Chandler Marine Services LLC and Riverfront Marine (YARD)
1890 Carter Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113 * 216-861-7393 * www.riverfronyacht.com
FALL LAY-UP & WINTER STORAGE INFORMATION
Please review the following information carefully as part of your winter storage arrangements with Riverfront Marine Services.
IMPORTANT: LIFT-OUT SCHEDULING
Lift-out scheduling begins August 12.
Beginning August 1, customers who complete their required online winter-storage materials will be placed in the queue for lift-out scheduling.
Completing the online process does not schedule or confirm a lift-out date.
Riverfront Marine Services will contact customers in the scheduling queue with their lift-out date.
Online Submission Deadline: September 1, 2026
To be placed in the scheduling queue through the normal online process, all required online materials and policy acknowledgments must be completed by September 1, 2026.
After September 1, 2026, customers must:
• Complete all required online materials and policy acknowledgments; and
• Call Riverfront Marine Services directly to arrange lift-out scheduling.
After September 1, completing the online materials alone will not initiate lift-out scheduling. A phone call to Riverfront Marine Services is required.
A lift-out date cannot be finalized until Riverfront Marine Services has received all required documentation, the required deposit, proof of insurance, and payment of any past-due balance.
WINTER STORAGE
Winter storage rates include:
• Vessel lift-out
• Pressure washing of the bottom
• Winter storage
• Spring launch
Unless specifically included in the Storage Agreement or Work Order, storage rates do not include shoring, winterization, covering, rigging work, repairs, or other services.
Winter storage space is limited. Customers are encouraged to complete the required online process as early as possible.
PRE-STORAGE INSPECTION FOR OLDER VESSELS
Vessels manufactured before 2000 require a pre-storage inspection unless Riverfront Marine Services has sufficient documented history for the vessel.
The inspection must be discussed with Riverfront Marine Services before the vessel arrives for winterization, de-rigging, or storage.
The results of the inspection may affect whether Riverfront Marine Services can accept the vessel for storage or service.
HEATED & COLD INDOOR STORAGE
Heated and cold indoor storage is available on a limited basis.
Indoor storage is subject to available space, vessel dimensions, and building limitations. Previous indoor-storage customers may receive priority consideration.
Certain sailboats with tall masts or radar equipment and powerboats with flybridges, radar arches, or similar structures may not fit inside the storage buildings. Please contact Riverfront Marine Services if you are uncertain whether your vessel qualifies for indoor storage.
HEATED INDOOR STORAGE
Heated indoor storage is normally maintained at approximately 45°F or above.
Heated storage is not a substitute for proper winterization.
Riverfront Marine Services strongly recommends properly winterizing engines and generators and properly draining or winterizing potable-water, sanitation, and air-conditioning systems.
In the event of an electric or gas supply interruption, Riverfront Marine Services may use portable kerosene or propane heaters as backup heat.
Riverfront Marine Services cannot assume responsibility for freeze damage to vessels stored indoors.
INDOOR STORAGE ACCESS & WORK RESTRICTIONS
Indoor storage areas are intended for vessel storage and are not general customer workshops.
Access to indoor-stored vessels is limited to Riverfront Marine Services’ normal business hours.
Certain maintenance, sanding, painting, refinishing, and other owner-performed work may be restricted or prohibited inside storage buildings.
Please review the Yard Safety & Operating Policies and Environmental Policies before beginning any work on your vessel.
VESSEL PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS
PROPANE SYSTEMS
Propane systems must be completely shut down and disconnected from the tank for winter storage.
BATTERIES
Batteries aboard stored vessels must be removed or disconnected. Riverfront Marine Services may inspect stored vessels for compliance. If a battery has not been removed or disconnected, Riverfront Marine Services will disconnect it and assess a $150 service fee.
SEACOCKS & WATER SYSTEMS
Seacocks must be appropriately prepared for winter storage to reduce the risk of freeze damage. Hot-water heaters must be properly drained or bypassed.
ENGINE, PROPULSION & PROPELLER CONCERNS
Known engine-performance, propulsion, or propeller issues should be identified before the vessel is hauled. Certain problems may require an in-water inspection or sea trial and may be difficult to diagnose after the vessel has been removed from the water.
SAILBOATS STORED WITH MAST UP
Sailboats stored with the mast stepped must use an approved steel cradle rather than jack stands.
A $100 one-time fee applies.
Because crane configuration must be changed for these vessels, Thursday is the designated day for hauling and launching sailboats stored with their masts up.
FALL LAY-UP & WINTER REPAIRS
Riverfront Marine Services will perform maintenance, repairs, or mechanical services only when specifically authorized by the vessel owner or authorized agent.
Major repair requests, including varnish work, gelcoat or fiberglass repair, mechanical work, and electronics installation, should be submitted in writing as early as possible.
Submitting requests during late summer or early fall provides the best opportunity for winter scheduling and may help avoid last-minute spring repairs.
Repair work is scheduled based on:
• Date the request is received
• Availability of technicians
• Accessibility of the vessel
• Scope of work
No winter repair work will be scheduled until a written Work Order has been received and all past-due account balances have been paid.
Estimates will be provided after the requested work has been reviewed.
BROKERAGE SERVICES
Riverfront Marine Services offers boat brokerage services and represents new Jeanneau and Catalina boats.
If you are considering listing your vessel for sale, please contact Riverfront Marine Services before lift-out so brokerage arrangements, fees, and the most appropriate storage location can be discussed.
Planning this in advance may eliminate the need to reposition the vessel later.
Please refer to the applicable section of the Storage Agreement for additional information.
PAYMENT TERMS
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required with the completed winter storage submission.
The remaining storage balance is due at lift-out.
Fall lay-up, shrink-wrap, and repair invoices are due within 15 days of the invoice date.
A 3% processing fee applies to credit-card payments.
Checks are accepted without the credit-card processing fee.
Any past-due account balance must be paid before Riverfront Marine Services will accept the winter storage arrangements or schedule winter repair work.
Incomplete documentation or missing information may delay processing and lift-out scheduling.
LIFT-OUT SCHEDULING REMINDER
Lift-out scheduling begins August 12, 2026.
Customers who complete the required online process by September 1, 2026 will be placed in the Riverfront Marine Services lift-out scheduling queue. Riverfront Marine Services will contact the customer with the lift-out date.
Completing the online process does not itself schedule or confirm a lift-out date.
After September 1, customers must complete the required online process and call Riverfront Marine Services directly to arrange lift-out scheduling.
A lift-out date cannot be finalized until all required documentation, the required deposit, proof of insurance, and any past-due balances have been received.
VESSEL OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
The vessel owner has primary responsibility for maintaining the vessel in safe operating condition.
Riverfront Marine Services is not responsible for recommending or performing maintenance, mechanical service, or repairs unless that work has been specifically authorized by the vessel owner or authorized agent through a Riverfront Marine Services Work Order.
YARD SAFETY & OPERATING POLICIES
The following policies are intended to protect customers, employees, vessels, vehicles, and equipment and to allow Riverfront Marine Services to operate the yard safely and efficiently.
YARD SPEED LIMIT
The maximum speed on Riverfront Marine Services property is 5 MPH. This speed limit applies at all times. The reduced speed protects employees and customers working or walking in the yard and also helps minimize dust.
A $100 fee will be assessed for speeding violations.
PARKING & VEHICLES
Do not park or leave a vehicle where it blocks:
• Boats
• Travel lanes
• Work areas
• Building bay doors
• Yard equipment
Improperly parked vehicles can delay vessel movement, launches, repairs, and other yard operations.
If Riverfront Marine Services staff must stop work or locate a customer so that a vehicle can be moved, a $100 service fee may be assessed.
If you are dropping off or picking up a boat and leave your vehicle unattended, the vehicle must be parked in the front parking lot unless Riverfront Marine Services staff directs you otherwise.
Vehicles that interfere with yard operations may need to be moved or towed.
Riverfront Marine Services cannot assume responsibility for damage resulting from the movement or towing of an improperly parked vehicle.
Please confirm that your vehicle is properly parked before leaving it unattended.
ACTIVE YARD OPERATIONS
Riverfront Marine Services employees regularly operate lifts, vehicles, cranes, and other heavy equipment throughout the yard.
For your safety:
• Maintain a safe distance from active equipment and vessel-moving operations.
• Do not enter an active work zone unless directed by Riverfront Marine Services staff.
• Do not approach or interrupt yard crew members while they are operating equipment or moving vessels.
If you need assistance from the yard crew, please contact the office.
Office personnel will coordinate your request with the appropriate crew member.
CUSTOMER LADDERS
Riverfront Marine Services does not provide ladders for customer use. Customers who require a ladder must provide their own safe and appropriate ladder.
If you leave a ladder secured to your cradle, you must provide the Riverfront Marine Services office with either the lock combination or a key. If Riverfront Marine Services staff must remove a secured ladder in order to safely move or service a vessel, the lock may be cut and a $100 service fee will be assessed.
Riverfront Marine Services is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged customer-owned ladders.
BATTERIES
Batteries aboard stored vessels must be removed or disconnected. Riverfront Marine Services staff may inspect vessels for compliance. If a battery has not been removed or disconnected, Riverfront Marine Services will disconnect it and assess a $150 service fee.
BOAT WASHING & OWNER MAINTENANCE
Only biodegradable soaps and cleaners may be used for washing vessels.
Customers must take reasonable precautions to prevent water, cleaners, equipment, sanding debris, or other materials from damaging neighboring boats or entering the surrounding environment.
Sanding is prohibited on boats stored indoors. All permitted outdoor sanding and refinishing work must comply with the Riverfront Marine Services Environmental Policies.
DOCK USE DURING HAUL-OUT & LAUNCH
Vessels that do not require Riverfront Marine Services service may arrive at the dock no earlier than the day before the scheduled lift-out.
Following spring launch, vessels must be removed from the dock no later than 8:30 a.m. the following morning, unless other arrangements have been approved by the office.
Additional dockage or boat-handling charges may apply when a vessel remains beyond the permitted period.
MAST STORAGE
All standing and running rigging attached to stored masts must be securely tied before storage.
If rigging is left loose or unsecured, Riverfront Marine Services staff may secure it and charge the customer for the service.
For safety reasons, only Riverfront Marine Services yard personnel may place masts into or remove masts from the storage racks.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited:
• Inside all Riverfront Marine Services buildings
• Near yard equipment
• In other restricted or hazardous areas
Cigarette butts and other smoking materials must be completely extinguished and placed in an appropriate garbage or cigarette receptacle.
PETS
Pets must be leashed and under the owner’s control at all times while on Riverfront Marine Services property.
Pet owners are responsible for promptly cleaning up and properly disposing of pet waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
Riverfront Marine Services is committed to maintaining a safe, clean facility and protecting the Cuyahoga River and surrounding environment. All vessel owners, customers, guests, contractors, and subcontractors are required to comply with the following environmental policies while on Riverfront Marine Services property.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Hazardous materials must be handled and disposed of properly. These materials include, but are not limited to:
• Waste oil
• Engine coolant and antifreeze
• Hydraulic fluid
• Gasoline
• Diesel fuel
• Paint
• Paint thinner
• Solvents
• Other hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals
Riverfront Marine Services provides designated recycling or disposal locations for certain materials. If you are uncertain how to dispose of any material, contact the Riverfront Marine Services office before disposing of it.
Hazardous liquids must never be placed in ordinary garbage or recycling containers.
SPILLS
Any spill involving gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, coolant, paint, solvents, or other potentially hazardous materials must be reported to the Riverfront Marine Services office immediately.
Do not wash, sweep, or discharge spilled materials into:
• The Cuyahoga River
• Surrounding soil
• Storm drains
• Sanitary drains
• Other waterways
Please contact Riverfront Marine Services immediately if a spill occurs or assistance is needed.
ENGINES, BILGES, OIL & FUEL
When working on engines or bilges:
• Use absorbent pads to capture oil and fuel.
• Recycle used oil and diesel fuel properly.
• Dispose of gasoline through an approved method.
• Dispose of used oil filters properly.
• Never place fuel, used oil, oil filters, or batteries in a dumpster or ordinary waste barrel.
• Contact Riverfront Marine Services for designated recycling and disposal locations.
ANTIFREEZE
Only non-toxic antifreeze suitable for winterizing may be used in raw-water systems.
Ethylene-glycol antifreeze, commonly used as permanent automotive-style coolant, must not be discharged into the river, surrounding ground, drains, or other waterways.
Ethylene glycol should be used only where appropriate within closed internal engine-cooling systems.
Riverfront Marine Services maintains a designated disposal location for used ethylene-glycol antifreeze and offers non-toxic winterizing antifreeze for purchase.
Please contact the office if you need assistance.
INDOOR STORAGE
Sanding is prohibited on boats stored indoors.
Other painting or refinishing work inside storage buildings may also be restricted.
Contact the Riverfront Marine Services office before beginning this type of work.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
Where sanding or painting is permitted:
• Use tarps or drop cloths beneath the work area.
• Capture all sanding dust, paint chips, scrapings, and drips.
• Use vacuum-assisted sanding equipment whenever practical.
• Do not sand during windy conditions.
• Prevent debris from entering the river, surrounding ground, or drains.
PAINT & SOLVENTS
Paint and epoxy must be mixed over a protective tarp. Use drip pans and drop cloths while painting or refinishing. Open solvents should be limited to no more than one gallon at a time.
Small quantities of leftover paint may be spread onto disposable cardboard, allowed to dry completely, and then discarded appropriately. Liquid paint, paint thinner, solvents, and similar materials must not be placed in ordinary dumpsters or waste barrels.
Contact Riverfront Marine Services for disposal assistance.
SPRAY PAINTING & SANDBLASTING
Spray painting is prohibited.
Sandblasting is prohibited.
BOAT CLEANING
Only biodegradable soaps and cleaners may be used.
Customers must take reasonable precautions to prevent cleaning products, debris, or runoff from entering the river or damaging neighboring vessels.
SEWAGE
Untreated sewage must never be discharged directly overboard.
• Store sewage in approved holding tanks.
• Dispose of sewage at appropriate pump-out facilities.
• Maintain onboard sanitation systems in proper operating condition.
• Use shoreside restroom facilities whenever practical.
RECYCLING & GENERAL WASTE
Please place recyclable materials in the appropriately labeled recycling containers. Accepted recyclable materials include:
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Plastic bottles and jugs
• Glass
Aluminum cans must be separated and placed in containers marked “Aluminum Cans Only.” These cans are collected to benefit the Cleveland Fire Burn Unit for children.
Please use the smaller designated recycling containers located near the repair shop. The main recycling dumpster may remain locked to prevent contamination with ordinary garbage. General non-hazardous waste should be placed in the designated garbage dumpster.
SHRINK-WRAP RECYCLING
Shrink wrap is recyclable but must be prepared separately. Before disposing of shrink wrap:
- Remove all strapping or banding.
- Place removed banding in the garbage dumpster.
- Remove reusable doors and retain them with your vessel.
- Roll or bundle the remaining clean shrink-wrap material.
- Place the prepared shrink wrap in front of your boat for collection by Riverfront Marine Services.
Do not place bulk shrink wrap in the garbage dumpster. A $100 fee will be assessed when shrink wrap is disposed of contrary to this policy.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
All self-employed marine workers, independent contractors, and subcontractors must register with and receive approval from the Riverfront Marine Services office before beginning work on the property.
Contractors must comply with all Chandler Marine Services / Riverfront Marine Services Environmental and Yard Policies. Proof of applicable liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage must be submitted to and approved by the office before work begins.
Contractors are responsible for violations resulting from their work, including applicable cleanup costs, environmental impact fees, or other charges.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Because Riverfront Marine Services is located directly on the Cuyahoga River, careful handling of fuel, oil, antifreeze, paint, solvents, sewage, and other potentially hazardous materials is especially important.
Individuals responsible for violations may also be responsible for resulting cleanup costs, fees, penalties, or environmental impacts.
If you have any question about how work should be performed or how a material should be disposed of, contact the Riverfront Marine Services office before proceeding.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT & ACCEPTANCE
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Chandler Marine Services / Riverfront Marine Services Yard Safety & Operating Policies and Environmental Policies.
I agree to comply with all policies, requirements, restrictions, and procedures described in these materials while my vessel is stored, serviced, or otherwise located on Riverfront Marine Services property.
I understand that failure to comply with these policies may result in applicable service charges, cleanup costs, environmental impact fees, other charges, or restrictions on work or activities at Riverfront Marine Services.