GSL Slip Renters,

Well, the sad time has come.  This will be the last weekend of having the “Reef Channel” buoys set.  I will be pulling them Sunday evening or Monday.  There are some bioherms that protrude up to a depth that is no longer comfortable to maintain that path.  Nor is it financially feasible to maintain that path for a small number of boats that can continue to use that path through the winter.

The buoys of the DEEP CHANNEL and the REEF CHANNEL sit on and are anchored on top of the reef.  They are not anchored in mud as the yacht club buoys are.  This means the ground tackle is under constant abuse by chafing of the reef.  A loss of one buoy is $1500.00.  That is a tough hit for our budget when we lose a buoy.

For those that have a draft of less than four feet, you may be able to cross over the reef using the GPS coordinates of the REEF CHANNEL.  But remember this is highly inadvisable during storms that can effect depths over the reef.

After this weekend it is advised that ALL boats begin to use the Deep Channel.  This path will be maintained all winter.  Available buoy lights will be readjusted to the buoys of the Deep Channel to make it as visible as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.  The depth of the Deep Channel will be deep enough to accommodate all boats moored in the marina through the winter.

AND ANOTHER NOTE OF WARNING.  Brine shrimp season and duck hunt season is fast approaching.  The Park Rangers will be doing random patrols on the water.  This includes NAVIGATION LIGHT patrols.  I have noticed that compliance has become better.  But it is still lacking.  Please consider this a very nice heads up from your non-law enforcement Harbor Master that the rangers will not discriminate when writing citations for navigation light violations.  They, nor I, am asking much here.  This isn’t Bear Lake nor Jordanelle where every violation is being scrutinized.  But PLEASE, for the sake of everyone’s safety, use your navigation lights after SUNSET.

Thanks

Dave

Dave Shearer

Harbor Master

Great Salt Lake State Marina

Antelope Island State Marina

801-209-9142