The Snug Harbor Property Owner’s Association Board Of Governors has put in place a Boat Tag Policy—a proposed regulation that would require residents to display identifying tags on their boats when using any of the four community ramps. While the intent behind this policy was to ensure that only residents have access to our private facilities, the Snug Harbor Property Owners Association (POA) Board can not enforce this policy.
Why the Policy Isn’t Feasible
1. Monitoring All Four Boat Ramps Is Impractical
Snug Harbor features four separate boat ramps across the community. For the Boat Tag Policy to be enforced effectively, these ramps would need to be continuously monitored—a task that would require either full-time staff or frequent patrols.
Unfortunately, Snug Harbor does not have the personnel to manage this level of oversight. Hiring additional staff solely for this purpose would require significant funds and likely lead to increased payroll.
2. Towing Boats Presents Legal and Logistical Issues
Since the ramps are located on private property, any enforcement involving unauthorized boat removal would require the association to contract a towing company—a step that involves legal, financial, and procedural complications.
Additionally, there is currently no formal procedure in place for how to follow up after a towing incident. Who is responsible for the fees? How will owners be notified? What documentation is needed? Without a clear and legal framework, this opens the association to potential liability and disputes.
3. Implementation Would Be Costly and Inefficient
Even beyond the logistical issues, the board’s analysis showed that implementing the Boat Tag Policy would be financially burdensome. The costs associated with:
- Purchasing and distributing boat tags
- Hiring or contracting enforcement personnel
- Drafting legal towing procedures
- Managing disputes or appeals
…would all add up quickly—with little actual benefit to the majority of residents.
The Board’s Responsibility: Stewardship Over Reaction
Any Policy directed by the Board Of Governors must be: realistic, enforceable, and cost-effective.