A temporary solution may allow users of the Potts Point town dock, destroyed in January’s storms, to access their dinghies for the 2024 boating season.
The town still has the seasonal floats from the dock, which were not in the water at the time of the storms. It plans to moor the floats to the south of the dock, so anyone who has a permit can continue to tie up their dinghy at the floats.
To access the floats and their dinghies, people would board a shared dinghy on the shore and pull themselves out to the floats by means of a “haul-off” system. The dinghy could then be pulled back by the next person who needs it.
Dock users, the Harpswell Harbor and Waterfront Committee, and town staff worked together to develop the solution, according to a letter from Harbor Master Paul Plummer to the Select Board.
In the letter, Plummer asked the Select Board to approve the construction of stairs to the shore. The stairs would enable safe access to the haul-off and avoid erosion from people climbing up and down the embankment.
The Select Board approved the request 3-0 on Thursday, April 25.
In an email, Plummer said he is working with the town’s codes office to find out the requirements for permitting. It is not yet clear whether the town will be able to obtain the necessary permits, find a contractor, and build the stairs in time for the boating season.
“This is the million-dollar question,” Plummer said. “I am hopeful there will be a contractor interested in taking this one. I think it’s a fairly easy project for someone experienced.”
The dock was destroyed in back-to-back storms on Jan. 10 and 13. Town officials expect insurance to cover a portion of the cost to rebuild. They hope to receive additional funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Twenty-five residents and one nonresident have permits to tie up dinghies at the floats. They use the dinghies to access larger boats at nearby moorings.
