Handy Boat’s Launch Rules in 2020

Dear Handy Boat Customers, 

As we anxiously anticipate the opening of our waterfront on May 22^nd, we wanted to connect with all of our members regarding our updated policies and procedures for this season. We are all very excited to be opening for the season and know that everyone is eager to get outside, on the water and cruise around Casco Bay this year. We are excited that we can open and have been working hard to make sure that we can do so in a way that ensures the health and safety of our staff and customers. 

The State of Maine has release specific guidelines for Marinas and Boatyards and we have been working hard to put new policies and procedures in place in order to comply and make sure our customers feel comfortable when accessing the waterfront this season. We understand that this will be an adjustment for everyone and we will do our best to communicate with you along the way to make it a smooth transition. We hope that you all can help us by abiding by the parameters we have set forth so far. We will continue to adapt our policies and procedures as more guidance is release by the State and CDC. Please review the Health and Safety Protocols below and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Handy Boat Health & Safety Protocols 

Updated May 12, 2020

• Facility is closed to the public. Handy Boat members & Dockside Grill Customers only. 
  • Handy Boat Office is current closed. If you need assistance please contact our HBS management staff:
    • General inquiries, billing, membership and mooring: Please email DiAnna at [email protected]
    • Service, launching and commissioning: Please email Craig at [email protected] or Charlie at [email protected]
• Customers should not come on site if they’re feeling ill
• We are encouraging everyone to follow proper handwashing and hygienic guideline: wash your hands thoroughly and dispose of waste properly. Red trash can around the facility are for PPE only. 
• No pedestrians (non-member or DSG customers) allowed on site
• All dogs must be leashed
• No guest parking. 
  • Members are encouraged to limit who you bring with you
• Maintain physical distance of 6 feet in any waiting or service area
• Facial coverings are required on the launches and in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained
• Customers should return to their cars directly after boating without lingering or congregating

Accommodations

• Members & transient guests are encouraged to use the head on their boat
  • We will have one head in operation for members to use in the tunnel
  • Laundry room will be open to one person at a time
  • Showers will be open by appointment only. Please see dock attendant

Docks / Floats & Fuel Pumping

• When needing to access the docks: Please call VHF #9, our staff will direct you when and where to go in order to encourage social distancing on the floats
• We ask that everyone give each other space, by not walking onto a float or ramp until someone else has vacated the space. 
• We ask the customers wipe down fuel handles when they are done fueling. (spray sanitizer will be provided)

Launch Service

• Launches are available by reservation ONLY. To make a reservation, please visit www.handyboat.com under the launch service tab in red. If you have any questions, please contact the dock store for assistance 207-781-5110 opt #3
  • Launches will be limited to 2 people per boat, for a maximum of 6 passengers at a time, with all passengers (who are not of the same family/household) sitting six feet apart.
  • We ask for your patience while launch service may take longer than usual this year.  However, the safety and wellbeing of our members and staff is our top priority. 
  • Face coverings must be worn when transitioning to the dock and when on launches.
  • Our launches, safety rails and dock utilities will be routinely sanitized.

Dinghy Space

• We have limited space available for dinghies, only permitted dinghies with a proper pass or permission will be allowed to stay at the dock.
  • Dinghies must be label on the inside transom with TT and boat name.
  • Dinghies should be tied in the spot that corresponds to your dinghy pass number for 2020
  • To inquire about availability please contact DiAnna at [email protected]

Dock Hand Assistance

• Our dock hands are here to help; please call VHF #9 if you require assistance coming to the dock or if you need a cart, etc. All carts will be sanitized after each use.
  • Dock staff will be routinely sanitizing surfaces; rails, carts, fuel pump, bathroom, laundry room and will be wearing face coverings while practicing good hygiene and following all CDC recommendations at this time. 

Dockside Provisions- 8 am to 7 pm

• Dockside Provisions will be open and offering beer, wine, snacks, merchandise, boat supplies, fuel and ice.
• We will be offering call ahead ordering. Available items will be listed on the website under the waterfront tab. We will update this throughout the season to keep it current. 
• We will have your order ready for you when you arrive at Handy Boat. 
• All sales are credit card or HBS pre-authorized charges ONLY. Please notice assigned windows for purchases. No-one will be allowed inside the store.
  • To sign up for a charge account, please visit www.handyboat.com under the waterfront tab on the right, fill out the form and return to DiAnna at [email protected] or mail it to 215 Foreside Rd. Falmouth, Me. 04105.

Transient Customers

• Boaters arriving by water: Out-of-state guests need to remain on their boat until the Executive Order requiring a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors is lifted. 
  • You will not be permitted to come ashore to use the heads, showers or restaurant. 
  • In the event you require work done on your vessel, please contact Craig at [email protected]

Service Department

• Please visit www.handyboat.com under the service tab for the spring commissioning check list and for our rate sheet. 
• Contact Service Department for all boating questions by emailing 
  • Craig at [email protected]
  • Charlie at [email protected]

Zoom Meeting

• The Waterfront would like to schedule a zoom meeting with members to go over the launch service reservation process. We will set up several groups depending on the interest.
  • Please email [email protected] with ZOOM in the subject line to show your interest
  • Please email [email protected] with questions you have, they will be addressed in the zoom meeting.

We are all looking forward to the 2020 season. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through unchartered waters

DiAnna Hall
Director of Waterfront Services & Member Relations