marina watch
The Boathouse of Harbor Springs Combines vintage charm with modern slips and amenities.
The Boathouse of Harbor Springs 105 Bay St. Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231-526-0800 boathousehs.com Specs Transient slips: Nearby Pump-out: Yes Gas: Yes Diesel: Yes Lifts: Nearby Launch ramp: Nearby Engine repair: Nearby Hull repair: Nearby Marine store: Nearby Restaurants: Nearby Showers: Yes Laundromat: Yes
48 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012
T
ucked into the north side of Little Traverse Bay, the Boathouse of Harbor Springs is located in the heart of historic downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. “It’s a natural, deep harbor with crystal-clear water,” says Gale Stephens, head of the yacht club’s advisory board. “It’s very well protected — really a boater’s paradise.” And it’s the perfect spot for exploring near and far. Directly across Little Traverse Bay are Bay Harbor and Petoskey. Charlevoix, Traverse City, Leland and Mackinac Island — just to name a few — are a couple hours away by boat. The yacht club’s origins date back to the early 1900s, when Henry Melching started Melching Garage and Boat Works. In the 1940s, ownership was transferred to the Walstrom family, which still owns nearby Walstrom Marine. In recent years, the family wanted to create more of a club-type of atmosphere, and thus the Boathouse of Harbor Springs was born. That club atmosphere includes gated outdoor parking and covered indoor parking, an office, reception area, banquet facility, fuel discount and more. It also has several new features for the 2012 season, including a
by colle e n h . trou pi s
remodeled boater’s lounge and a new business center. “We also offer a full concierge service to our members — anything from a ride to or a pickup from one of the local airports, to scheduling a tee time and helping load provisions for your next boat trip,” says Dan Kimball, yacht club manager. “You’ll find that our staff is friendly, courteous, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.” The yacht club maintains a relationship with Walstrom Marine, which operates a fuel dock onsite and provides priority maintenance service to yacht club members. Its slips are special, too. “We offer covered and uncovered docks with a feel and charm that is rarely seen in this day and age,” Kimball says. There are 63 slips onsite, and the yacht club can accommodate boats up to 100 feet in length. All slips have access to wireless internet service. The club has quickly become a popular spot for locals and travelers alike looking for a northern home base for boating. A city beach is directly adjacent to the yacht club, and there’s a city park right across the street. The yacht club hosts several events for members during the summer, including a Lobster Boil and Fourth of July Brunch. r PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOATHOUSE