GL: Pumpout Charges

[Robert Endicott JR..]

SNIP:

<Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:37:39 -0500
From: "Dan&Peggy B." <dpbow at frontiernet.net>
To: <fred at tug44.org>, <great-loop at lists.samurai.com>
Subject: Re: GL: pump outs

The purpose of the grants for installing free pump out
facilities was to keep the pump out prices very low so that all
people would use them.

Everythings relative but what would seem a good cheap fee to
some would make others visit the ol' Y valve.  The reasons are
many.  Some come by their earnings easier than others is just
one explanation why we all don't value money the same.>

****************************************************************

I have to go with Dan on this one.  EVERYTHINGs relative
(except relatives, which are constant ;^).

Most of us are familiar with the laws concerning when, where
and how we may dispose of our waste.  Some feel more strongly
than others about the importance of these laws.  On Pogopelli,
I removed the Y-valve and through-hull, making pumpouts
mandatory.  I did this because we are seldom in waters where I
could legally pump overboard and even when I could, Im
disinclined to do so.  But thats just me.

I think were talking about two issues at once, here:
1) The expense of pumpout services and a marinas right to
profit, or at least recover its expenses from providing those
services.
2) The importance of making and keeping our waterways clean.

I see the first as a given.  Marinas may provide this service
free or cheap for a variety of reasons, ranging from a sense of
ecological obligation to its value as a marketing tool. 
However, I dont see that theyre necessarily obliged to do so.
 Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, the tendency for
most folks to do the right thing is inversely proportional to
the difficulty or expense incurred.  If pumpouts are expensive,
many will seek creative or clandestine remedies to their full
tanks.

Heres an example we experienced in May of 2007, while we were
on the loop:  On May 5th, we stopped at Isle of Hope Marina in
Georgia, requiring no services other than a pumpout.  The dock
lad told me that since we werent staying there, it would be
$20.  I said Dang, son, youre killin me! This is a 23
sailboat.  My holding tank is only 13 gallons!  I could see he
felt bad, but he didnt make the rules.  In the end he charged
me $15 and asked me not to tell anyone.  Kind of pricey still,
but just something to remember next time through.  Fast-forward
to May 13th.  We are in Factory Creek, Beaufort, SC.  We are
ANCHORED within a rocks throw (literally) of the Ladies Island
Marina.  I dink in and ask the operator if I will be able to
access his pumpout station at the dock (there were a couple of
permanent residents tied up in the way).  He said no problem. 
He would be out after while with the pumpout boat.  No need for
me to move.  Sure enough, in an hour or so, he came alongside
and took care of business quickly and efficiently.  Given my
recent experience at Isle of Hope, it was with some trepidation
that I asked what I owed him.  His response?  Nothing,
Captain!  My look of astonishment prompted him to explain,
The state bought me this boat and I send them a bill every
month for the gas to operate it.  No worries.  Its taken care
of!  He even refused the proffered tip.  Now, I know nothing
of either states policies for promoting clean waterways,
beyond this experience, but from my cockpit, it appears that
South Carolina puts its money where its mouth is.  As I
implied before, if you make it easy to do the right thing, most
folks will do the right thing.

Many marina operators feel strongly enough about the local
aquatic environment that they take the burden upon themselves,
operating pumpout facilities at cost or even a loss.  Others,
less ecologically inclined, offer the service, but price it
high enough to discourage its regular use.  In my opinion, the
only way well get EVERYONE on board is to eliminate pumpout
fees.  This can probably only be done by subsidizing the
service from other funding, be it from boat registrations,
marine fuel taxes or the general fund.  It would likely still
be cheaper than trying to police the violators.

With reference to Dans comment on things being relative, Ill
wager we had a higher ratio of pumpout-to-fuel expense than any
looper on this list (having only used 449 gallons of gas the
entire loop), so its a subject dear to us.

Sorry for the rant,
Pogo Bob
Jeanneau Tonic 23 Pogopelli
Looped 06 -07
www.pogopelli.blogspot.com