SPRING 2025 WATER MAIN & REPAVING PROJECT DETAILS
Above picture indicates the area in the parking lot to be repaved in Mid-May 2025.
Below picture indicates water main line replacement with a red line.
Water Main Project:
- The incoming 6" deteriorating water main, running from beyond blue storage building to the side of the building that houses ship store/service bay must be replaced. It will be trenched, disturbing areas across the boat ramp approach, main parking area and grassy mounds/lot.
- Boats that were stored during the winter of 2024-25 in the line of the water main have been moved. Owners of these boats will be contacted directly with the status of the boat.
- Access to the boat ramp will be interrupted for a few days during this process. Additionally, trailer/vehicle parking will be limited during this project process and throughout the month of May.
- It is anticipated the project will begin the 1st or 2nd week of April 2025, taking approximately 2 weeks. It will be back filled with stable material that will allow vehicles and boats to be moved across until the next phase is executed.
Parking Lot Repaving Project:
- It is anticipated that this project will be executed in mid-May 2025.
- All boats that can, and are willing to, be launched in the areas affected will be launched prior to the execution of the project. Boats that are not ready for launch will be moved to areas in the marina that are accessible for launching when the owner is ready. Owners of these boats will be contacted directly with the status of the boat.
- The process of repaving will take approximately 2 weeks. The existing parking lot blacktop will be reclaimed and put down to an appropriate thickness to accommodate the movement of boats and heavy equipment across it.
Other Associated Projects at the same time:
- Removal of the "grassy mounds" in the parking area to allow for better traffic flow and water run-off.
- Removal and reconstruction of culvert in main parking lot to reduce sloping to center of parking lot, a more gradual grade.
- Addition of electrical and water conduit on the northeast side of the parking lot. This will be run in preparation for installation of utilities at a later date. Utility services will then be available on both sides of the parking lot for winter layup use.
- Widening of the parking area along the grassy boulevard, running adjacent to the marina bulkhead is planned. A swale will be made along this edge to create water retention from stormwater run off. It will also provide a deeper parking area along the boulevard.
- Parking will all be on the boulevard side only, with no parking along the side with the ship store building. This will allow better access in and out of parking spots.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implement this much needed project. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the marina. 715-373-5050
- The incoming 6" deteriorating water main, running from beyond blue storage building to the side of the building that houses ship store/service bay must be replaced. It will be trenched, disturbing areas across the boat ramp approach, main parking area and grassy mounds/lot.
- Boats that were stored during the winter of 2024-25 in the line of the water main have been moved. Owners of these boats will be contacted directly with the status of the boat.
- Access to the boat ramp will be interrupted for a few days during this process. Additionally, trailer/vehicle parking will be limited during this project process and throughout the month of May.
- It is anticipated the project will begin the 1st or 2nd week of April 2025, taking approximately 2 weeks. It will be back filled with stable material that will allow vehicles and boats to be moved across until the next phase is executed.
Parking Lot Repaving Project:
- It is anticipated that this project will be executed in mid-May 2025.
- All boats that can, and are willing to, be launched in the areas affected will be launched prior to the execution of the project. Boats that are not ready for launch will be moved to areas in the marina that are accessible for launching when the owner is ready. Owners of these boats will be contacted directly with the status of the boat.
- The process of repaving will take approximately 2 weeks. The existing parking lot blacktop will be reclaimed and put down to an appropriate thickness to accommodate the movement of boats and heavy equipment across it.
Other Associated Projects at the same time:
- Removal of the "grassy mounds" in the parking area to allow for better traffic flow and water run-off.
- Removal and reconstruction of culvert in main parking lot to reduce sloping to center of parking lot, a more gradual grade.
- Addition of electrical and water conduit on the northeast side of the parking lot. This will be run in preparation for installation of utilities at a later date. Utility services will then be available on both sides of the parking lot for winter layup use.
- Widening of the parking area along the grassy boulevard, running adjacent to the marina bulkhead is planned. A swale will be made along this edge to create water retention from stormwater run off. It will also provide a deeper parking area along the boulevard.
- Parking will all be on the boulevard side only, with no parking along the side with the ship store building. This will allow better access in and out of parking spots.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implement this much needed project. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the marina. 715-373-5050
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Eight Bells Have Rung. The Change of Watch Has Begun.
Michelle Shrider retires, Bob Hagstrom takes the helm.
After 18 years at the Washburn Marina, Michelle Shrider has decided to retire, ending her full time days on March 31, 2025. After nearly 40 years in the marina industry, she started in the sailboat charter business, moved on to yacht interior design, and then spent the majority of her career in marina management. Michelle enjoyed her time at several locations, but Washburn Marina is where she leaves her legacy. Over the 18 years spent as manager, she oversaw many changes, improvements, and worked with thousands of incredible people - staff and customers. She will remain on at the Washburn Marina in a consulting capacity for the foreseeable future and will continue to be a full time resident in the area.
Bob Hagstrom, a lifelong resident of the Chequamegon Bay region, joins the Washburn Marina team with a strong boating background and developed management and leadership skills. He is a 100 ton licensed captain, spending years working with the Madeline Island Ferry Line, owner of a retail and dock/boat management business in Drummond, as well as an avid boater. His knowledge of boats and the needs of those that enjoy them will be a great asset to the marina industry in the area. We welcome him onboard!
Bob Hagstrom, a lifelong resident of the Chequamegon Bay region, joins the Washburn Marina team with a strong boating background and developed management and leadership skills. He is a 100 ton licensed captain, spending years working with the Madeline Island Ferry Line, owner of a retail and dock/boat management business in Drummond, as well as an avid boater. His knowledge of boats and the needs of those that enjoy them will be a great asset to the marina industry in the area. We welcome him onboard!
Boating Song List - Created for you and by you!
Nothing is better than boating and listening to great music! We've curated a list to add to your playlist, we want more. Email us or post your favorite boating song and we'll add it to this list.
- "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" - Otis Reading
- "Boat Drinks" - Jimmy Buffet
- "The Ocean" - Led Zepplin
- "Where the Boat Leaves From" - Zac Brown Band
- "Single Handed Sailor" - Dire Straits
- "Come Sail Away" - Styx
- "Pontoon" - Little Big Town
- "Soul of a Sailor" - Kenny Chesney
- "Sailing" - Christopher Cross
- "Southern Cross" - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
- "Downeaster Alexa" - Billy Joel
- "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot
- "Into the Mystic" - Van Morrison
Wave Watch - Precise Weather Information in the Apostle Islands
To stay safe this boating season you need free real time, location-specific wave information at your fingertips. Enter Wave Watch, our new partnership with Friends of the Apostle Islands, the University of Wisconsin, and the National Park Service. Wave Watch is a constellation of solar-powered buoys which beginning in June of 2024 will provide boaters free real-time data from five key boating locations around the islands.
Just scan the QR code with your phone or enter the URL and you have free access to exactly what you need, when you need it, right on your phone.
“Safe boating is informed boating,” says Jeff Rennicke, an Apostle Islands boater and Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands. “Whether you are sailing, fishing, cruising or kayaking, Wave Watch can be your eyes on the water, helping you make informed decisions on route finding, channel crossings, anchorage selection, and more.”
Clings and stickers with the QR Code are free and are available by contacting Friends of the Apostle Islands, P.O. Box 1574, Bayfield, WI 54814 (715) 449-6900 and at www.FriendsoftheApostleislands.org. Know before you go with Wave Watch and Friends of the Apostle Islands.
Just scan the QR code with your phone or enter the URL and you have free access to exactly what you need, when you need it, right on your phone.
“Safe boating is informed boating,” says Jeff Rennicke, an Apostle Islands boater and Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands. “Whether you are sailing, fishing, cruising or kayaking, Wave Watch can be your eyes on the water, helping you make informed decisions on route finding, channel crossings, anchorage selection, and more.”
Clings and stickers with the QR Code are free and are available by contacting Friends of the Apostle Islands, P.O. Box 1574, Bayfield, WI 54814 (715) 449-6900 and at www.FriendsoftheApostleislands.org. Know before you go with Wave Watch and Friends of the Apostle Islands.
Ice Historical Data and Your Curiosity!
No winter in 2024, at least for snow and ice. The harbor and marina froze over in December 2023 and stayed until early March 2024. We are seeing the earliest ice out on record.
It's so important to be very familiar with the Rules of the Road while boating on Lake Superior, even though it seems like you are rarely near another boat! The U.S. Coast Guard has created a detailed guide to walk you through this process. Take a look!
| Rules of the Road PDF |
Things we like includes snow, but all in moderation!
TYING A PROPER CLEAT WRAP ON A HORN CLEAT
Which is the only way?
Which is the only way?
It is the example on the bottom - much easier and far more secure. When tied to the dock, be sure to secure your boat with a minimum of 3 lines, a proper cleat wrap, and lines that are in good condition.
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.
#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.
