Love your Harbor master?

[bestfriend]

Has anyone ever had good luck with greasing the palm of the harbor master for a slip? Our boat didn't come with a slip and we want to stay at that harbor. Unfortunately, there is a waiting list. We have been able to jump from slip to slip as a sublet, but who knows when that will run out. I've slipped the hostess a twenty for a table, but nothing bigger than that. I have never even seen the harbor master here, but I have talked to the office manager a lot and she is the one offering me the sublets. Any thoughts?

[T34C]

Check into transient slips. Often times the trasient slips are at the discretion of the Harbor Master. It is not unheard of for someone to get one of those for the season. Maybe offer to guarantee that transient slip # xx be rented everyday for the season at slip rental cost + yyy. That way you won't run the risk of offending anyone.

[Goodnewsboy]

Two possible outcomes:

Dishonest harbormaster: You get the slip, He gets the money. May want more down the line.

Honest harbormaster: You may get charged with attempted bribery of a public official.

T34C has given good advice.

[bestfriend]

I agree, I don't want to offend anyone, or get anyone in trouble, especially me! I am the type that likes to think that paying your bill promptly and being friendly is more apt to make a better impression. T34C-by transient slip, do you mean the guest slips?

[poopdeckpappy]

I kinda went though the same thing last summer-fall, I bought this boat last July and subleast the slip though the previous owner, I found out soon after it was against marina policy to do this without their knowledge, I went to the Marina managers and explained the situation and their told me they were aware what was going on and realized I was ignorant of the policy. I also found out that the reason the previous owner choose this direction was because he was in default and the marina was ready to lien the boat.

By me buying the boat it took the lien option off the table, so I offered to make up all past due fees on the slip in exchange for letting me keep the slip, They appriciated the offer but, They couldn't do it because of the waiting list, I respected their decision and stayed as long as They allowed me to, then moved to the guess slips.

Now, I don't know if my offer had anything to do with this but, what was suppose to take 4-6 months for boats 30' and under in the off season, only took 30 days

Now I'm on the list for a 36 footer

[bestfriend]

The sublet I have now is on the up and up, its through the office. They sublet slips for the owners that are away. Who knows, the office may be doing this without the harbor masters knowledge, but I doubt it, and I pay with a check to the Marina. We are on the waiting list too, but its four years! I am very lucky to be able to sublet so far.

[T34C]

eastbay- Yes, I was refering to the guest slips. Sorry, for some reason they are called transient slips around here.

"Love your Harbor master?" - I'm married to his daughter!

[bestfriend]

Now theres an idea! Why didn't I think of that. Theres just too many open ended jokes about slips and berths dangling from that comment! I will refrain.

[T34C]

Thanks! It was quite a dowrey (sp)

[bestfriend]

You mean "dory"?