Marina and Harbor Master Building

HISTORY

Welcome to Traverse City's Duncan L. Clinch Marina. Our marina is owned and operated by the City of Traverse City and governed by the policies of the Michigan State Waterways Commission, a division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. All our guidelines follow our grant-in-aid agreement with the Michigan State Waterways Commission and City regulations.

In 1933 an Ordinance was enacted by the City Commission to provide for acquiring and constructing a municipal harbor. The City Clerk wrote to the War Department to request a permit to construct a breakwater and boat wells adjacent to Clinch Park.

The City Engineer went to Washington D.C. in 1938 to attend a hearing on the breakwater. The hearing was successful and in 1939 the breakwater was built.

Traverse City's mayor appointed 5 local men to be on a harbor committee in 1958.

In 1960 the City Commission obtained an appropriation from the Waterways Commission to construct a marina. Since there were 2 private marinas - Darrows and Murrays (older names now obsolete) the intent was to provide boat slips for out of town visitors. The marina was built in 1960-61, and was named Duncan L. Clinch Yacht Harbor.

HOURS OF DOCK HOUSE OPERATION

Check out time is 11:00 am

May 15 to June 14 and Labor Day to October 20	8:00 am to 6:00 pm
June 15 to Labor Day	7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Marina gate closes at	10:00 pm
Night Security from Mid-June to Labor Day	6:00 pm to 6:00 am

2012 SEASONAL RATES

A Dock- East (up to 50') A Dock West (up to 60')	$5,287 $6,720
B Dock - East (35') B Dock - West (42')	$3,644 $4,429
C Dock - East (30') C Dock - West (35')	$3,115 $3,644
D Dock - East (24') D Dock - West (27')	$2,492 $2,803
E Dock (24')	$2,492

Transient Rates are by footage. Check with Dock office at (231) 922-4903 or the Marina office at (231) 922-4906.

Daily Launch fee          $  5.00
Seasonal Launch Fee   $ 40.00
Commercial Daily        $ 10.00/boat
Seasonal Commercial   $ 80.00

Senior citizen's rates are one-half of the above rates for seasonal permits only ($20.00).  For this special rate, the purchaser must be at least 60 years of age.  Seniors must be prepared to show proof of age.

Launching permits must be placed on the top of the boat trailer tongue.
 

WAITING LIST INFORMATION

Applications: to be on the waiting list you need a waiting list packet with application. You can get this through the Dockmaster. Fill out the application and return it along with the $25.00 fee. This fee is non-refundable. If you sign up on the waiting list prior to the closing of the marina (10/20), you will receive a renewal notice for the next calendar year. You will receive an annual renewal letter in December which MUST be returned by the due date, along with the $15.00 renewal fee to remain on the list. This renewal fee is applied toward your initial cost of your dockage once you get in the marina. If dockage is offered before April 30, and subsequently refused, all fees will be forfeited.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length of Stay: Transient boaters are permitted to stay up to 14 consecutive days. If the marina is not full a boater may stay an additional 14 days. To be eligible to stay an additional 14 days, when the marina is full, the boater must remain out of the marina for 48 hours.

Slip Assignments: Dockhands on duty are authorized to re-assign transient slips as deemed necessary.

Reservations: We do not take reservations.

Credit Cards: We accept VISA and MASTERCARD.

Key Deposits: Only boaters can receive marina keys. Key deposits are $5.00.

Laundry Facilities: A marina key is required for this facility. The laundry room is located on the east side of the marina office building. Open 24 hours a day.

Gasoline/Oil: We sell regular gasoline, valve treatment, engine oil, two cycle outboard oil, and chemicals for your sewage systems. Fueling in daylight only. For proper disposing of drain oil - contact the Dockmaster.

VHF-FM Marine Radio: We follow FCC rules and regulations when operating the marine radio. Channel 16 is monitored. We are sorry but we cannot use this channel for receiving or delivering messages of any kind.

Electrical Adapters: Adapters are available at the dock house for a $20.00 - $100.00 deposit, depending on the adapter. Power cords must be approved by the Dockmaster.

Train: The miniature steam locomotive called "The Spirit of Traverse City" operates near the marina, and its tracks run parallel to the water's edge at the marina. Expect whistle blowing, crossing gate signal and train noises from late May through mid-September.

REGULATIONS

Anchoring/Mooring: For the safety of boaters, no anchoring or mooring is allowed in or around the marina area.

Auxiliary Craft: One dinghy or other auxiliary craft shall be a size suitable to be carried on board the boat leasing the slip. No more than one auxiliary craft per boat is permitted to water store in the slip so long as storage of such water craft does not extend beyond the limits of the assigned slip or in any other way interfere with the flow of traffic in the marina. Auxiliary craft shall be removed from the slip when the boat is out of the marina for more than one day. No slips shall be leased, or dockage permitted, solely to any auxiliary craft or personal water craft. The "NO WAKE" speed shall be observed at all times.

Bicycles, In-Line Skates, Skateboards: For the safety of all guests and boaters, bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards are not permitted on the main docks or finger docks.

Boat Size and Placement: All boats should be inside the outer piling out of the fairway, and will be assigned accordingly.

Cleanliness of Pier: EVERYONE shall be asked to keep the pier area clean and free of litter. NOTHING shall be stored on the docks or piers without first obtaining permission from the Dockmaster.

Cooking on Open Flames: Charcoal burners are not allowed on any dock. Open flames are prohibited except while cooking on a standard galley stove aboard a vessel. If you wish to cook with a charcoal fire, we have charcoal grills/picnic tables for your convenience, located on the shore near the ends of the docks.

Cruising the Marina: Please operate your boat in a safe manner. No "cruising" is allowed in the marina (including auxiliary craft). Boats are expected to leave the marina immediately after checking out. Sail craft are required to enter or leave the marina under auxiliary power only (inboard or outboard motor), no "UNDER SAIL" in the marina.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed within the harbor - except where posted. NO FISH CLEANING allowed anywhere within the marina area.

Maintenance: Ordinary light maintenance performed on your vessel is permitted. Boat owners must notify the Dockmaster in advance of the employment of outside commercial labor to be used on their boat.

Noise: Loud music, noises, or other disturbances are STRICTLY forbidden. Persons creating a disturbance or nuisance will be asked to leave immediately.

On Board Toilet Facilities: Shall not be used while the boat is in the marina. Pump out facilities are available at the fuel dock and toilet/shower facilities are located at the Dockmaster's office. Keys are available at the fuel dock.

Parking: Due to limited parking, please respect the posted regulations governing parking in the marina area. A dockhand can assist you in securing long-term parking, if required.

Proper Lines: All boats must be equipped with a minimum 1/2 inch diameter twisted or braided nylon line (or approved equal). Boats that do not have this type of mooring line cannot stay overnight, until proper lines are obtained.

Rafting: We will raft only when the marina is full and weather conditions prevent vessels from leaving the marina. Conditions inside the marina must be safe enough for us to raft. The City of Traverse City will not be held responsible for any damage done to a boat that has been rafted.

Swimming/Diving: No swimming/diving is allowed in the marina. Should an emergency arise requiring diving in the marina, check with the Dockmaster first. Its the boater's responsibility to insure that all proper safety precautions have been taken to protect both the diver and boater.