Please read through this page as it changes annually!
It will lead you to a simple form that has a checklist you can submit to have your boat stored & winterized. If you are an annual slip customer we will automatically winterize your boat. If you are an annual rack customer, there is a separate link on our homepage for your winterizing checklist. No boat will be accepted for storage without submission of the paperwork.
The Winter Storage period is from October 15 to April 15.
While we realize that everyone wants to maximize their boating season, due to the number of boats we winter store and how we need to arrange the layout of the yard, we will start hauling out all boats as needed for yard placement October 15. Snowfalls and freezing can and occasionally does occur before we can winterize and cover all of the boats. If this is a concern, please present your boat for winter storage on or before October 15th. We will not be responsible for any damages to any boat that is not ready to be hauled by October 15th. Due to the large number of boats we winter store, time does not permit individual calls to remind everyone to be ready to haul. It is the boat owners responsibility to have their boat ready for haulout which means all sails off, pumped out, foodstuffs, freezable liquids and ice removed. We do not empty refrigerators or remove foodstuffs. If you are not planning an early launch, please advise us. If you are a winter only customer please have your boat ready for hauling when you bring it to us. WHEN YOU BRING THE BOAT TO THE YARD WE WILL ASSUME THAT IT IS READY FOR HAULING AND DO SO AS SOON AS OUR SCHEDULE PERMITS!
Nichols primary business is boat storage. All boats are billed for storage regardless of any work being performed.
A proper working drain plug should be standard equipment on your boat.Our personnel will try to remove your exterior drain plug at the time of hauling. However, many times drain plugs are either not accessible, not in working condition, or do not exist. To prevent water intrusion and insure that no excess water can accumulate in your boat over the winter, please check your drain plug to be sure it is removed after your boat is hauled. Nichols does not monitor boat interiors and will not be responsible for any water intrusion or damage on any dryland stored boats. Drain plug removal, interior monitoring and or pumping is the sole responsibility of the boat owner.
All sails must be removed prior to hauling. As per our insurance company rules, no stepping or unstepping of any sailboat mast (regardless of size) may be done by owner.
Because of the risk of fire, no electrical hookups are permitted on land except for daytime use when you are here onsite at the marina. Do not leave your boat plugged in to "charge the batteries". Any electrical cords found plugged in without the owner present will be removed. Please do not run your engine or light stoves while on land.
ONLY NON-TOXIC ANTIFREEZE MAY BE USED FOR WINTERIZING.
We have dumpsters for recycling. In addition to it being the right thing to do it's the law! Please take a minute to read the front of the dumpsters which provide easy sorting information.
Nichols recommends the removal of all outdrives, small outboards, easily removed electronics and other valuables. Nichols will not be responsible for any such items or small outboard motors left on storage boats. Outdrive and propeller locks are available at the main office.
Nichols will not be responsible for any cosmetic scratching to any type of painted hull while in the process of lifting, hauling, or launching or moving boats. While we take care in moving boats, cosmetic scratching to painted surfaces from barnacles, lifting straps, inwater debris, etc, can and does occasionally occur.
Winter storage boats not having a summer slip at Nichols must be ready for launching by May 1 or will be subject to additional storage charges.
All systems should be in good working order. Any repairs needed in order to winterize will be billed separately. All holding tanks should be emptied prior to haulout. Keys and or combinations must be made available to the marina before your boat is hauled out. All work is scheduled on a first come, first serve basis as these forms are returned to us.
Plastic poly tarps of any kind or color are not allowed on any boats blocked on the ground with boat stands. They can and do come loose and generally do more harm to the boat than good. You should either shrink wrap or use fitted canvas covers only. Winter covers cannot be tied to blocking, boat stands, racks or any other supports. Any cover tied in this manner may be removed by Nichols, and the owner will be charged for the removal and disposal. Please remember the colder it gets the harder it is to work with plastic windows, zippers, and canvas. Nichols will not be responsible for any canvas covers. We will not be responsible for any damages to painted hulls that are shrink-wrapped, paint can bubble from the heat needed to shrinkwrap. Snowfalls can and occasionally do occur before we can wrap all of the boats after hauling. When it does occur, we will wait until it melts off before resuming wrapping. If this is a concern, please present your boat for winter storage on or before October 15th.
You agree that your boat is be fully insured for hull & liability while at Nichols. We do not insure your property. No outside contractors are permitted to work in the yard unless approved by Nichols. All outside contractors must provide written proof of Workman's Compensation and a minimum $1,000,000.00 liability policy with Nichol's as a named insured. If you schedule a contractor they must sign in at the marina office.
In order to avoid any misunderstandings, please do not bring any day laborers in to work on your boat as they will be asked to leave.
All boats, owners and guests are subject to the terms and conditions as put forth on this website. Please remember that the majority of the rules we have created over the years are meant to expedite our services and to provide you with a safe, enjoyable boating experience. Should you at any time have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
