North lake pump out stations?

[capt.catfish]

It was still closed as of last weekend (12-Mar); a couple of our new owners used it for docking practice during their training cruises. The one at Halls is open and the Pootopia is up and running (about $118 for them to pump you out and the schedule is pretty open this time of year).

 

[Docker]

Yesterday NPS was working on the pump out dock so that's a plus. I'm not sure how much work they had left but it's been sitting pretty much untouched for a couple weeks and I'm guessing they were waiting on parts.

 

[Ejespady35]

Yesterday NPS was working on the pump out dock so that's a plus. I'm not sure how much work they had left but it's been sitting pretty much untouched for a couple weeks and I'm guessing they were waiting on parts.

Thanks for the update Docker!

 

[riflemike]

I have used the new pumps at Halls due to Bullfrog not being in service. The new pumps didn't seem to have the same sucking power the old ones had. Maybe because they haven't been used much. They recommend turning the pump on with the valve closed for a few seconds. What normally took me a few minutes, took me over 20 minutes to pump out fully. I will down this week end. I hope Bullfrog is up and running soon.

 

[Docker]

See ya this weekend Mike! Unfortunately I think the Pump Out Station is still being worked on at Bullfrog. And it's also a little disheartening to hear the Hall's Pump Outs don't seem like they have as much sucking power cause I'm pretty sure Bullfrog is getting the same pumps.

 

[Docker]

3/17/17

 

[Slots-R-Us]

I want to make a comment, but I don't want to cause a flare-up. I'll just say that, yes, there are equipment problems. I completely support resolution of those problems. I must add, however, that there are also many operator error problems. I try to help people out, if they're willing to accept help. But really, we need some info/training for the houseboat operators. A hose and a single button shouldn't be that complicated, I agree, but a list of 3-to-5 steps for successful pumping might go a long way towards mitigating all of the user-generated tripping. I'm not condemning all houseboat operators/owners (I am one, too). But, unfortunately, it only takes one knuckle-head at the dock (and I mean that in the nicest way possible) to shut down operation of all the pumping stations on a given pump (I/O).

I may be headed down this weekend. I'll look for any obvious changes at Bullfrog.

If nothing else, it would help us to know if we are doing it correctly and if something is not working, what we should be doing.

 

[Slots-R-Us]

Interesting (is that the right word?) information. After many times of tying up only to find the pump inoperable, I now will usually send one of our smaller boats to find which pump is actually working.

If "user error" is that big of a problem, there should be better instructions on the dock. As well as a readily accessible reset switch if that is all it takes. Or, station someone either there, or accessible, during the busiest of times.

My solution has been that we employ "poo-topia" more often than not. If you are unaware of the service, there is a boat that will pump your tanks in the slips or on the bouy, for about $100. Although that wouldn't solve the problems of those that are on the bigger ownership groups that don't have any downtime.

How quickly does PooTopia respond? We have owners on our boat that would prefer to pay than "play" at the poop dock but the problem is getting the boat pumped out before the next owner gets on the boat.

 

[Ryan]

How quickly does PooTopia respond? We have owners on our boat that would prefer to pay than "play" at the poop dock but the problem is getting the boat pumped out before the next owner gets on the boat.

You have to schedule a time for them to pump. And i think the boat has to be either in the slip or on the bouy at time of service.

And I am uncertain how closely they follow the scheduled time. We are a smaller ownership group. And we never seem to turn the boat over to the next user group with little time to spare. We are usually off our boat at least a half day before the next owner comes on, so I may "schedule" at 1:00, but by that time we are already off and on our way home. I do know that it is always taken care of before the next owner comes on.

I usually go and meet the folks at Executive and see who is usually running the boat. When you get to know them, and help them out, they are very responsive. I know the folks that run the boat have been able to "fit me in" at times when they were already "over scheduled".

 

[Docker]

Pootopia will usually have 6-8 boats a day scheduled on the hour starting at 9am. They go through them as soon as they can so if the first boat only takes 20 minutes to pump out they are heading to their 10 o'clock boat at 9:20. So you usually see them before your allotted time, but obviously you can tell them to come back if they get to you at 12:30 and you weren't scheduled til 3. But yest during peak season you want to contact them at least 2 weeks in advance or you risk not being able to get the time slot you would prefer.

They will be running two boats this season though so there should be more spots available.

On Monday, 3/20/17 I saw Park Service Maintenance guys loading the new pumps unto a barge to take over to the pump out station. It would appear they haven't been installed yet though.