By Diane Lander, NYBA Special Events and Membership Coordinator
Following a wild (and unexpected) wind squall during set-up for the Spring 2024 Boats Afloat Show, some of NYBA’s docks suffered considerable damage. Following the show, it was discovered that the welds in a number of places needed serious repair. In addition, the wood on the tops of the docks in many places had long outlived its useful life and was in need of serious repairs.
In August, NYBA engaged Tom Bulson from Fremont Tug and his crew to work on the docks. They went over to Seattle Yacht Club where many of the docks are stored off-season and commenced a repair job which included removal and replacement of much of the rotten decking. Next, they worked on repairing the welds and connections between docks.

By the September show, the docks that Fremont Tug repaired were in much better shape. But many of them are decades old and some are nearing the end of their useful life. After the September Boats Afloat Show, some of the courtesy floats were deemed ‘unrepairable’ and will have to be replaced this winter before the 2025 Spring Boats Afloat show.
Fortunately, NYBA is able to derive a small amount of income from renting out the docks to organizations such as Seafair. The docks are also used by Seattle Yacht Club yearly to make up the “Dock Zero” Guest Dock for the hundreds of visiting boaters who come to Opening Day of Boating every year (in exchange for year-round free storage, except when we are using them).
Our docks are one of NYBA’s biggest assets – but they are also extremely expensive to replace. They are critical to the success of our boat shows which create our largest stream of income. Maintaining them and making sure that they last well into the future until we have to replace them is critical.
Thank you to Tom and his crew from Fremont Tug for everything that they do to help us maintain this critical asset!
