Here's What We Find Interesting - We Want You To Know
We say "Good Bye" to our great staff member - Tom & Tom
After over 15 years serving the marine industry at the Washburn Marina, Tom Mager and Tom Grupstra have retired. We are so grateful for their incredible service and professionalism that makes Washburn Marina the place it is today. Thank you to them both!
Update on the Arrival of Spring 2022 and Ice Status
It is taking it's own sweet time! The ice has blown out of the Chequamegon Bay and back in several times. As far as the eye could see on the morning of May 3, 2022, no ice on the bay. By 3 pm, it had blown back in and anyone venturing out in a small boat better be heading in fast! The marina is beginning to see more water than ice as we have 5 "bubblers" doing their best to get rid of the ice.
Ice Historical Data and Your Curiosity!
It is the question of the week - is there still ice in the marina? The answer is yes and we have no idea when it will be gone. As of 4/19/2022, the marina is essentially solid ice, approximately 18" thick. It will go fast once we have several sunny and relatively warm days. There is open water at the entrance where the current is strong. Hold your breath - we will be launching soon!
#1 Question to Marina Staff: What do you do all winter?
Well, here's the answer! We work just as much as in the summer, preparing to make the magic happen in the summer months. But we do take breaks to have fun. We were able to get out dog sledding with Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing. What a great time we all had. The dog lovers in the group were over the moon and the lesser dog-fans (namely Michelle) had an awesome time too! If you are interested in a winter visit to the area, this experience is a MUST!
ELECTRICITY AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT 30 MILLIAMPS GROUND FAULT
In October 2018, the Washburn Marina began and completed the conversion of all electrical pedestals at the Marina slips with breakers that detect ground faults as low as 30 milliamps (mA). Why? To meet the compliance requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC) that was put into affect in 2014. As upgrades have been implemented to the electricity provided to the slips, the facility was no longer Grandfathered in. What does this mean to you and getting AC electricity to your boat while you are in a slip?
In a nutshell - this ground fault breaker will trip when it senses a fault above 30 mA. That's not very much and will likely be associated to a bad shore power cord or connection, a household appliance that is used onboard, electric water heaters, inverters or incorrect onboard wiring. This type of ground fault puts a stray current into the water that can lead to paralysis if a person is in the water near the boat, which may lead to a drowning. Hence the warning to never swim in a marina to avoid electric shock drowning.
The Washburn Marina staff will continue to post and distribute information regarding this issue, starting with the attached PDF article. Please feel free to contact us for additional details and how you may be affected.
In a nutshell - this ground fault breaker will trip when it senses a fault above 30 mA. That's not very much and will likely be associated to a bad shore power cord or connection, a household appliance that is used onboard, electric water heaters, inverters or incorrect onboard wiring. This type of ground fault puts a stray current into the water that can lead to paralysis if a person is in the water near the boat, which may lead to a drowning. Hence the warning to never swim in a marina to avoid electric shock drowning.
The Washburn Marina staff will continue to post and distribute information regarding this issue, starting with the attached PDF article. Please feel free to contact us for additional details and how you may be affected.
| 2018 AC Leakage- Electric Shock Hazards.pdf |
The Spring 2018 Million $ Question - When are you going to start launching boats? Here's a view on Friday April 20, 2018.
If we only had a crystal ball or were direct relatives of Mother Nature. But alas, we do not and are not. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what the snow and ice conditions look like today. A check of the ice thickness 2 weeks ago was over 38" in the lift well. We don't believe this has changed much since then. Visit our Facebook page for more pictures.
Launch 2016 is always a fun time of year - check out how we roll!
Service Technicians obtain prestigious ABYC Certifications in early 2016
American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is the essential source of technical information for the marine industry. They develop product safety standards, credentialing, education, training, and other tools to achieve the goal of making boating safer. ABYC Standards are the basis of certification programs, marine surveys and legal judgements, relied upon heavily by boat insurers worldwide.
The Certified Technician program sets the precedent for education in the marine industry and our customers can be confident that we take our industry knowledge seriously. With a higher degree of training comes more efficient work produced, greater customer satisfaction and ultimately safer boats.
The certification requires 4 days of classroom study with a final test that is no easy feat. Each is a timed test of 3 hours with 200 questions, covering the complex details of the 8 different certifications offered. Obtaining 3 of the 8 certificates qualifies a technician as a Master Technician in the industry. There are only 4 in Wisconsin and Tom Grupstra is one of them!
Congratulations to our dedicated Washburn Marina technicians - we are proud of their achievement and acknowledge their hard work.
The Certified Technician program sets the precedent for education in the marine industry and our customers can be confident that we take our industry knowledge seriously. With a higher degree of training comes more efficient work produced, greater customer satisfaction and ultimately safer boats.
The certification requires 4 days of classroom study with a final test that is no easy feat. Each is a timed test of 3 hours with 200 questions, covering the complex details of the 8 different certifications offered. Obtaining 3 of the 8 certificates qualifies a technician as a Master Technician in the industry. There are only 4 in Wisconsin and Tom Grupstra is one of them!
Congratulations to our dedicated Washburn Marina technicians - we are proud of their achievement and acknowledge their hard work.
Washburn Marina's Annual Garage Sale
September 17, 2016
Every year in September, we open the garage door - literally - and allow boaters to bring their gently used items to sell and purchase other boater's items at garage sale prices. After Labor Day weekend, boaters are welcome to bring their marine related items to price and prepare for sale. On the day of the sale, the doors open and the crowds flock in! You've got to be early to find the best treasures. Call for more details. 715 373 5050
September 17, 2016
Every year in September, we open the garage door - literally - and allow boaters to bring their gently used items to sell and purchase other boater's items at garage sale prices. After Labor Day weekend, boaters are welcome to bring their marine related items to price and prepare for sale. On the day of the sale, the doors open and the crowds flock in! You've got to be early to find the best treasures. Call for more details. 715 373 5050
Lake Superior is never predictable. Some winters we have no ice cover and others you could walk all the way across the Lake. It's a long walk!
Here is a link to the satellite image of Lake Superior, see for yourself what it going on year round:
LAKE SUPERIOR SATELLITE IMAGE - CLICK HERE.
Lake Superior is never predictable. Some winters we have no ice cover and others you could walk all the way across the Lake. It's a long walk!
Here is a link to the satellite image of Lake Superior, see for yourself what it going on year round:
LAKE SUPERIOR SATELLITE IMAGE - CLICK HERE.
