Buoys only, and get in line to get one!


Unless you want to trailer-sail, the only way to maintain your boat on Lake Harriet is on a city-managed buoy. The costs in 2009 were $400 for Minneapolis residents and an extra $100 for non-residents. There is a dock, but it is for boat handling only, and has no slips. Competition for one of the 170+ buoys is tough, and it helps to be a resident of Minneapolis. A lottery is held every spring  (mid April) to pick buoys. You have to pre-register. In general, once you have one, you can't loose it. Also, it helps to attend the lottery. If you choose to have your buoy picked via proxy, you typically get whatever is left over. See this link. The bigger boats tend to favor the outside (4th) row, as it makes getting away from the buoy easier. With the prevailing Northwest winds, you get pushed from the buoy and other boats at launch, and coming home you are heading into the breeze. Perfect. The buoy-only system has some limitations as well, most notably the lack of typical marina services, like potable water, electricity, and a waste pump-out. See other posts for more details.  

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