Nestled - Walstrom Marine

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Walstrom Marine
A great marina destination while exploring up north. by colle e n h . trou pi s
Walstrom Marine
500 East Bay St.
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
231-526-2141
walstrom.com
Amenities
Transient slips: Y
Pump-out: Y
Gas: Y
Diesel: Y
Lifts: Y
Launch ramp: Nearby
Engine repair: Y
Hull repair: Y
Marine store: Y
Restaurant: Nearby
Showers: Y
Laundromat: Nearby
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N
estled deep within Little Traverse Bay and just
a few blocks from downtown Harbor Springs,
Michigan, Walstrom Marine is a welcoming spot.
“It’s the deepest freshwater port in the country,” says
Justin Bassett, marketing director/sales for the marina.
“The bay is horseshoe-shaped and only accessible from the
east, so it’s secluded from the dominant western breeze.”
That location is one of many features that appealed
to Ward and Roma Walstrom and their partner when
they bought the existing marina in 1946.
Currently run by Ward and Roma’s two sons, the
marina has seen plenty of expansion over the years,
particularly when it comes to storage.
“When I started in 1998, we had three to four storage
buildings,” Bassett recalls. “Today, we have nine state-ofthe-art facilities—indoor, heated, with concrete floors.”
There are additional storage buildings located in
Cheboygan. In all, the marina can house some 500 boats.
The marina, currently in the midst of a two-phase
expansion, is known for its customer service.
“We’ve developed quite a reputation for taking good
care of our customers,” Bassett says. “When they call, we
make sure the boats are fueled, serviced and in the water
waiting for them when they arrive. We try to take the hassle
out of boating to maximize everyone’s time on the water.”
The first phase of the expansion project wrapped up
this spring and included the opening of a brand-new,
12,000-square-foot building that houses a new heated
sales showroom, offices, boardroom, galley, and a patio on
the water. The second phase, which will be completed in
the next two years, will include renovating the bathrooms
and adding laundry facilities and a boaters lounge.
There are plenty of other amenities on site as well,
including a 75-ton lift. “We’re one of the only marinas
in the northern part of Lake Michigan that can haul a
75-ton boat,” Bassett says.
Of the marina’s approximately 120 slips, which can
accommodate boats up to 80 feet in length, 10 to 15 slips
are typically available for transients at any given time.
Reservations are recommended. The spot, after all,
can’t be beat.
“Harbor Springs is a gorgeous destination,” Bassett
says. “Within walking and driving distance there are 10
to 12 golf courses, public tennis courts, bike rentals and
fascinating beaches.”
And the water is spectacular. “It’s crystal clear here,”
he continues. “You can see 40 feet down to the sandy
bottom. It’s pretty amazing.” r
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6/13/11 9:48 AM