New Docks, New Pricing for Traders Cove Marina

Construction crews have completed the first of four large docks to be installed at the township-owned marina at the former Traders Cove site.

The floating dock is a major upgrade for the site, which previously was home to several decaying piling docks and was only partially open for years.

Meanwhile, township officials took the first step in changing the way boat slips are leased at the site, moving from a flat rate system to a price range that charges boaters based on how large their vessels are. The per-foot pricing system is the industry standard.

"I thought it was time to look at the fee schedule," said Councilman Jim Fozman, who himself is a boater.

Under the new price guidelines, boat slips will range between $65 and $200 per foot. Jet-ski docks will range from $800 to $1,500 per season and transient docking will range between $25 and $150 per night.

Township officials are still setting final pricing for the upcoming boating season, but Fozman said the large ranges were put in place so ordinances would not have to be passed every time fees change. Instead, the council could administratively set fees through a resolution.

Boat slip fees and transient fees include fresh water and electricity; jet-ski slips include water only. The boating season, as defined by the ordinance, runs from April 15 to Oct. 15.

"Our goal was not to compete with local marinas, because we do not offer the full services other marinas provide," said Fozman.

For example, there is no mechanic services or fuel docks at the township-owned marina.

Fozman said the current plan is to have all four docks constructed by the start of boating season, however that is dependent on construction schedules and the weather.