ABSTRACT
The popularity of recreational boating has burgeoned since the end of World War II as a result of social and economic changes in our society and technological advances in the boat manufacturing industry. This chapter shows, through a series of case studies, how this conflict has shaped the way in which smallcraft facilities are being planned, sited, designed, and managed in the changed regulatory and fiscal realities of the 1980s. Particular attention is paid to the roles of public and private enterprises that develop and operate smallcraft facilities. The chapter includes a discussion of several major trends that will affect the pace and location of harbor facility development serving small craft. For all but the canoeist, kayaker, or car-top boat owner, access to the water requires some basic shoreside infrastructure: launch ramps, hoists, mechanical launchers, moorings, or marina berths. Even hand-launched boats require a public shoreline access point with parking nearby.
