie posts and/or pilings to secure your boat. The utility post should never be used to tie your
boat. If you add a cleat to the dock, it must not be placed on any walking surface. If you add
permanent bumpers to your tie posts keep the bolts clear for yearly tightening.
Boat Trailers:
Off-site, outside, unsecured, storage is available for a seasonal fee. Any trailer left in the lot that is not
attached to a vehicle and does not have a tag from the office will be confiscated. A retrieval fee and a
daily lot fee will apply when reclaiming your trailer. Customers leaving a trailer in the lot after hours
must use the after hours envelope and mail slot at the entrance office or leave a message on the
answering service.
Registrations:
Your boat can be registered by mail with the State of New Hampshire or at most marinas that sell boats.
As a WAM customer, your boat is required by law to be registered in this state.
Rubbish:
Please use garbage bags. If it doesn't fit in a garbage bag we don't want it. Break down all cardboard
boxes. Hazardous waste is not allowed, nor are propane cylinders. Does your old gas grill fit in a
garbage bag? Your old camp couch doesn't. Do not put large items near the dumpster, as we do not
provide bulk pick up. The dumpsters are for household waste only or rubbish generated while using
your boat. If it does not fit in your trash barrel, it does NOT belong in or near the dumpster. DO NOT
BRING RUBBISH FROM YOUR HOME (UNLESS ISLAND).
Your Holding Tanks and WAM Sewer:
Toilet paper is the only product that should be flushed. Do not flush sanitary products, baby wipes,
face wipes or ANYTHING other than toilet paper. You should only use RV/marine toilet paper in your
boat.
The porta-potty near the dumpsters on the launch ramp side of the marina is for dumping your portable
toilet from your boat. You may rinse and fill your toilet only at the spigots at the “old” bathhouse. DO
NOT RINSE YOUR POTTY WITH ANY OTHER HOSE/SPIGOT.
Social Gatherings:
Please be considerate of your neighbors. Quiet hours are 11pm to 8am. All teenagers and children
have to be on or near their boats during this time or with a parent.
Campfires:
Please use the designated fire pits. Fires must be attended at all times and kept under control. The last
person to leave MUST extinguish the fire completely.
Camping:
WAM is not a public camping facility. We do allow those customers with boats too small to sleep
aboard to camp in the field. There is a fee for this convenience and reservations are strongly
recommended. All persons camping must register at the entrance office upon arrival. If arriving after
5pm, register prior to 10am the following morning.
Your guests are welcome to camp. However, you must make the reservation for them. All guests
require a reservation. Please remember that you are responsible for your guests so make sure they
are worthy of your dock privileges!
QUIET HOURS ARE 11PM TO 8AM!!!!
Fishing:
Children fishing from the docks must be supervised. Parents and/or contract holders are responsible for
any damage or destruction of other boaters' property, such as fish hooks embedded into canvasses.
The NH-DES discourages the disposal of fish remains into the water.
Make no Wake:
Absolutely no wake will be tolerated in the channel. Boat wake will erode the shoreline and result in a
shallow channel. Please police your own and yell at others not respecting our NO WAKE zone.
Pets:
WAM allows pets because we realize they are an important part of many families. The following rules
need to be followed:
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Pets will be leashed on the weekends and during busy vacation weeks.
Owners must clean up after their pets. Scooped poo can be placed in the dumpsters.
Walks may be done down the path near the dumpsters, but still keep the path free of feces.
Do not leave pets alone if you are leaving for the day.
A crying/barking dog that annoys your neighbors or any vicious dogs will not be tolerated.
Lease Payment Due Dates:
When deadlines are not met we assume you are not returning. Deadlines are consistent each year.
Annual contracts are sent August 1st with a deposit due August 15th.
The remaining balance of winter storage, which is billed, is due October 31st.
Dock deposits, which are billed, are due February 15th. The remaining balance is due April 30th or prior
to the launch of your boat, whichever comes first.
Valet is due in full in one payment on or before April 30th.
Your Account:
No boat is allowed at a slip unless the season is paid in full. Using your WAM account to charge gas is
occasionally allowed however is not routinely accepted.
In regard to service work, arrangements for payment need to be made at the same time that the repairs
are scheduled. WAM will not launch your boat without payment. The exception is during the spring
when boats are launched, then billed. Additionally, if repairs are made to your boat in the water,
payment is required before the boat leaves the slip or prior to 30 days. ANY LESSEE WITH AN
OUTSTANDING BALANCE MORE THAN 30 DAYS MAY HAVE THEIR BOAT HAULED AT
THEIR EXPENSE.
WAM enjoys good relations with a majority of boaters, but obviously we need to collect for services
rendered. We gladly accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover checks, and of course, cash. Returned checks
will be assessed a fee.
Selling your Boat?
Please remember you own the boat and WAM owns the slip. We realize that a boat for sale in the water
is very attractive to a potential buyer, but the sale of your boat and the rental of your slip are two
separate transactions. WAM management will consider the transfer (and reserve the right to refuse
transfer) of your slip under the following conditions:
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Your boat has been maintained by our service department and the preventative programs have
been utilized.
WAM received 5% of the sale price. A copy of the signed bill of the sale will be required.
The potential buyers have read this handbook.
WAM management meets the potential buyers prior to the sale
Purchasing a New Boat?
WAM management must be notified prior to the purchase to ensure that it will fit in your slip and
that the service department can haul it. Information needed is the year, make, model, style, overall
length, draft, beam and gross weight.
Multiple boats, friends' boats, leased boats and “new to you” used boats are not allowed as a
replacement to your contracted boat unless we deem that the boat meets out safety and aesthetic
guidelines. Therefore, notifying the office is required.
I Want My Boat Launched First:
Ice out is usually after April 15th and launching will begin as soon as weather conditions permit. Your
boat will be launched when the following conditions are met:
 You have paid your dock in full.
 Your account is current. This means no balances from winter storage or winter service work.
 You have completed and returned the spring launch form by February 15th.
Once these conditions have been met, your boat will be scheduled in the order your launch form is
received. There is usually a minimal backlog during the spring launch, however we have always been
able to fulfill the requests of those customers that meet the above three conditions. One area of
confusion is those customers that wait until the week prior to Memorial Day to meet the above three
conditions and expect their boat by that weekend. This launch will not happen. This customer's boat
would be placed on the schedule and launched as soon as possible. A courtesy call is always given
once your boat in at the slip and ready for use.
Are You Environmentally Conscious?
We all love Lake Winnipesaukee. The owners and staff of WAM partner with the NH Department of
Environmental Services to make certain our waters stay clean. Many of WAM's policies are derived
with this “Green Marina” initiative in mind. Therefore we require the following:
 Boats with oily bilges must be cleaned on land and the source of contamination determined and
repaired.
 Any boat sinking and/or creating an oil slick on surface waters will be hauled at owner's
expense.
 Overboard discharge is unlawful. All boats with toilets, sinks or showers must comply with the
Department of Environmental Services regulations regarding such,
 All boats must be fueled at gas dock where spill containment is available.
 Used oil may be brought to the service department for proper disposal free of charge.
 Bottom painting/sanding/scraping must be contained. You must notify the service department
prior to this task.
Boat cleaning will be allowed under the following conditions:
 Use phosphate free, non toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
 Try to use a sponge versus bucket washing.
 Teak swim deck cleaning and other large cleaning jobs must be done on land.
Is Your Boat Safe? Is Your Neighbors?
At WAM our staff is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our guests. Therefore we are requiring the
following:
 A functional bilge blower.
 An automatic bilge pump that is wired correctly so it is unaffected by the battery switch.
 Batteries must be properly secured in a tray or box and all terminals insulated
 Outboard engines will remain in the water and not raised so it protrudes from your boat.
 Out-drives must have operational trim and trailer settings.
 Rotten floors, seats and swim decks are unacceptable. It paces you, your guests and the staff of
WAM in danger.
 Use of overboard gas grills on your boat at the dock is prohibited.
All boats docked/stored with WAM will be inspected for environmental and safety concerns
during our spring commissioning. WAM will not launch any boat it does not commission. WAM
reserves the right to board any boat launched by its owner or other marina while docked/stored
with WAM.
Which Boat Is Not Like The Others?
WAM takes great pride in the appearance of its grounds, buildings, and docks. Most of those in our
WAM family appreciate this and know the importance of maintaining their own property as is seen in
the appearance of their boats. For the minority we require the following:
 The sun is harsh on fiberglass. Oxidation is prevented with waxing and can be reversed with
wet sanding. WAM can put you in touch with a boat detailing company, so please check with
the service shop.
 The sun also damages canvas and clear vinyl windows. Discolored, cracked vinyl needs to be
replaced. Torn canvas must be properly supported to shed rain water.
 Clothesline is intended to hang laundry, not tie your boat. Please use dock lines.
 Old life jackets should be discarded, not used as dock bumpers.
 All boats with holding tanks will be required to use chemical.