Wisconsin and Midwest Marine Associations Ask Members For Business Updates Amid Covid-19

Wisconsin recreational boating, like many boating industries across the country, finds itself in an interesting situation – how to get customers out boating and enjoying the water and yet comply with Wisconsin Governor Ever’s Executive Order. The Wisconsin Marine Trades Association conducted a casual poll of a few of its members and those of the Midwest Marine Association to find out what marinas are doing and how they are holding up. Here are a few responses:

Washburn Marina, Washburn, WI: “The store, restrooms/showers and other buildings are closed to the public, curbside sales only. Provided the executive order is allowed to expire April 24, launch and boating will proceed as usually, respecting social distancing as recommended. Boaters are discouraged from coming to the area, respecting the county’s request to stay home for now.”

St. Croix Marina, Hudson, WI: “We are on hold for now. The marina is essentially closed to everyone except staff. We will determine a launch date soon, but we are shut down to the outside world currently. When we do launch, the offices and Ship Store, bathrooms, may still be closed until further notice.”

Afton Marina, Afton, MN: “As of now, we are not launching boats until May 4. In accordance with the executive order we are closed to the public until then. Hopefully, we will be able to open the whole thing up by then. We will not have our bathrooms and showers open to boaters. To be safe you would have to sanitize after each use. We plan on opening our gas dock on May 9. All this could change at any time as we get more information.”

Saxon Harbor, Saxon, WI: “At Saxon Harbor the launches now are open. We are recommending social distancing and discouraging travel from out of the area. Unless different restrictions are placed by the state we plan to open the marina for seasonal and transient boaters on or around May 15, weather dependent.”

Abbey Marina, Fontana, WI: “The Abbey Marina is open. We have closed the clubhouse down for bar and restroom usage through the extent of the Governor’s Order. We have also closed the marina to all outside fishermen.”

Marine Services Inc., Stillwater, MN: “We plan on launching boats this week, we had to launch 25 boats a few weeks ago due to flooding. Our members have been told to abide by the order and to go to and from their boats only and to keep their distance. There is fear spreading on the ability to use their boats and how they are able to use it this summer with friends and extended family. Boating is best shared! Awaiting long term closures with our pool, etc., depending on our states update with May 4 deadline.”

Leo’s Landing, Prescott, WI: “Leo’s Landing Canvas, Storage Facility is open for emails and phone calls for canvas work. We are starting to work on boats to get them ready for spring launch. We don’t have a date that when we will start launching boats. We need the St. Croix River to get below flood stage.”

Pikes Bay Marina, Bayfield, WI: “Pikes Bay Marina is proceeding with things as normally as we can while following government orders and recommendations. We are trying to remain positive especially for our member’s sake, with a tentative plan to launch soon, weather permitting. We are strongly advising our members to contact us via phone, email or texting, rather than coming to the marina. If there are things that they want to get done to their boats in preparation for launch, we are suggesting we do it for them at a discounted rate. Our buildings are locked down to the public and non-staff individuals. The safety and well-being of our staff is a major concern as they make things happen around here. PBM is staying positive and hoping for a wonderful 2020 Boating Season for everyone.”

Apostle Islands Marina, Bayfield, WI: “We are currently doing pelican poles install. Our full staff is working on season prep. The Coast Guard boat will launch this week. We hope to start launching after May 1st. Our store is open for curbside service. We are asking nonresident boaters to abide by the travel restrictions.”