Boat Slip Availability - (revised - 29 Sep 09)
The Mallard Bay community boat dock has 18 numbered slips available for rent on a yearly basis. All slips have been have been rented for 2009 and there are currently four names on the waiting list. If you wish to be placed on such a list, please contact Dockmaster Dolf Wais at 804-580-2456. At the end of the year, if you wish to remain on the waiting list, you must indicate your desire to Dolf.
Construction of Additional Boat Slips - (revised - 13 Jul 09)
Despite the setback experienced in 2007 regarding expansion of the boat dock, MBPOA continues to pursue the matter with county, state and federal authorities. One of the elements we must demonstrate to help explain our need for more boat space is the frequency of use of the launching ramp. In order to help document our case, all members are requested to log in on the sheet provided at the launch ramp, whenever you launch or recover a boat there. For the first time in a number of years, there is a waiting list for slip rentals, a fact that should help support our request permission to expand the dock.
Kayak Launcher Instructions - (revised - 20 Oct 08)
Mallard Bay has a device at the crabbing pier that makes entering and exiting kayaks much easier. The unit features two pontoons connected by rollers on the bottom and a cross-over bar at the top that stabilize the kayak allowing the person to stand up in the boat for balance before sitting down without receiving a nasty surprise dunking. When returning from paddling, the kayaker can pull up into a standing position using the crossover bar, enabling a graceful and dry exit. During warm weather, the product, called a Yak-a-Launcher, is tied to the floating pier that is part of the crab/kayak pier next to the Mallard Bay boat launch ramp.
Here are the manufacturer's instructions on the launcher's use:
To Launch Your Kayak:
- Tie the Yak-A-Launcher to your dock and your bow line to the Launcher.
- Step in using the handrail for support and using the pontoon nearest the dock as a step if needed.
- When seated comfortably, simply roll yourself forward or backward into the water using the pontoon handles.
To Land Your Kayak:
Just point the nose of your craft between the pontoons of the Yak-A-Launcher and glide in on the roller bars.
- If your momentum doesn't land you completely, use the "self tow line" or the pontoon handles to pull your kayak fully onto the Yak-A-Launcher.
- Secure the bow line to the Launcher.
- Grab the handrail, stand up and step back onto dry land using the pontoon as a step if needed.
For a brief tutorial video on the technique you should use with the launcher, go to http://www.getkayaktive.com/index.htm.
Crabbing Pier Use - (revised - 13 Jul 09)
Adjacent to the community boat dock is a separate kayak and crabbing pier, intended for use in launching small boats such as kayaks, canoes and small sailboats, as well as for picnics, fishing and crabbing, In order to provide a safe environment for people using this pier, no boats equipped with electric, gasoline or diesel motors may tie up at it. Temporary tie-ups of visiting power boats may be accomplished, however, at the end of the "T" of the community boat dock.
Property Manager Dolf Wais has installed two shaded outdoor lights on the crabbing/kayak pier. Association members are encouraged to make use of the lights and the additional hours of use they afford to users. They are controlled by a simple on-off switch located next to the water hose at the beginning of the pier. Please feel free to use them, and be sure to turn them off when you are finished using the pier. Additionally, the pier has running fresh water, courtesy of Herb Fowler.