The Homer Small Boat Harbor has 960 reserved slips and 6,000 linear feet of transient moorage tie-up space. The Harbormaster asks mariners to contact harbor officers on VHF Channel 16 before entering the harbor. Register vessels with the Harbormaster's Office at Ramp 2. The office also provides information on vessel safety and registration.

The harbor has fish-cleaning facilities, restrooms, high-mast lights and addi-tional parking for boats, trailers and cars.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary monitors VHF Channel 16 and does courtesy vessel safety inspections. Home-ported in Homer are the Coast Guard Cutter Roanoke Island and the Coast Guard Buoy Tender Hickory.

The National Weather Service provides a menu of marine and local weather forecasts at (800) 472-0391 and at a transmitter outside of the Harbormaster's Office. For more information on facilities and services, call the Harbormaster at 235-3160.

Boat Launch suggestions

• Get the boat ready for the water before arriving at the top of the launch ramp.

• Practice backing your boat trailer before getting to the launch ramp.

• Check your plug.

• Teamwork helps launching alone takes more time.

• After launching, move boat to the end of the line to free up the ramp.

• Trailer guides help get the boat back on the trailer faster.

• Keep safety chain attached to bowline.

• Saturday and Sunday mornings are busy at the launch plan around it or be patient.

• Practice tolerance.