South Haven City Marinas keep boaters connected to the Internet

For boaters who just can’t stand to be cut off from the Internet the city of South Haven has a solution.

This year, for the first time, Wi-Fi is available at no cost to boaters using the city’s marinas. “The city is providing complementary service to its boating customers,” says Robin Abshire, Harbormaster of South Haven Municipal Marina.

City of South Haven Internet Technology Director Joe Guilford says the free service is available because South Haven now owns the necessary equipment. The city obtained it when the previous provider went out of business.

Guilford says it was determined that it would be difficult for the city to keep track of users and bill them, so the city decided to offer free Wi-Fi service to boaters as a marina amenity. Comments have been positive as boaters say they appreciate no longer having to pay for the service.

Boaters can access full Internet to surf, check e-mails, access corporate private networks or shop on-line. Internet service is provided by I2K of Grand Rapids.

Guilford says boaters are given an access code for the system when they rent a slip. The code to the secure system is changed periodically.

Bandwidth has been readily available, so far, and if that continues to be the case the city may investigate opening some hot spots, like in the park next to the marina.  

South Haven offers four municipal marinas with 229 boating slips available for either seasonal or transient boaters.

The marinas — Northside Marina, Southside Marina, Museum Marina, and Black River Park Marina — offer showers, restrooms, picnic areas and laundry facilities. Boat slips are from 30 feet to 60 feet with broadside dockage.  

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Joe Guilford, City of South Haven