Tag Archives: port orchard marina

Port launches free Wi-Fi at marinas

Boaters can now surf the web while snug in their slips at the Bremerton and Port Orchard public marinas.

The Port of Bremerton has launched a free Wi-Fi service at both Sinclair Inlet marinas, according to a Monday announcement.

“Studies have shown, and our customers have repeatedly told us that the number one utility they value bar none is connectivity,” port CEO Jim Rothlin said in the announcement. “It’s also the number one frustration they have with marinas as it can so often be weak, slow and unreliable.

The network provides a 125-megabyte-per-second access link shared by both facilities, which can be scaled up to 1 gigabyte-per-second as demand increases.

The system can accommodate up to 1,000 devices at a time. Service is provided by NW Commnet of Bremerton.

In an email, Rothlin said the agency spent about $150,000 installing a fiber optic backbone and Wi-Fi system at both marinas.

Hardware chosen for the network had to be especially rugged to survive in the corrosive marine environment.

“I would say the biggest challenges were getting coverage through all parts each marina, dealing with getting coverage within covered moorage, and keeping the connection across the two marinas as the tide goes in and out,” Rothlin said.

The full announcement, with more technical info, is posted below: Continue reading →

Port of Bremerton raises covered moorage rents, late fees

Tad Sooter

Rents are going up for covered moorage tenants at the Port Orchard Marina.

Port of Bremerton commissioners approved a 5 percent rate hike for covered slips at their Tuesday meeting. Rents for the coveted spaces were below the industry standard, according to port staff.

The adjustment will raise rent on a 36-foot slip from about $306 a month to about $321. Revenue from the 158 covered slips will increase by $12,325 a year. See the PDF below for a full breakdown. The increase takes effect June 1.

Commissioners also approved increases to late fees for tenants across all port facilities. Late payments were a growing nuisance, according to port staff, who are tired of spending time collecting money from the same tardy tenants each month.

Late fees will increase from 1.5 percent with a $20 minimum, to 1.5 percent with a $40 minimum. The increase also takes effect June 1. Continue reading →

Marina fees, marijuana on port agenda

Tad Sooter

Moorage increases

Guest moorage fees at the Bremerton and Port Orchard marinas may be headed up for the first time in three years.

Port of Bremerton commissioners will vote Tuesday on 2014 marina tariff schedules that would increase guest moorage rates at both marinas.

The current rate for guest finger slips and side ties is $30 per night, plus 75 cents for every foot of boat length over 40 feet. The new rate would be $36 per night, plus 90 cents for every foot of boat length over 40 feet.

The staff proposal would also increase the monthly liveaboard fee at Port Orchard Marina to $75 and allow five more liveaboard tenants, bringing the total to 25. There is a waiting list for liveaboard slips.

No increases to permanent moorage rates are proposed. A detailed breakdown of all the proposed changes is included in the meeting agenda.

Taken together, the rate increases and new tenants would buoy the 2014 budget by an estimated $33,000. An update from the port’s marina marketing consultant is also on the Tuesday agenda.

Pot prohibition

Many cities and counties in Washington will allow legalized marijuana businesses to set up shop in industrial parks.

One Kitsap business park likely to be out of bounds for pot enterprises is the Olympic View Industrial Park, owned by the Port of Bremerton. Port commissioners will vote Tuesday on a resolution affirming its prohibition on marijuana on port properties. Continue reading →