Nichols Yacht Yard
Annual Dockage Agreement Application
In order to avoid any misunderstandings,
please read this carefully !
All boats are invoiced storage fees regardless of any type of work being performed by either the Marina or Owner. Annual boat storage includes a summer slip, fall haulout, winter outdoor dryland storage and spring relaunching. The annual agreement runs from May 1, 2025 until May 1, 2026. We will start launching in the spring as weather permits. The winter season begins October 15th. We will haul boats for winter storage as needed for yard layout or hauling efficiency after November 15. Any boat remaining at the marina past the contract date will be subject to additional storage charges. Annual slip contracts will be given to full service customers only.
To explain how we work our fees, upon submission of this agreement we will automatically invoice and charge the card on file the annual storage fee. The additional full service boat work will be invoiced separately from the storage fee and will be automatically invoiced during the year as the work is performed.
For definition purposes, "Full Service" shall consist of the five normal minimum items that the average boat requires including: the annual storage fee, winterizing, shrink-wrapping, exterior wash with hull compound & waxing, bottom painting & zinc replacement at least once each in the annual contract period. This work is considered the normal minimum baseline for the average boat it is not a comprehensive and complete full service boat maintenance program. While we do basic service and maintenance on most boats, there are items we do not repair or work on. At your request we can provide the names of local independent marine vendors for specialty repairs and or surveyors who can design and or recommend maintenance plans and or upgrades. All work requests must be done by email or through the marina office.
The full service cycle will commence with the start of the annual contract and will be considered completed when the boat is waxed and painted the following spring. The service fees apply regardless of whether or not the boat remains at Nichols for the full contract term.
Please understand that as many area marinas have succumbed to real estate development, it has created a shortage of dock space. While our goal is to create long term relationships with our boaters, we occasionally receive requests for partial year slip storage and or no services. Some customers choose to winter their boat in Florida, or are between boats but want to retain their slip space, are having specialty work being done at another facility and or returned to a dealer for warranty work, or simply want self service only. We will make those accommodations solely at our discretion if space is available. We do not prorate or discount storage fees and all storage fees and or deposits are nonrefundable.
PLEASE NOTE: Any current or new slip holder wishing a partial year slip only and or less than full services may do so but will be charged the regular annual slip storage fee plus an additional $150 per foot surcharge to retain and or reserve their annual slip assignment. If you are planning this option, please inquire and make arrangements with our office prior to submission of this application.
A 50% deposit is required by no later than January 31st to reserve a slip space with the balance due by March 31st and or prior to spring launching. All storage fees are calculated by the overall length of the boat including outboard motors, bow pulpits,swim platforms or the slip minimum size, whichever is greater. The minimum annual charge is 25 ft. All invoices are due upon receipt. The Marina will not release or launch any boat with an outstanding account balance. Electricity is metered and will be billed by amount used. All boats must be properly insured with Nichols as a named insured, and registered. Proof of such may be requested by Nichols at any time for any reason. All Mercruiser and OMC out-drives should be removed for dry land winter storage. 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 and requested to be hauled out 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 hauling out 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.
All boats for winter storage are bottom power washed to prevent odors.
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 damages caused by it on any boats. Drain plug removal, and all 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 anyone except yard personnel.
No electrical hookups are permitted on land except for daytime use while 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.
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 any outboard motors left on storage boats. Outdrive and propeller locks are available at the main office.
While we take great care in hauling and moving boats, cosmetic scratching to painted surfaces from barnacles, lifting straps, in-water debris, etc, during the lifting and moving process can and does occasionally occur. Nichols will not be responsible for any cosmetic scratching to any type of painted or gel-coated hull while in the process of lifting, hauling, or launching or moving boats.
All systems should be kept in good working order. Any repairs or replacement of parts needed in order to winterize or recommission will be billed separately as an additional charge. All holding tanks should be emptied prior to hauling out. 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. 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 may be charged for the removal and disposal.
Shrink wrap is meant to be a temporary disposable cover. Like any other form of boat covering it does not have an indefinite lifespan nor is it totally impervious to water intrusion. Mold and or paint & gel coat bubbling from long term storage can occur if it is not removed annually. Prior to your boat being wrapped you should remove your canvas covers from the boat. While our shrink-wrappers are as careful as possible, in cold weather plastic isinglass windows can crack and old canvas, zippers and snaps can and do fail. Old and or marginal canvas products do not perform well in cold temperatures. Nichols will not assume any responsibility for any canvases or covers left on boats by owner or for any bubbling or damage to hulls that are wrapped for any reason. Nichols like most other area marinas, utilizes an outside vendor to wrap boats and we have to work with their schedule. 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.
Boat owner agrees to have his boat completely insured, including liability, collision and fire and extended coverage insurance. Each owner and their Insurer shall waive all subrogation. Each Licensee will be held responsible for any damages he causes to other boats in the Marina or to the structure of facilities thereof whether caused by negligence or not. The Marina assumes no responsibility for owner's boat or equipment. No outside contractors are permitted to work in the yard unless approved by Nichols in writing. 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 be approved by Nichols and sign in at the marina office each visit during regular business hours.
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 and enjoyable boating experience. Should you at any time have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
We accept personal MasterCard & Visa cards, cash and your personal check, however we reserve the right to request payment in cash only for any outstanding balance at any time. A current, valid credit card is required for all customers and updated upon submission of this form. Unless other prior arrangements are made in person with our office, all invoices will be charged to your credit card as the work is done and the paperwork is processed. Unless you are the owner of an actual marine related business such as a charter, salvage or towing business, we do not accept any type of corporate or business checks, or business credit cards. The credit card will be charged if the boat is launched or removed from the marina prior to payment in full of any outstanding invoices or in the event a personal check or other form of payment fails to clear for any reason. All invoices are due when rendered unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the marina and so stated on the invoice. A monthly finance charge of 1.5% will be charged on any outstanding balances over 30 days. Nichols reserves the right not to launch or release any boat that has an outstanding balance due This agreement is subject to all of the marina rates & terms as put forth on Nichols website. Unless otherwise directed in writing by the Marina, both parties will deem acceptance of a storage agreement as an authorization for credit card charges for any outstanding balances or any additional storage fees incurred.BOAT OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
By submission of this form I represent that I am the registered and legal owner of the storage boat. I also represent that my boat is fully registered and insured as required in the marina terms and conditions. Additionally, I acknowledge that I have completely read and I understand the terms of this storage agreement as put forth on Nichols Yacht Yard website, including the fees, storage terms and payment conditions as listed on this website and above. I also acknowledge and consent to do business electronically with Nichols Yacht Yard, Inc. and all invoicing and receipts will be paperless and sent by email. I understand that storage fees and storage deposits and are non-refundable.
