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walterv

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I was really shocked to see all the empty slips this weekend, was it because of Fathers Day, or a sign of the times (fuel costs)? This is my second year going there, although as a child it was one of my family's vacation places. You would think that being so inexpensive for dock space and electric the place would be full all the time. I think it was a great idea that after 11(I think) visits the 12th is free.

FOWH, really work hard to keep the place up, the new bocci (sp) ball courts, trex boardwalks, etc, has really added some value to our boating pleasure.
You would think that being so inexpensive the place would be full all the time.

I ate in the restaurant on Friday, the food was outstanding and the service was great, anyone else eat there this weekend?

I also thought it was pretty cool that they kept the resturant and bar open late during the storm on Saturday night.
Walter
 
It's nice that less boaters are coming out but at the same time if they don't get the revenue stream they need, the prices will go up or even worse, the Govt could shut it down. I think the combination of the iffy weather and Father's day weekend had a lot to do with it. I heard that last weekend it had much less empty slips.

I also think they need to get more inventive as well. For example, offer free 2-3 hour docking if you just want to go to restaurant. They have all those day slips that sit empty. I bet people would cruise over for dinner if they didn't have to plunk down dockage fees.
 
Dave,

I have been told the Slips at the end of T between C&D are available to use the restaurant. We did dock there at least twice last year just for dinner, no charge.

-Jeff
 
Walter, Dave, good to see you guys there again. I was planning to stop over by your boats Saturday after dinner but with the storm we didn't go anywhere. Tammie and I ended up staying until this morning, got home early and she went straight to work and I worked from home.

I was surprised there were that many big slips open, but then again I think father's day had a lot to do with it, plus the kids are still in school, graduation parties, etc. We were supposed to have 2 couples come out on the ferry to meet us for the day Saturday, both had to cancel because of father's day activities. The forecast was less than ideal also, Saturday was fine until the storms came but Sunday was kind of a washout.

Last year we went the weekend after father's day and there were plenty of empty slips also and I think the weather was nicer then it was this past weekend. Once the school year is over I think it will be a better indication as to whether fuel prices are impacting them a lot.

While it wasn't an issue this weekend, one thing I think they really need to do is configure more slips for larger boats. They've been talking for the past couple years about putting power at the day slips and making that section for large boats but so far no changes. I've been there many times where there are loads of small slips open and the day slips are practically empty, while 35'+ boats are turned away because they don't fit anywhere. When I had a smaller boat I'd make last minute plans and run over there on a Friday evening and spend the weekend during the summer, but now unless I plan ahead and take at least Friday off I won't bother. Not having the right mix of slip sizes is definitely costing them revenue.

John
 
Seemed to be a pretty quiet weekend everywhere. I was the ONLY transient boat in the Westhampton Beach Municipal marina. Think it's a combination of things right now: gas, time of year, weather, etc. The Moriches was empty coming back Sunday too. Hope to hit Sailor's over next couple weeks, always enjoy a weekend there.
 
John,
Come by the Anchorage, I know you want to show Tammie the carpet.

Walter
 
Thanks Walter, we'll stop by some time. I won't be doing anything until the end of the season anyway so no rush.

BTW, for those of us who don't have air cards and may meed online access to login for work issues, etc, there is now wifi available at Watch Hill. Rob mentioned to me they were working on it and I checked it out over the weekend. You have to pay to connect but it worked pretty well and for me is a nice option to be able to have access without having to commit to a $60 a month air card I won't use most of the year... It may get me to Watch Hill more this summer as I will have the option of going when on call for work.

John
 
John,
What is the cost and how was the speed? Sounds great :)
 
Walter, it was $14.95 per day and $31.95 for a week. They had other subscription plans, slightly lower rates for slower connections, etc. The speed was pretty good, although not as fast as being on my cable modem at home. It's not cheap but if it could get me out there on a weekend where I'd otherwise get stuck home because I need to work for a couple hours the $32 is worth it.

You just connect from your laptop and sign up with a credit card. I couldn't tell from the website what other areas on Fire Island or around the bay have access. I sent them an email but still waiting for a reply. I was wondering if Sailor's Haven also had coverage.

John
 
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